How to choose a car, When it comes to buying a car, we all know it’s a big decision. Whether you’re purchasing your first car or upgrading to something newer, the choices can be overwhelming. It feels like you have to balance so many factors—price, safety, fuel efficiency, comfort, and, of course, style. But how do you know what makes a car great?
Let me take you through some of the most important things to consider when choosing the right car for you. I’ll share a few personal experiences, mistakes I’ve made, and tips that will hopefully help you avoid the same pitfalls.
1. Budget is Key—Don’t Stretch Too Far
The first thing you need to figure out is how much you’re willing to spend. This seems obvious, right? But trust me, it’s easy to get carried away, especially when you’re at a dealership or scrolling through car listings online. I remember the first time I went car shopping with a budget of around $12,000. I found a beautiful used sedan, perfect color, low mileage… and a price tag of $14,500. I couldn’t resist, and guess what? It stretched my budget so thin that I was living paycheck to paycheck just to keep up with payments. Not fun.
What I Learned:
Stick to your budget. If you can afford to buy a car in full without financing, great! If not, look for options where your monthly payments are reasonable. A good rule of thumb is that your monthly car payment should be no more than 15% of your take-home pay. Don’t get swayed by the shiny new features if they mean you’ll be stressed about money later.
2. Size Matters (But It’s Personal)
When you’re deciding between a sedan, SUV, or a truck, think about what you really need. I once made the mistake of thinking I needed a big SUV because, well, it seemed like the “smart” choice for a growing family. But after I bought it, I quickly realized that the SUV was a gas guzzler, and parking it in tight spots was a hassle. Plus, the backseat was rarely used—turns out, we were just fine in a smaller car.
What I Learned:
Choose a size that fits your lifestyle. If you live in a city with limited parking, a compact car or a sedan may be a better choice. If you frequently go on road trips or have a big family, an SUV or a minivan might be the right call. Just don’t fall into the trap of buying something bigger than what you really need.
3. Fuel Economy: Don’t Overlook This One
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “Fuel economy doesn’t matter that much,” and then they end up spending a small fortune on gas every month. I’ve been there too, buying a car with a V8 engine because I thought it would be fun to drive. It was fun—until I saw the fuel gauge dropping faster than my bank balance. I was filling up every few days and it wasn’t sustainable.
What I Learned:
Look at the miles per gallon (MPG) rating before you make a purchase. It might not seem like a big deal initially, but over time, it adds up. If you’re driving long distances regularly, opting for a car with better fuel efficiency can save you a lot in the long run. Hybrids and electric cars are also great alternatives if you want to cut down on fuel costs.
4. Safety Features Are a Must
Safety should always be one of your top priorities when choosing a car. In my earlier car-buying days, I didn’t pay much attention to things like crash ratings or advanced safety features. I remember one car I almost bought, which had zero airbags in the backseat. It looked sleek and stylish, but after reading about its safety features, I was immediately turned off. It’s easy to get wrapped up in appearance, but you need to remember that a car is a tool that gets you from point A to point B safely.
What I Learned:
Check the crash test ratings (like the ones from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or IIHS). Make sure the car has standard safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and rearview cameras. If you’re looking at newer models, features like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings are becoming more common and are definitely worth considering.
5. Reliability and Maintenance Costs
Reliability is huge. You don’t want to buy a car only to find out you’ll be at the mechanic every few months. A car I once owned had great reviews, but it had a reputation for transmission issues. I didn’t pay attention to that until it was too late. Eventually, I was faced with a hefty repair bill.
What I Learned:
Before you buy, do some research on the car’s reliability. Websites like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and Edmunds are excellent resources for reading about the long-term durability of different makes and models. Also, factor in the maintenance costs. Some cars, especially luxury models, can have sky-high repair bills. If you’re on a tight budget, go for something known for being easy and cheap to maintain.
6. The Test Drive Is Crucial
This one might seem obvious, but I can’t tell you how many people skip the test drive and just go with what looks good on paper. A couple of years ago, I went in all excited to buy a compact car that had rave reviews online. But when I took it for a spin, I realized it was uncomfortable and the driving experience was way more “clunky” than I expected. The seats weren’t as supportive as I thought, and the steering felt weird. I knew right away it wasn’t the car for me.
What I Learned:
Never skip the test drive. Take the car out on different types of roads—highways, city streets, and even a bumpy road if you can. Pay attention to how the car feels. Is it comfortable? Does it have a smooth ride? Trust your instincts.
At the end of the day, there’s no one perfect car for everyone. It all depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. The best way to find the right car is to take your time and really think about what you need versus what you want. And remember, a car is an investment—it’s not just about how it looks but how well it fits into your day-to-day life.
If you’re still not sure where to start, create a list of your must-haves and non-negotiables before you go car shopping. That will help you narrow down your options and make the process a whole lot easier. Happy car hunting!
