Here's How To Get The Car You Want

By Mike Reitz

Now it's your turn to finally get the car you want. However, owning your own car can be exciting and challenging all at the same time. You love the idea of the freedom to be able to go where ever you want, without relying on anyone else.

To get the car you want, let's make sure the car will work for you and meet all your needs. It's a lot easier to take a little time before you go shopping to figure out exactly what you want and can afford. This way you can avoid buyer's remorse.

Owning a car brings responsibilities, both financial and practical. By taking into consideration all aspects of owing a car you will be more likely to make a wise decision and keep yourself from getting into trouble down the road.

Here are some steps you can take to get the car you want.

Figure out exactly what you need. Do you need four-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, automatic or standard transmission? And what about cargo room or hauling capacity? How many people will you need to carry? Make a list so you don't get side tracked in the excitement of buying a new vehicle.

Next decide if you are going to buy used or new. A used vehicle will take more research and work on your part, but the savings can make it worth your while. On the other hand a new car, from a dealer requires very little extra research and work. After all, it is brand new. Remember a new car will depreciate much faster than a used car.

Determine what your budget is and what you can comfortably afford. A general rule is to keep your car payments under 20 percent of your take home pay. Don't forget to calculate extra costs of owing a car like, insurance, maintenance and fuel.

Compare similar vehicles that will meet your needs. This way you aren't locked into one specific make and model. To get the car you want at a fair price, you will want to go online and get values so you know if you are getting a good price or not.

Test drive the car you want to buy before you make a decision to purchase it. You may find out that you don't like the way it handles or drives, it's better to know before you sign on the dotted line.

Inspect the car from bumper to bumper so you know exactly what you are getting. If it's a used car, be sure and run a history report. And, have a mechanic do a safety inspection to ensure the car is in good condition and safe.

Following the above steps can help ensure you really do get the car you want.