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5 Tips for Finding the Perfect New Car

Whether you're celebrating graduation with a new set of wheels or your old car just isn't big enough for your growing family's newest little passenger, here are five useful tips for picking out the perfect new car.

  1. Determine Your Budget

    Trying to pick out a car before figuring out how much you can spend on a vehicle is not wise. Doing so almost guarantees that you'll fall in love with a car that is outside your budget. Sit down with your finances and determine not only how much of a down payment you can make, but also how much you are able to afford in terms of monthly payments, service plans, and any other fees.

  2. Decide Whether to Finance or Lease

    Once you have determined your budget, you can decide if you are going to finance or lease the vehicle. In general, a finance agreement is going to cost more money since you own the car. With a lease, you can have smaller payments and trade it in a few years down the road for a newer model.

  3. Evaluate Car Size

    If you are the one and only driver, then you have free reign with this choice. However, if you share the car or have a family, you need to take some other factors into account. Also, you might be planning to have children in a couple of years, and, as a result, a larger vehicle would be necessary.

  4. Find a Trusted Brand Name

    No matter how many neat features a vehicle has, you don't want to purchase it unless you know it's from a brand name that you can trust. Consider cars that you and your family members have owned in the past and how well they matched their intended reputations. Opting for a brand you already know can give you peace of mind.

  5. Prioritize Major Factors

    You also must decide what is most important to you in a vehicle. Some people want all of the latest entertainment features, and others are more concerned about the safety ratings and features of the car.

Last Updated: October 18, 2017