GET THE USED CAR FACTS FIRST
The price of new cars has steadily climbed over the past few years making used vehicles more attractive than ever. Because new vehicles lose so much of their value as soon as they're purchased, car shoppers are increasingly turning to previously owned cars as a smart financial alternative. Today, thanks to manufacturing and maintenance advances, used vehicles are better than ever and still a great value.

WHICH CAR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
The first step to buying a used car is making a detailed assessment of your transportation needs. It's a good idea to answer the following questions.

• How will the car be used? The first thing to do is to decide on a class of vehicle that best fits your lifestyle.
• Who will be driving the car? And where? If you're concerned about taking your kids to soccer practice, you're probably going to need a car with lots of seating and storage capacity. If you're planning to use the car for commuting, gas mileage and comfort may be your biggest considerations.
• What features best suit your needs? If there are features you simply must have — like air conditioning, lumbar supports or adjustable controls — make a list.
• What are some vehicle safety features you are looking for? Are you interested in anti-lock brake systems, integrated seat belts, head injury protection or child safety equipment?
• How much can I afford to spend? Think about how much you're willing to spend, how much of a down payment you can make, and how much you can afford per month, long before you start the process. Refer to the section on "Paying for Your Car."

ONCE YOU'VE DECIDED ON TYPE
After you narrow your search to a few makes and models, analyze the pros and cons for each. There are many excellent resources available to help you do your research including websites, dealerships, and your local library. Read Consumer Reports magazine — online or hard copy — for reliability and repair ratings as well as general advice.

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