Buying a car is one of the most important purchases that a person will make in their lifetime. As well as the significant financial investment, it also comes with additional pressure in finding the right car for you. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. But before you make a rush decision, you need to carefully consider your needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself to make the process of buying a car easier!

1. Do I really need a new car?

A common mistake new car buyers make is that they think they need an expensive new car when in reality they may never even drive it! There’s a lot of emotion surrounding buying a new car, and most of the time, salespeople know this and will often feed into it. That’s why it’s important to assess whether you actually need one or not (obvious, we know! But so often overlooked…). If you ever catch yourself justifying something or rearranging your finances to buy a car, it’s time to step back, take a deep breath, or even walk away if needed.

2. What is your true budget?

You should never buy a car that is outside of your budget! It may seem easier to stretch your budget to get a better car, but the reality is that it isn’t worth it in the long run. What happens when you need to take out a loan or upgrade to something better later on? Buying a new car will bring some added expenses to your budget, especially if you don’t currently own one. Think of car insurance, registration, regular maintenance…it adds up! That’s why it’s always best to stay within or even below your budget to give yourself enough space to breathe.

3. What is your current and future family situation?

Will you have a family in the next few years, or maybe even down the road? Are you planning to take long road trips? If so, it’s important to realize that larger cars cost more on the highway and in gas. If it’s mostly just you, a smaller car may be better. If you’re planning on having children in the next year or two-and if they will be riding with you-you’ll want to pay attention to safety features and how easy it is to install car seats. This forward-thinking will save you from going back to the dealership for a trade-in soon after your initial purchase.

4. What features do you need?

There are so many car models out there, it can be hard to know where to start. If you feel overwhelmed by the selection and don’t know what kind of features you need, start by thinking about what features you want! Car shopping shouldn’t be an excessively long process. Consider your lifestyle and how much time you might spend in the car each day. If you commute to work, for example, you’ll want a car with a smooth, comfortable ride and great gas mileage. If you’re going to need to fit kids or lots of luggage into the car often, you’ll want one with enough space and get-up-and-go power. The point is, figure out what features are important and try to prioritize them based on your needs!

5. Should you buy a new or used car?

Newer cars are often safer, more efficient, and more expensive than used cars. However, a used car can be a better value in some cases. Take a look at your budget and research the cars you are interested in. Then, head to the dealer to take a test drive before making a decision.

It’s important to remember that your needs change over time, so stay open-minded and flexible as you shop for your next car!