How to Select a Car
- 1). Think about what kind of vehicle suits your needs. If you carry a lot of cargo, a truck is appropriate. If you need room for many passengers, a van, SUV or minivan may be right. Choose the type of vehicle that bests suits your lifestyle. Consider what you will use it for.
- 2). Decide whether a used car or a new car is right. New cars are typically more expensive than used cars. However, the parts in a new car are exactly at factory specifications. This means that the engine, brakes, exhaust system, transmission and all the other parts are in working order. In a used car, it can be difficult to determine if all the parts are still in working condition. The car runs, but it may have a transmission problem that won't become apparent until later. While a used car may be cheaper, it may cost more to maintain. While a new car may be cheaper to maintain, it is likely to cost more to buy.
- 3). Research the reliability of different models. Because all car models have different configurations, some wear out quickly and others last. If you are looking for a car that will not break down often with regular maintenance, research what car models are the most reliable. J.D. Power and Associates provides free analysis. A link is provided in the Resources section.
- 4). Look up the safety score for the vehicles you are considering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration scores vehicles on their ability to keep passengers safe in a variety of crashes. These scores help to determine which car is the safest. A link to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is provided in the Resources section.
- 5). Consider the fuel economy. The United States government has a website that allows you to compare the estimated miles per gallon of many cars. Fuel savings over time add up. Choosing a fuel-efficient car for a higher price may wind up costing you less when you factor in the fuel costs. A link to the government website is available in the Resources section.
- 6). Take all these factors into consideration, along with the price. Pare down the vehicles that meet your needs by model, safety score, reliability and fuel economy. You should have a few good options after accounting for all these factors.
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