For many people, the process of buying a vehicle, whether it is new or used, is a nerve wracking experience. Vehicles are typically the second biggest purchase most people make, and it can be tough to decide which vehicle would be best for you with car salespeople try to hustle you.
The best way to ease your car buying anxiety is to do some research so you know generally what you want, which will save you, and the salespeople, a lot of frustration.
Needs Assessment
First, consider your current vehicle. What do you like and dislike about it, and why are you trading it? If you need better gas mileage, a lower mileage vehicle, want to reduce your payment, or to upgrade to something more stylish, keep that in the forefront of your mind, since that is essentially your goal for buying a different vehicle.
Also think about how you use this vehicle the majority of the time. There are a lot of people that use huge vans and SUVs for commuting because they wanted a large family vehicle for the one week out of the year they go on vacation. Considering the amount most people would save on payments and fuel costs if they had a midsize or economy car, they could...