If you’re thinking of buying a car, you have a lot of choices. First of all, do you want to buy a new or used car? Do you want or need four-wheel drive? Do you want the latest technology or a reliable vehicle that will take you where you want to go? How important is fuel economy? Do you need a roomy vehicle that can carry heavy loads like a Dodge Ram, or is your heart set on a Volkswagen? It seems like there are almost too many factors to consider, but you can actually narrow down the criteria to the most important ones: looks, reliability, fuel economy, performance, and safety.

Should you buy a used or new car?
This is the first decision you have to make, and it will affect all the other choices you will have. Many people prefer to buy a used certified car, which has been inspected and certified by the manufacturer. This guarantees that the car is in excellent condition, and that you can buy it with confidence. It also means that you’re not paying a few extra thousands for the newness factor.
Almost every car buyer knows that a new car begins to lose value as soon as it is driven off the dealership lot. With a used or a certified used car, you avoid paying for that intangible factor, and instead acquire a car of solid worth. Buying used cars is a popular choice nowadays, and some 40 million used cars are sold every year, by dealers and private sellers.

Looks, performance and fuel economy
The look of a car matters very much because that’s how you connect with it at an emotional level. With cars, the first impression is a lasting one, and people know within 10 seconds whether or not they love a car. It could be a rugged Jeep or Dodge Ram or a sturdy Toyota or Subaru, but there’s a car out there that’s right for you. So if you fall in love at first sight with a model, that’s a sign that you’re on the right track.
Some cars have a reputation for reliability and are almost guaranteed to never let you down. Others are famed for their performance and the fun factor in driving. The best way to get a feel for a car is to head to the auto dealer for a test drive. Fuel economy is an important consideration for many reasons, not least because consumers, car buyers included, are becoming more and more environmentally conscious.

Safety and technology
Safety is an important consideration, especially for a family car. Most vehicles have standard safety features, like airbags and seat anchors. Many new models use new technology like sensors and cameras to add safety features like lane-departure warning, blind spot monitoring, collision warning and automatic braking. However, many drivers feel that these features can act as a distraction and also impact the ability for the driver to make split-second decisions in an emergency.
Other technology features have less ti do with safety and are more about comfort and luxury on the road. Many car buyers however don’t feel that this is an essential feature for their next car.

Buying a car is a major decision which can feel overwhelming at times. With so many choices, between a new or used car, a workhorse Dodge Ram or a fun performance car, you can end up getting totally confused. By identifying the criteria that are important to you, you can make an informed decision about which car is best for you.