Finding The Right Fit
Ask yourself these questions before you start shopping for a new car
Have you recently welcomed a new baby into your household? Need a bigger trunk to hold all the kids’ sports gear? Is your gas guzzler on its last legs with summer travel season on the horizon? Whatever the reason, replacing the family car can be a big decision.
How many people do I usually carry in the car?
In addition to the people in your family, do you often transport others? Do you carpool a lot? Do you drive the other kids in the neighborhood to parties and soccer games? What about giving your co-workers a lift? Don’t forget your furry riders, either. Do you need more room in the car for a dog?
What kind of driving do I do?
If you’re serious about safety and you cover many miles, you might want to trade in your clunker for a more reliable ride. If you’re often stuck in traffic, you’ll want to make fuel efficiency a top priority—and if you have a little more to spend, you might even think about a hybrid (see next page). How long you plan to keep the vehicle will affect whether or not you want a factory warranty and if you should consider the resale value.
What else do I need the vehicle to handle?
What’s the climate like where you live? If it’s snowy and icy, you may want to pass on a convertible. Will you be towing a boat or trailer? Find out the vehicle’s hauling capacity. Moving a child to college soon? Consider where you’re going to put that futon and armchair.
