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Researching A Car That's
Right For You
by: Kevin Schappell
Researching your new vehicle is a daunting
task in today's world. Once you have narrowed your next vehicle down to 2 or 3
choices it is time to research. Take out a sheet of paper for each vehicle and
write down pros and cons for each one. Also on each sheet of paper list the
attributes which are most important to you. This list might include:
MPG - if you put a lot of miles on your car
this factor could make a big dent in your wallet if you pick the wrong car.
Engine power - HP is a big factor for many
people out there.
Price - nothing needs to be said about this
one.
Interior space
Repair costs - consider the average costs
to repair a fender-bender.
Insurance costs - this is often overlooked
by buyers and can catch you by surprise.
Standard options.
Anything else, which is a factor to you.
The idea is to custom tailor your list to meet your needs. If you don't care
about engine power then leave it off your list.
Now how do you get the information which is
on your list? Here is a list of excellent resources to use in your search.
Offline:
- Consumer Reports Magazine
- Auto Week magazine
- Your local newspaper's auto section
- Local dealers
Online:
- Consumer Reports - requires a
subscription just like the magazine.
- Edmunds.com
- Kelly Blue Book
- NADA guide book
- Car.com
After your research is done you should have
a clear picture of which car is right for you. What do you say? Clear as mud?
Well take a step back and if you have 2 vehicles which are comparable you will
then have to resort to one of the following.
Go with your gut feeling. You know the one
which says get the Porsche not the Yugo. Ask your wife, husband or SO. (you
might want to let them in on the decision a little earlier than this if they
will be driving the car too.) Flip a coin. Ask your god for some divine
intervention?
Good luck!
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About The Author
Kevin Schappell maintains http://www.carbuyersclub.com
where he gives advice on car maintenance, buying, selling, insurance,
and financing. A mechanical engineer and car guy, Kevin has decided to
spend his online time helping others learn about automobiles.
kevin@schappell.com
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