Buying a Car Means Doing Your Homework

Buying a car isn't as easy as shopping for groceries. It's a lot like buying a house. There are many decisions to make and shouldn't be rushed into. So what do you do now?

First off, answer these questions:

• What do you want?
• What can you afford?
• Does that car fit your lifestyle and your budget?
• Used or new? The new car could come with a warranty to cover repairs, lower maintenance costs and a greater choice in features, options and colors. However, the used could have a lower purchase price and insurance cost and less depreciation.

Next, do some research. You'll be in a much better bargaining position with a private seller or dealer if you're armed with information like:

• New and used car prices and features
• Vehicle safety and reliability data
• Used-car history
• Owner satisfaction ratings

Be sure to make your most important decisions – such as what you can afford and what you will and won't compromise on – before you start shopping. That way the only bumps you should experience are the ones in the road.