- 1). Make a concerted effort to realistically outline your daily car usage. Though you may have a rough idea of how you use your vehicle, writing down your usage on paper will help you organize the usage into important categories.
- 2). Consider how your daily usage relates to features. Commonly relevant features include seating space, cargo space and gas mileage. While a car dealer may talk about excellent handling, power or other features, these features are not very relevant to most Americans. Except for those who use their car for work-related activities, most motorists will find that their daily usage is heavily dependent on space and gas mileage. However, keep in mind that safety will not appear on your daily usage notes, but this item should always be carefully considered.
- 3). Browse cars in your price range using the printed or online edition of the Kelley Blue Book (see Resources). Many people associate the Kelley Blue Book with used car shopping but do not realize that the book also lists new car prices and features. A nice feature of the online Kelley Blue Book is that you can narrow new car results by price range with the click of a button. Once you know what cars you can afford, you can start comparing features.
- 4). Compare car specs at websites by MSN Auto and Motor Trend (see Resources). While the Kelley Blue Book provides basic comparative information, supplemental websites are ideal for checking into advanced specs, safety ratings, warranties and other important concerns. Compare whatever car features are most important to you, taking notes about the cars that have the best features in your price range.
- 5). Read car reviews at sites like Automotive.com (see Resources). A car may have great features for a low price, but its impressive specs mean nothing if the car is considered unreliable by prominent reviewers. New car reviews will obviously lack long-term insights, since the car model itself has existed only for a short time. However, you can gain a lot of comparative insights by reading a reviewer's initial reactions to the automobile.
- 6). Test-drive multiple vehicles for on-the-road comparison. Though you may absolutely love the first car you test-drive, don't count out the others until you try them too. You may find that the other models are even better than the first.
- 7). Look for package deals, extended warranties and other perks as you make your final comparisons. Additionally, make sure you negotiate with the salesperson, realizing that the MSRP, or "sticker price," can almost always be lowered. Automotive.com provides a useful service on its site, offering what it calls "True Dealer Pricing" alongside of MSRP numbers (see References).
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