How to choose a new car

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With so many new cars to choose from, it's difficult to know where to start. We've got you covered.
You Will Need
* Time
* Patience
* A clear idea of what you want and what you need

Step 1: Set a budget
Set a budget. If you’re going to get financing, figure out exactly how much you can afford to pay per month.

Don’t forget the costs of owning the car, like insurance, gas, parking and storage, and maintenance, which will depend on the model you choose.

Step 2: Decide the basics
Decide the basics. Do you want a small, fuel-efficient car, or a larger car that can haul a lot of passengers and cargo from place to place? A two-door or four-door? Four cylinders or a more powerful six?

If you purchase a hybrid vehicle, you can receive incentives on your income taxes.

Step 3: Find models
Now that you have a basic idea of the kind of car you want, find models that fit your criteria.

Step 4: Compare models
Nowadays, comparing models head-to-head in categories like safety, fuel economy, and reliability is as easy as hitting a few keys. Just go online and find one of the many web sites that provide this information.

Step 5: Schedule test drives
Once you’ve winnowed the possibilities down to a dozen or so cars, set aside a weekend to test-drive them.

Test-drive as many cars as you can on the same day to make comparisons easier.

Step 6: Time to negotiate
Now that you’ve settled on a car, it’s time to negotiate with the dealer.

Fact: The average buyer keeps a new car for five and a half years.