As you consider buying a new car, you need to know how to determine your car budget so you can make the smart choice financially. Many people look at cars and their features and then make a selection based on what they want, without giving careful consideration to the overall cost. However, it’s important to ask yourself, “Can I afford a new vehicle?” Learning the factors that affect your current car value will help you decide if the car you want is right for you.

Have you ever wondered, “How do I choose the best car for my needs?” There are so many makes and models available on the market with a vast array of features from which to choose. When you know the important steps to take before you go car shopping and follow these tips for finding the right car, you increase the chances of making the best choice. Because the car buying should be based on research, not emotions, it’s critical to follow these steps.

Whether you buy a new car every couple of years or every decade or more, car shopping can be an exciting process. You’ll see a dizzying array of makes and models in a rainbow of colors, some packed with extra features and cool gadgets. It's important to research the looks and features of a vehicle before you commit. Before you become caught up in the excitement, do your homework and narrow down what you want, need and can afford.

According to analysts, including Forrester Research, online shopping sales are expected to top $370 billion in 2017, up from just over $230 billion in 2012. But in our technology-centered world, this news probably comes as no surprise. More shoppers of all ages are reaching for their keyboards rather than their car keys to buy a variety of products, ranging from clothes to furniture. However, there’s one important purchase most customers still insist on buying in person: a vehicle. Read on for three reasons why your local car dealership is the best place to buy your new automobile.

You’ve done your research, shopped around, requested a vehicle history report if you’re looking at pre-owned cars and finally found “the one” at a price that, on the surface, seems right. That’s just the first step in buying a car. Once you’ve made your decision, the poker game begins. It takes place not at a table surrounded by your friends, but at a desk face to face with someone whose desired end game is opposite of yours. He wants to sell you a car at the highest price he can and you want to buy that car at the lowest price possible. Have you perfected your poker face?

The purchase of a new or pre-owned vehicle is one of the biggest financial investments you’ll make. Deciding which car to buy will also affect your safety and comfort, and that of your passengers, for years to come. Before you buy a car, do your homework and ask yourself what features are most important to you in a vehicle. Read on for three steps to take when selecting the ideal car for you and your family.

When you’re ready for a new car, you have plenty of options. Among the cheapest is leasing a new vehicle or buying an older car. However, many people ask themselves, “Is leasing a new car the best idea?” In short, everyone loves having something new, but when it comes to new versus used cars, it’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons to ensure you make the smart choice.

For most people, the process of buying a new car is both exciting and a bit stressful. Test driving cars and finally finding “the one” is the fun part. But making sure you are getting your new or new-to-you vehicle at the best price can often cause stress. So can dealing with the financing and insurance aspects of the car-buying equation. Choosing the right car-insurance policy is especially important considering the fact that the moment you drive your new car off the lot, it depreciates by 10% to 13%, according to data from the Kelley Blue Book.

One of the best ways to save money when buying a new car is to not buy a “new” car at all. Buying a car that’s new to you, however, is smart. If you buy from a reputable used car seller, you can purchase with the assurance your car has a clean title and has been repaired and reconditioned to provide years of reliable service. You’ll get a like-new car and have the satisfaction someone else paid top-dollar to drive it off the new car dealer’s lot. Buying pre-owned saves you money right away.

If you’re like most car owners, when you a buy new car, you don’t pay for it upfront with cash. Instead, you finance it and make monthly payments over the course of years (on average, most car loans are for a five-year term). The two most popular sources for financing your next car purchase are commercial banks and credit unions. Read on to learn the pros and cons of credit unions vs. traditional bank loans for vehicle financing.