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by
Kyle Busch
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Will driving be conducted in poor whether conditions or off-road (rear-wheel drive,
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive)?
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Will stop-and-go or interstate driving be performed? Thus, is an automatic, a
semi-automatic, or a standard transmission preferred?
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Is there a preference for a domestic or a foreign vehicle?
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In a sport-utility vehicle, is a more rugged full box type frame needed for off-road
driving, or will a unit-body type frame be suitable for intended general highway
driving? Additionally, what towing capacity should the sport-utility vehicle have?
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In a minivan, are sliding doors needed on both sides, the left-side or the right-side
of the vehicle for easier entry and exit?
- How
much will insurance cost to protect the driver and the vehicle (consider obtaining
an insurance quote before buying a vehicle)?
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What is the approximate amount of money to be spent on a vehicle?
If
you are not familiar with which vehicles meet your transportation needs, consider
visiting a local public library to consult the yearly publication or the April
magazine issue of Consumer Reports. This objective information source provides
technical specifications for vehicles including the size, weight, engine horsepower,
optional equipment, and miles per gallon of fuel. If technical information is
desired for a specific used vehicle, review the Consumer Reports issue that matches
the vehicle's year (1998 Toyota Avalon — consult the 1998 April issue of Consumer
Reports).
After
determining the type of automobile, sport-utility vehicle, or minivan that satisfies
your needs, it is worthwhile to consult Consumer Reports' frequency-of-repair
information to identify specific vehicles that will likely have fewer future repairs.
Regarding the frequency-of-repair information, if a vehicle of interest is six
years old or less, consult the most recent April
edition of Consumer Reports.
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