Five questions to ask yourself before buying a new car

Before considering the purchase of a new car, it is important to ask ourselves a few questions in order to properly organize our shopping. This is a step that should not be taken lightly, since a vehicle is still a big expense.

1. What is my budget?
Before you even start window shopping, it is important to take stock of your financial situation. By creating a realistic maximum budget, you will avoid creating unnecessary temptations and avoid being taken in by a greedy salesman.

2. What are my plans in five years?
When buying a car, it's important to think about the medium to long term. Do you think you'll have a family in five years? A sports car may seem attractive at 25, but perhaps less so at 30.

3. Is the vehicle you are looking for reliable?
While window shopping, you probably had a few favorites. Before making your final choice, take the time to read the road tests of each one. Compare them. Read about the brand and about past models or editions of the model. These aren't necessarily 100% accurate judgments, but they will give you a good idea of which vehicle to choose from among your favorites.

4. What is the fuel consumption of the vehicle?
Whether it's for the sake of reducing your ecological footprint or for your finances, gas consumption is an important consideration. Also, depending on the engine, some cars need to run on premium rather than regular fuel, so that's another consideration. Would a hybrid or electric vehicle be better? It may cost a little more up front, but the savings at the pump may be worth it.

5. Is the vehicle safe?
You can visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's website to consult the crash test evaluations of various vehicles. For some models, it is even possible to view the test.