Due to the sheer volume of vehicles and features available to choose from, research on the buyer's part is imperative. By visiting our website, you're arming yourself with the knowledge needed to become an educated shopper. The internet has become an invaluable tool for the process of car research. IntelliChoice.com offers reviews, safety ratings, best values and current incentives on every major make, model and trim level offered in the U.S. While online, check out enthusiast clubs and chat rooms dedicated to the vehicle you're considering, as they can provide insightful owner feedback. Also, car magazines such as Automobile and Motor Trend feature comprehensive road tests and multiple-vehicle tests to allow side-by-side comparisons among competitive models, both in print and online at their respective sites.
Choosing the vehicle you want to buy is hard enough, but pinning down all the variables involved can make your head spin. Base model or fully loaded? Two or four doors? I-4, V-6 or V-8? Manual or automatic transmission? Two- or four-wheel drive? Traction control or stability control? Six passengers or eight? Third row seating or cargo space? Fuel economy or performance? Torque or horsepower? Road trips or city driving? Single- or six-disc CD player? Hardtop or convertible? Navigation system? Sunroof? DVD? ABS? Turbocharger? Is your head spinning yet?
To focus your research, making lists is crucial. Begin with the essential features and functionality you require, followed by your desired features as well as those of anyone else who will regularly drive or ride in the vehicle. These non-essential but nonetheless desirable items can help you find a vehicle that will please more than just the driver and may become important if the decision-making process comes down to splitting hairs.
Next, list your likes and dislikes about your current vehicle, so that you can keep the good and avoid features you weren't happy with.
Consider passenger space, interior comforts, cargo flexibility, towing and even brand loyalty. Be sure to factor in passenger needs, from securing wee ones in child safety seats to the number of adults you'll regularly be transporting. Special features such as power sliding doors and foldaway third-row seats can dramatically improve a vehicle's functionality.
On the mechanical side, weigh the importance of fuel economy and purchase price against performance. Do you really need a huge V-8, or will a V-6 or even an I-4 supply enough driving fun? Are there weather, terrain or recreation reasons to invest in 4WD or AWD, or will two-wheel drive suffice?
As you go through this exercise, maintain an open mind and focus on attributes rather than the bodystyle. Vehicle segments are breaking from traditional definitions, with the latest products creating new niches such as the larger crossovers from GM, the sport-wagon-like nfiniti EX, the Toyota Venza, the Mazda5 and the upcoming Ford C-MAX, all of which borrow from wagons, minivans and SUVs. You might find that the vehicle that best suits your budget and lifestyle takes on a different shape from that which you originally expected.
With the list roughed out, it’s time to revisit your budget to determine what down payment and monthly payment will be reasonable. The Buyer’s Guide pages on our website include invoice, retail, and most important, Target Price to create a common basis for comparison among makes and models. Ultimately, the real acquisition cost will factor in your old vehicle's value, whether you plan to trade it in or sell it yourself, and interest rates, but for now these numbers can help you sort your shopping list, prioritizing those models that best suit your budget. The AutoPilot tool can help you filter by certain vehicle characteristics and preferences to narrow your search from the more than 1,800 vehicles available each model year. In reviewing your ideal vehicle, look closely at our Cost of Ownership data, which reveal the true value story of each car. Summarized by the Overall Value rating, this information objectively measures your return on investment. You will need to balance these data with your own subjective evaluation, as you may find some vehicles are worth paying extra for upfront because of a low cost of ownership in the long run. The most important point here is that you know going into the purchase what the long-term implications will be, in terms of both lifestyle and finances.
