Choosing the Right Vehicle
As you search for the right vehicle, you will need to make many decisions about what is important to you.Use the following questions to evaluate your priorities before visiting a showroom. After assessing your needs, check the Vehicle Showroom to get recommendations based on criteria like price range, personal driving habits, body style and more.
Where do you live?
Location can play a role in your vehicle decision, especially when selecting vehicle size. For instance, larger cylinder engines are suited for interstate travelers, while smaller cylinder engines might suffice for city-dwellers.
Along with location, consider the size of your parking space, your garage's height clearance and any other size restraints that may limit the size of your new vehicle.
What are your typical driving demands?
Consider driving demands when selecting options. Some options are especially useful for different environments and scenarios. For example, all-wheel drive is helpful for snowy climates. If you often drive on mountainous terrain, a powerful engine is useful for climbing.
If your daily commute is a lengthy one, you may want to consider a vehicle that is fuel-efficient. You can find valuable information about fuel efficiency on a vehicle's window sticker.
Also, if you are often stuck in traffic during your daily commute, you may want to consider an automatic transmission as opposed to a manual transmission. If you frequently take weekend road trips, speed control can help you maintain set road speeds.
How many people will be in the vehicle most of the time?
The number of passengers you transport influences decisions about vehicle size and whether you choose a two-door or a four-door model. Consider factors such as regular carpooling and whether your passenger number will increase in the next few years.
What are your recreational activities?
Recreational activities such as sports and camping activities can play a large role in your vehicle choices. Consider whether you might benefit from extra trunk space and cargo room for bulky gear and equipment like bicycles and skis. Owners of motorcycles, trailers or boats might require a vehicle with a larger engine for more towing power.
Are there specific optional features you can't live without?
As you begin your vehicle search, be aware that some models have a larger selection of standard features than others. When choosing non-standard optional equipment like sunroofs or power lumbar support, weigh your needs against their usefulness.
What about performance and handling?
Performance and handling encompasses a variety of factors like acceleration, braking, cornering and emergency handling.
One way to compare vehicle performance is to look at horsepower. High horsepower is an indication of high performance. Another common performance indicator is torque. Suspension, tires and airflow add to a vehicle's handling ability.
You can also locate test reports for braking performance, emergency handling, visibility and seat comfort from third-party sources.
How important is vehicle safety?
Reading crash test results will help you compare vehicle safety among models. Crash test results provide information about how well a vehicle protects drivers and passengers during frontal and side collisions. Keep in mind that crash test results are only useful when comparing vehicles of a similar size.
You can obtain crash test results by visiting The National Crash Analysis Center website or calling 703-726-8236.
You may also want to consider occupant safety features (safety belts, front, side or curtain airbags, child safety seats, head restraints, etc.), which help reduce the risk of injuries during a crash, as well as crash avoidance features, such as traction control and All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which may help drivers avert an accident.
Is an environmentally responsible vehicle important to you?
Generally, smaller, lighter vehicles may conserve fuel better and give you better gas mileage. Compare vehicles' fuel emissions at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.
Gas mileage figures are also listed on a new vehicle's window sticker.
Is the vehicle's future resale value important to you?
You may want to consider features that boost a vehicle's resale value, such as air conditioning, automatic transmission, power steering, speed control and a sunroof.
Other Costs of Ownership
A vehicle's true cost of ownership includes more than just purchase price. It also consists of overlooked operating expenses such as repairs, insurance and fuel. If you are not careful, these costs can quickly exceed what had previously seemed like a reasonable budget.
Determine Your Price Range
Pre-qualifying for a vehicle loan will give you an indication of what you can comfortably afford.
Other Factors to Consider
- Depreciation—A deeply discounted vehicle may not look like such a deal if it has a low resale value. Some vehicles retain their value better than others.
- Insurance—Depending on where you live, insurance can add $100 or more a month to your transportation costs. Be sure to research potential insurance premiums before you choose a vehicle model. Keep in mind that some vehicle models with above-average safety records can actually lower insurance premiums. On the other hand, certain vehicle models (such as sports cars) can cost more to insure.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Fees
DMV fees, such as vehicle registration, title and new plates can be as high as 2 percent of the vehicle's purchase price.
Sales Tax
Depending on the state in which you purchase your vehicle, you might pay sales tax of up to 8 percent of your vehicle's purchase price.
Fuel
To calculate your annual fuel cost, divide the total number of miles you plan to drive your vehicle (average is 15,000 miles per year) by average miles per gallon (found on the vehicle's window sticker). Multiply this number by gasoline's current price per gallon.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance (oil changes, tune-ups, tires, brakes, car washes) can increase your bottom line. If you purchase a used vehicle, it may require more maintenance, which can further increase your vehicle's overall cost. However, timely maintenance may save you large repair bills as your vehicle ages.
You can find a mechanic to assess a used vehicle before you purchase it on our Genuine Parts & Service website.
Contact third-party sources to compare vehicles' frequency of maintenance and repair.
Repairs
Keep in mind that if you choose a high-end model, the repairs may be more expensive. If the possibility of major repairs is a worry, you may want to consider purchasing an extended service plan.
If you are considering a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle, visit our Extended Service Plans website to find the plan that is right for you, get a price quote and purchase a Ford Extended Service Plan.
New or Used?
While it appears a straightforward decision at first glance, choosing between a new or used vehicle is actually more involved when you examine all the pros and cons. Take a look at this overview before making up your mind.
Advantages of Purchasing a New Vehicle
- Factory warranty. A brand-new vehicle's warranty generally has greater coverage
- Lower financing rate, generally. Remember to compare not only vehicles but also their payments
- Full range of leasing options. When you buy from a dealership, you will have access to more financing options
- Lemon Law coverage. If you purchase a new vehicle that is defective, you have more protection and a greater chance for reimbursement under state Lemon Laws
- Freedom to choose your own features and options. You can customize your new vehicle to your satisfaction. You will also have access to the latest safety and comfort features
Disadvantages of Purchasing a New Vehicle
- Higher purchase price and higher monthly payments. You pay more for the convenience a new vehicle brings
- New vehicles depreciate in value rapidly. Many new vehicles lose about 40% of their value within three years. After three years, depreciation slows down
Advantages of Purchasing a Used or "Pre-Owned" Vehicle
- Lower purchase price and lower monthly payments. A used vehicle is generally less expensive.
- Major depreciation has already occurred. The previous owner has absorbed the cost of depreciation
- Greater price variation between similar makes and models can lead to increased savings. Different sellers have different motivations so used vehicles usually have a wide range of prices for similar models
Disadvantages of Purchasing a Used or "Pre-Owned" Vehicle
- Less choice. There are fewer opportunities to customize your vehicle to your specific needs
- Other costs. Be aware that you may need to invest in new tires, a tuneup, new seat covers or cosmetic repair jobs
- Inheriting a vehicle's past wear and tear. Buying a vehicle without knowing its full history could mean you will need to make costly repairs
- Little or no warranty. Used vehicles can have warranties, but they usually are not as comprehensive as the coverage for a new vehicle
- Limited or no leasing options. You may not encounter the same flexibility in financing as new vehicle owners
Certified pre-owned vehicles are a great option to consider if any of the above issues are troubling your purchase decision.
