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 $20,000 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 become important. If you frequently drive clients or co-workers to lunch, a sleek coupe won't be welcoming for whoever 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? 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 that you really want.

Unless you are that lucky car shopper who has really made it and plans to let the world know it with a luxury car, you have to fit your automotive wants and needs into what you can afford.

That necessity leads to our next step--budgeting carefully for your second-biggest purchase.