Car purchase is not an easy thing. There are so many options and opinions, and once you start your research, you’ll feel lost in this information. This is why you need proven methods for making a decision. Your needs, your budget, and your type of car are just some of the many things you should consider. But let’s start from scratch - in this article, we’ll explain in detail how to make an informed car purchase.

Think and Decide What You Need

Before you start the research, take some time to think and decide what exactly you need. What does this mean? For example, think about your everyday life and how you will use the car. Think about how many people you usually have in your car, whether you will travel short or long distances, do you need more space for your personal things (fitness equipment, sports equipment…). You should also consider the climate in your town - what is the kind of weather you will usually drive in? Once you answer all these questions, you will be a few steps closer to making an informed decision that suits your needs. For example, if you’re a family man/woman, safety and a lot of storage will probably be your top priority. Additionally, if you live in a town/country that has extreme winters, you will need an all-wheel-drive car.

Research the Market

Once you have your needs and budget in your mind, it’s time to research the market! Use every resource you have - Internet, forums, magazines… Search “is Chevy Trax a good car”, “how much will the Audi 8 cost me” - whatever question you have, there are tons of articles and reviews that will answer it. When comparing, pay attention to a few things. First of all, reliability - always look for cars that are durable and have low maintenance costs. Those cars that have high ranks for reliability will save you a lot of money in the future. Next, consider resale value, because some cars depreciate faster than others. Do your research and find which models will hold their value if you plan to sell them or trade them in the future. If you drive a lot, look for cars that have good gas mileage as well - this is to save money at the pump. And finally, check the safety ratings from the known organizations - IIHS or NHTSA. A safe car is the best investment you can make, especially if you have a family.

Set a Budget

If you have officially decided what you want, it’s time to set a budget. Remember, you mustn’t endanger your financial stability when buying a car. That’s why you need to think about a few things. First of all, calculate the whole cost. You won't only pay the initial price of the car - there are a lot of other costs like taxes, registration, car insurance, and maintenance. After that, decide how you will finance the car and check your credit score. A higher credit score will surely get you better interest rates, and you should always shop around for loans to find the best deal possible.

If you want to decide on an affordable car, you need to think about how much you can pay monthly. Some general rule is that your monthly payments for a car should not go above 15% of your monthly take-home pay. If you have a clear image of how much you can pay, you will avoid the risk of overspending and you will buy a car that aligns with your financial situation.

Do a Test Drive

By now, you probably have a few dream cars on your mind. However, keep in mind that you must test them all. This will show you how the car behaves on the road and you will get a feeling it's the right choice. Once you get in a car, pay attention to seating and the space inside - is it comfortable, do you have enough room for legs? Try out every feature - AC, safety features, etc. - and be sure that everything works properly. If you can, drive in different conditions - drive on the highway, city streets, rain, snow … You will see how the car behaves in different scenarios. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask about the car’s history, warranty, and any other thing you find important.

That’s it - once you have done a test drive, you will be sure which car you want. However, always try to stay calm and negotiate the price. Don’t accept the first offer - research how much that model costs at some other places. Take your time, gather as much information as possible, and buy a car that will be with you for many years. Happy shopping!