| Buying a new car, whether just off the lot or 'new to | | | | been maintained, how many miles are on the |
| you,' is a very personal experience. Everyone has their | | | | odometer, and for signs of wear such as rust patches |
| own ideas as to which features are most important, | | | | or fluid leaks. Even a good deal can end up costing |
| what an acceptable price might be, and whether they | | | | more in the long run. When taking the car for a test |
| want to lease or buy. No matter what your style or | | | | drive, pay careful attention to the steering and shocks, |
| budget, there are a few key point that should usually | | | | as any unusual wandering or bouncing can be an |
| be taken into consideration when choosing a car: | | | | indication of costly front end repairs in the future. If |
| safety, reliability, and fuel economy. | | | | buying a new car, check consumer watch magazines |
| While no car is perfectly safe, and driving is an | | | | and websites for alerts as to the overall reliability of |
| inherently risky activity, many makes and models of | | | | the make and model of the car, no matter how low |
| cars have features that will better protect the driver | | | | the sticker price. |
| and passengers in the event of an accident. Side and | | | | Both an economical issue and an environmental one, |
| passenger air bags, antilock brakes, crumple zones, | | | | Fuel economy is less of a concern for some people |
| and laminated windshields are just a few of the | | | | than others. Even if fuel costs are not a limiting factor |
| important safety features that can be offered. Also, if | | | | in a person's budget, everyone buying a car should |
| child restraints are to be used, some models are more | | | | check fuel economy statistics for their chosen make |
| compatible with child seats than others. | | | | and model. There is a wide degree of variation even |
| Reliability is an issue that needs to be factored into the | | | | among SUVs, so even those looking to purchase a |
| purchase price of a car, whether buying used or new. | | | | larger vehicle can make an environmentally sound |
| If buying a used car, check to see how well it has | | | | choice. |