| SUBSCRIBE TO MONEY |
The right vehicle
Before you shop, conduct an auto-biography.
In Lesson 17
| ||
| ||
| 36 month new | 6.90% |
| 48 month new | 7.05% |
| 60 month new | 7.11% |
| 36 month used | 7.39% |
Money 101 Lessons
|
Hey, wait. Don't go down to the car dealer and start shopping immediately. Are you sure that the car, pickup, sport utility or van you have in mind is what you really need?
If you rush into a deal without carefully considering how you will really use the vehicle, you could be making a $25,000 mistake, at the average new-car price.
Sure, you want a car that will make you smile. But consider the purpose of most of your driving. Is it commuting? Hauling kids? Weekends? Vacations?
If you drive more than half an hour to work every day, a combination of a comfortable ride and reasonable gas mileage is important. If you frequently drive clients or co-workers to lunch, a sleek coupe won't be welcoming for whomever has to crawl into the back seat; you need a four-door sedan.
If you frequently haul your kids and their many friends or classmates, a minivan or sport utility with three rows of seats may be essential. If weekend errands involve hauling building materials or large bushes, that same utility or van will come in handy.
Be honest with yourself. What is the largest number of people you carry regularly? What is the biggest pile of gear, luggage or haul from Home Depot that you regularly carry?
Once you have made this practical matchup, however, you still have lots of choices. With careful planning, you can get a vehicle that you need and really want.
-
These 5 cities have the fastest-growing foreclosure rates. And they're not the usual suspects. More -
Now you can get the $8,000 credit through June 2010 -- or $6,500 if you're not a first-time buyer. More -
Home prices are forecast to plummet, but these 7 cities are predicted to post gains. More -
Home prices have grown in the beer-guzzling heartland and fell in the wine-sipping coastal states. More -
Investors think Detroit's foreclosed houses are a deal. Would you buy this one for $6,900? More -
Economic growth, affordable wages -- these spots have what entrepreneurs need to thrive. More
