What Are Your Needs?

"Shoppers have access to a great deal more inventory and information than ever before. The pricing information and intense competition online make it easier for shoppers to find and recognize great deals," says Dennis Galbraith, a senior director at J.D. Powers and Associates, a market research firm that specializes in consumer satisfaction studies.
Before you hop on the Internet, consider all the different needs you have and prioritize according to what is most important:

• Usage. If you plan to use your vehicle as the primary mode of transportation to commute to work, you'll accrue plenty of miles, so you'll need to get a car with no mileage restrictions on it.
• Money Management. If investing your discretionary income is your top priority and you're not too concerned with the latest improvements in technology, you would be looking into the pre-owned market.
• Status. If you want a car just for its looks and want it to say something about your position in society, you would likely be searching the luxury market for that high-flying sports car.
• Reliability. If you spend a great deal of time driving, make frequent long-distance road trips or you plan on sharing your vehicle with a spouse, reliability will be factor in your decision.
• Safety. If you have small children that you're going to tote around, a car with a good crash-test rating, airbag protection, sophisticated braking and power control is what will be most important to you.

Once you have determined what you want and need, you'll find it easier to shop for a good deal on a vehicle that fulfills your expectations.