New Car to Buy

As the old adage goes "knowledge is power," and choosing a new car to buy is no exception. Second to acquiring a home, buying a car is the biggest purchase many of us will ever make. It's a decision that you'll live with for years, and the countless models, trim options and powertrain combinations currently on the market don't make it an easy one. So how do you know which one is best for you?

The best way to increase your chances of being satisfied with your purchase is to try before you buy. It may sound simple, but many buyers skip test driving a car before spending their hard earned money on it. At the very least, make sure to test drive a few models that you are interested in. If you can, try to take a test drive without the salesman so you can concentrate on the car and how it performs. A number of dealerships will even allow you do overnight test drives so you'll be able to evaluate the car during your normal routine and drive roads that you are familiar with. While it may be fun to take a new set of wheels out on a test drive, it's still part of the decision process, and it's important to keep track of what good and bad qualities the car has. By following the simple guidelines outlined below, you should be able to confidently evaluate a vehicle and determine if it is right for you.

• Styling-This is truly subjective and differs from person to person. Some folks want to blend in with the crowd while others want to make a bold statement. Colors can change the look of a car dramatically, as can different body styles of the same model (i.e. wagons, hatchbacks, sedans, coupes, etc.). The most imperative question is whether or not it's a style you would feel comfortable seeing in your driveway for years to come.



• Safety-Take note of a car's safety features, and determine which ones are important to you. All modern cars have dual front airbags, but there are models without side airbags, stability control, traction control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).


• Engine-The car should start immediately and idle smoothly. When out on the road accelerate smoothly, and pay attention to any hesitation. Try merging onto the freeway to see if the car has enough power to safely keep up with fast traffic.


• Transmission-An automatic transmission should shift smoothly with little hesitation between shifts. Try accelerating while at cruising speed to see if there's any lurch or lack of power during passing maneuvers. A manual transmission should shift smoothly between the gears, and the clutch should easily engage.


• Ride-How is the car's ride? In general, sports cars will ride more harshly than luxury cars. Is the car easy to control on rough surfaces? Would it be comfortable to ride in during long freeway journeys?


• Handling-Does the steering feel sloppy while making turns? The car should track straight on smooth surfaces with little play in the steering. Try parking in a parking lot, or at the dealership, to see if the turning radius is manageable.


• Braking-While cruising down the road, safely perform an emergency stop. The car should stop come to a controlled stop in a straight line. A car with ABS will not lock up the wheels while one without ABS might. If there is lock up, were you able to control it by taking your foot off the brake pedal and then reapplying?


• Noise-Listen to engine noise with the windows up while idling and accelerating. Is the motor excessively noisy? Would it impede conversations? Listen for wind noise while on the highway around the windows and mirrors, and also take note of the tire noise.


• Seating-Is the seat comfortable? Would it feel firm and supportive for long distance driving? Does everyone have enough head and leg room? Are the seats adjustable for different drivers, and is the steering wheel within easy reach? Do the seat belts rub uncomfortably, and are they adjustable?


• Controls-Are the gauges easy to read in both day and night? Are the numbers easy to decipher? Try all radio and ventilation controls to determine if they would be easy to use without taking your eyes off the road. Try secondary controls such as power windows, power mirrors and the cruise control as well. Are they all within reach and easy to find?


• Visibility-Check for blind spots when changing lanes and reversing. Many newer cars have thick roof pillars that can hinder sightlines. How easy is it to spot the front of the car over the hood and the rear?


• Entry and Exit-Is it easy for all passengers to get in and out without having to uncomfortably crouch, kneel or bend?


• Cargo Space-Is the trunk large enough to fit your weekly groceries and gear? Is the liftover height (the distance between the ground and trunk opening) low enough?


• Fit and Finish-Does the car seem well-built? Loose fitting panels and interior trim can be a sign of rattles and reliability issues in the future.

Not only are these observations important to your decision, they can be fun to make. No one car will be perfect, but being able to identify their strengths and weaknesses will lead you to the best match.