Research, locate and buy a new car based on price, availability & options. Compare new car prices and determine which new car is right for you. Our car buying tips will not only help you calculate your auto payment, but will reveal all that's involved with choosing a new car.

Buying A New Car

Buying a new car can be an exciting endeavor. However, sometimes this excitement leads consumers into buying new vehicles that aren't really what they need, but what they want (a.k.a. "impulse buying").

The car buying tips outlined below may appear to be nothing more than common sense. However if you have ever spent a day searching for the right new car, you are well aware of how common sense can go out the window. That is, the automatic, tinted, separate climate control, power-window with leather trim and other attractive options you did not necessarily "need" but suddenly "wanted."

The following questions should be asked of yourself before you start looking for a new car:

• What will the new car be used for?
• Will I be transporting additional people?
• How much driving do I plan to do?
• How long is my daily commute?
• Is good gas mileage my top priority?

If the answers above don't lead you to the expensive, trendy, gas guzzling, high-maintenance vehicle that "looked" so appealing in all of the auto magazines, perhaps the vehicle of your dreams simply doesn't fit into your day-to-day reality.

Again, if you listen to common sense and focus on your day-to-day car needs, you can avoid many of the pitfalls a new car buyer can face

Establishing a realistic monthly new car payment that will fit into your budget is the first step.

The rule of thumb is your total monthly car payments should not exceed 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

Establishing a realistic monthly new car payment that will fit into your budget is the first step.

The rule of thumb is your total monthly car payments should not exceed 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

Calculate Your Auto Payment. Completing this valuable process "before" you find a new car is the single most important step you can take. Eliminate all mystery ivolving what you can realistically afford. Not only will this save you time, but it could save you thousands of dollars in costly mistakes that new car buyers make every day because they are not prepared.

The Price Of Ownership

The true cost of owning a car goes far beyond the sticker price. A new car with a low purchase price may have higher maintenance costs. The low monthly payment could be cancelled out by added maintenance and repair costs.

While a new car will come with some type of warranty, the hassles that could arise will not be covered. These could include scheduling repairs, re-arranging pick-up & drop-off times for family and the frustration of not being able to drive the new, low-priced vehicle to name but a few.

Make sure you research more than just the new car prices. You should also review repair costs and what it will cost to insure the vehicle.