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.