hoose the type of vehicle: Match your needs first, then your wants. It sounds elementary, but many car buyers do it the other way around and end up with a vehicle that they like on the one hand (it is what they wanted) and hate on the other hand (it doesn't fit their needs). Make a list of features that you absolutely must have (needs), and then make a list of features that you would like to have if they fit into your budget (wants). You need to do this long before you ever set foot in a car dealership showroom. Trying to decide which features are important to you while in the dealership (with a salesperson and the new car smell urging you along) will only cost you money and cause you grief.