How do you find the car that will exactly suit your needs for years to come? It just takes a little research and planning. When you know the kind of car you want, you can then decide whether you want to buy a new car, lease a new car or buy a used car.

1. Assess Your Needs 
As much as you might like to dream about what you want in a car, it’s best to think more about what you need — not just now, but in the future, too. Functionality should trump flash. Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind:

·       How many passengers do you need to carry?
·       What type of driving do you do: highway, surface streets, off-road?
·       Will you drive in ice and snow?
·       Do you have a long commute and, because of that, is fuel economy important to you?
·       Do you need all-wheel drive?
·       What safety features are important to you?

2. Set Your Budget 
Unless you’re paying cash for your car, you’ll need to think about financing your purchase or lease. How much can you really afford to allocate toward a car payment each month? The general rule is no more than 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

3. Decide If You Want to Lease or Buy 
Leasing and buying each have pros and cons, and how you feel about these may help guide your decision on which route to take.

4. Consider Other Cars in the Class 
Do you have your mind (or heart) set on a specific car? Many shoppers do. But in today’s ever-changing marketplace, there are always new cars hitting the showrooms, and one that you’ve never even considered could be right for you.

5. Weigh the Costs of Ownership 
Some cars may be cheaper to buy but more expensive to own. Why? Even if two cars have about the same price, one might depreciate faster or cost more to insure and maintain. Before you commit to a car, you should estimate its long-term ownership costs. These include depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs.

Now that you know what you’ll be driving, make sure you have your auto insurance in order. At Weaver & Associates, we’re dedicated to giving each driver the coverage they can count on. Visit our team to get started.