What Car Should I Buy?

Asking "what kind of car should I buy?" may seem like a relatively innocuous question, but it is actually anything but. There are so many factors to take into consideration that it is easy to become overwhelmed, which can be problematic when making such a large financial decision. A potential buyer should consider a number of factors when they ask themself "what car should I get?":

• What is the total budget? Before anything else, consider whether or not it is financially viable to purchase a vehicle.
• Used or new? This will largely be determined by the available budget.
• What purpose shall it serve? Whether you need a car for work, off-roading, family, or camping will help determine your options. These include factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance, and reliability ratings.
• Practicality or performance? Similarly, whether you need a strong engine or a lot of cargo and utility will limit your choices.
• What features can you not live without? Climate control, infotainment, and safety tech are prioritized differently from person to person.
• Will there be small children aboard? Babies and toddlers will necessitate usable LATCH seats.
• Will it fit? Larger vehicles are not made for every garage or driveway, while something too small may not be ideal for a growing family.

Once this broad search has been refined to something more manageable, it then becomes a matter of getting some hands-on experience, some expert input, and making the final decision.

Among the first steps to take is examining exactly what the automotive market has to offer. There are more body styles to choose from than ever before, with each catering to a different type of person and lifestyle. Determining exactly which style will best suit your needs plays a big part in how to decide what car to buy. Here is a quick breakdown of the most popular categories for sale and where each shines.

• Sedan - The most traditional configuration and also one of the oldest, sedans fit a number of applications. However, this diversity also means that they often fall into the cliche of 'jack of all trades, master of none.' The largest of these machines are the executives that offer the utmost luxury and comfort, and which are often considered the most impressive status symbols. The hatch is a variation of this style that focuses on improved practicality and economy at the cost of luxury. The wagon takes the opposite approach and elongates the body to make space for extra seats and a larger trunk.
• Coupe - Another variation of the standard three-box body, these vehicles delete two doors, and sometimes remove the rear seats. Most sports cars fall into the classification, as the sleeker design lends itself to improved performance and better aerodynamics. Despite the smaller size and reduced practicality, they are generally more expensive. Buying one from a premium brand ensures top-level luxury and loads of fun. The convertible is a leisure-focused twist on this design, which allows the already sloped roof to be lowered for that irresistible wind in your hair feeling.
• SUV or crossover - These high-riders are among the most popular of all vehicles in the continental US. They boast amazing safety ratings, loads of cabin space for passengers and large trunks that practically beg you to pack them to the roof with luggage and take a trip away for the weekend. Excellent family haulers and comfortable cruisers, they do suffer from poor fuel economy and a limited fun factor. Some of the more premium options are able to reduce the downsides, but they often do so at the cost of what makes this style so desirable.
• Van or truck - These are the workers of the automotive world. Both boast large cargo and hauling capabilities, but while vans are generally restricted to commercial applications, pickup trucks are prized among the citizens in the USA. Their rugged and hardy nature, and the ability to go where other vehicles dare not is highly appealing. While their large size and high cost of running makes owning one prohibitive in many parts of the world, the large open spaces of America and the cheap cost of gasoline help to keep them popular.

Knowing the type of vehicle you want to own is just the beginning. Which brand makes the best SUVs or coupes? What trim level of the chosen model offers the best value? Should I lease or buy? There is still work to be done when choosing the right car, and these tips might help lighten the load.

1. This sounds more complicated than it actually is. If you go online, you'll find numerous resources from car reviews through to comprehensive spec lists and comparisons. Experts in the field have done most of the legwork for you; all you need to do is determine whose advice you can depend on.
2. Similarly, the question to lease or buy is also simple, once you determine the advantages of each. Lessees can get a more impressive automobile at a lower cost, so long as they don't mind being locked in to the decision for a longer period of time. But, when they are finally allowed to upgrade, the process is a lot easier than selling a used car. Purchasing outright gives you a lot more agency over your property, including modifications, and there are no hidden costs further down the line. However, your budget feels tighter, and selling or trading the car in can be a hassle.
3. Naturally, you should take your chosen car for a test drive to get a real feel for it. This could actually lead you to changing your mind, but it is certainly better to do so before the papers are signed. However, you should consider taking a spin in a few rivals from the same class. Even if you have your heart set on a specific make and model, you may be pleasantly surprised by the competition, and you may even find a car just as good or better for less money.

New vehicles are often pricey purchases, but there are ways to reduce this. One of the best tips to get the right car for the right price is knowing when to shop. There is certainly a worst and best time to buy a car, and knowing this can save you a lot of money.

Research into the market shows that the end of the year is where you find the best deals. During the final months of the year - October, November, and December - many dealerships are scrambling to meet their sales quotas and/or clear out their stock to make room for the models from the upcoming year. But, just because the salesmen are desperate, do not think this means they won't try every trick in the book to push up the price.

You need to keep your wits about you, and follow the tips that have already been provided. Just keep thinking about all the Christmas presents you need to buy for the family and you will haggle like you never have before! Remember, it is a buyers market, especially at this time of the year. Use that to your advantage and you may even be able to get a higher-level trim than you were expecting.

For a comprehensive guide on whether you should buy a new or used car, be sure to peruse our information here.