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Automobiles: Determine Needs General Checklist

Here are some questions to guide your decision:

• Are you using the car for commuting to work or school or mostly for weekend use?
• Will the car be used for city driving (stop & go), rural driving (rougher roads and driving conditions), or highway driving (sustained speed)?
• How many members of your household will be using the vehicle?
• Will the vehicle be used for car pooling? For work or recreation?
• Will you be driving with children, pets or sports equipment?
• Will you require front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive?
• Will you be using your car for business travel with clients?

If you already own a car, look at the deficiencies of your current vehicle. If the vehicle is used by other members of your household, ask them as well. This will form a wish list for your next purchase.

Create a priorities worksheet, to help when comparing automobiles objectively. Write down items and a value from 1 to 10 (10 being critical) for each. Do some preliminary research into costs. See what is usually included, and what features are optional. Create an initial budget for the vehicle. Evaluate if it is within your monthly means. Scale back your wish list if necessary.