A guide to buying a new car

Buying a new auto is more than finding the best deal on the car of your dreams. This guide will help you to evaluate several factors before you head over to the nearest dealer with the car you already fell in love with.

Finding the right car for you

Choosing your car Make sure you are clear about the type of motorcar you actually need. For example, consider how you are going to be using the car in the next two or three years. Do you need to take the kids to school and carry a lot of gear around? May be a van or sport utility vehicle (SUV) will be the best choice. If you need a vehicle to commute to work or school, run errands and help you deal with daily traffic without making a dent in your budget, then a large vehicle is out of question. Income You should also consider your household monthly income. Financial advisers recommend spending no more than 10 to 20 percent of your monthly home budget on car payments. Remember to estimate car warranties, taxes and insurance costs into your calculation.

Finding the best deal

Compare prices Once you have a better idea about the type of car you need and how much you can afford to spend, search for reviews and compare car prices. Look for car reviews and price discounts advertised in your local Sunday paper, specialised magazines and online websites on different makes and models close to the type of car you need. Keep in mind that car dealers are willing to negotiate bigger discounts, other than cash back and 0 percent financing, when they need to make room for newer models towards the end of the year. Car loan Then, check with your bank and other financial institutions about their car loan interest rates. Ask whether you will pay a penalty by paying off your loan ahead of schedule. If possible, consider a large down payment to reduce the loan amount and the number of monthly payments. The right choice When ready, visit more than one dealer. Make a list of the best offers and test drive different models to make sure the car you choose is going to meet your needs and not just look nice in your garage.