Before You Begin
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As one of your
largest expenditures — a vehicle
represents a major financial investment, one that
will factor significantly into your financial planning,
your monthly budget and your spending plan. It is also
a practical and necessary means of transportation.
There is no one best way to buy your next vehicle.
Assessing your needs and priorities is probably the
most important consideration. When you assess your
requirements, you will be able to answer the questions
that lead you to the most appropriate vehicle.
This article is designed to help you examine your
decision from every point of view. You will learn
when and where to buy or lease a vehicle, how buying
new and used vehicles differs, what financing options
are available and how to sell a vehicle.
Being well informed will allow you to buy your
next vehicle with confidence.
Identify Your Priorities
Examine your decision from every aspect — lifestyle,
safety, financial, practical and personal. Consider
the following factors as part of your decision-making process.
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| If You Are Buying: |
Considerations |
| A New Vehicle |
Latest safety features and technology, new warranty, less maintenance. |
| A Used Vehicle |
Better buy, less depreciation, lower expenses on registration, licensing
fees, insurance premiums. |
| Decision Factors |
Considerations |
| Buying Options |
Local dealerships, online resources, buying services, vehicle brokers, private party. |
| Requirements |
Passenger seating, cargo space, towing capacity, off-road capabilities, comfort. |
| Fuel Efficiency |
EPA estimates, engine size, transmission, air conditioning, load capacity, road conditions, driving habits. |
| Safety |
Crashworthiness, safety ratings, safety features. |
| Reliability |
Consumer satisfaction ratings. |
| Comfort |
Smooth suspension, easy steering, quiet cabin, plenty of leg room, luxury seating, audio system. |
| Styling |
Design, color, exterior, interior features. |
| Insurance |
Annual insurance costs. |
| Vehicle Price |
Rebates, discounts, option package discounts, trade-ins, available financing. |
| Affordability |
Monthly payments, fuel, insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration, license fees. |
| Resale Value |
Future marketability: automatic transmission, air conditioning, leather upholstery, antitheft system, safety features, other accessories. |
Safety Features To Consider
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Large, medium-to-heavy weight car-based, instead of
truck-based, structure.
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Low center of gravity.
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Front and rear ends designed to crumple in a crash.
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Strong occupant compartment.
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Driver and front-seat passenger airbags.
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Side-impact airbags.
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Safety belts for all occupants.
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Head restraints.
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Child passenger safety equipment,
including the Lower Anchor and Tether for
Children (LATCH) system.
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Antilock brake system.
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Traction control.
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Electronic stability control.
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Front and rear head curtain airbags.
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Daytime running lights.
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Tire-pressure monitoring system.
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Automatic dimming rearview mirror.
Where To Find Vehicle Safety Ratings
Frontal offset and side-impact crash tests: Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) at www.iihs.org.
Full-frontal and side-impact crash tests, and rollover
resistance ratings: National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at www.safercar.gov.
Injury, collision and theft ratings: Highway Loss
Data Institute (HLDI) at www.iihs.org.
For More Information
The USAA Educational Foundation publications,
Choosing A Safer Vehicle,
Safe On The Road
and Installing Child Safety Seats,
offer more information.
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Updated Thursday, July 03, 2008
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| © The USAA Educational Foundation, 2000 -
All rights reserved.
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