Four Vital Points to Consider When Shopping for a New Car

Apr 28, 2025

Let the experts here at Classic guide you on your journey to selecting the perfect car for your lifestyle and budget. We’re here to help you navigate the ins-and-outs of selecting a car, by highlighting three easy talking points for families and individuals to jumpstart your shopping. When you’re ready to buy, just head on into our dealerships and our trusted, experienced sales staff will have you behind the wheel of the safest, budget friendly vehicle in no time!

Decide on your budget.
- Paying for a car up front can save you a lot of money in the long run. Set a budget that you can comfortably afford to pay via cash or check, and avoid costly interest fees on loans. Remember to include title fees/transfers, registration costs, and initial insurance payments in that budget.
- Check your credit and know in advance if you’ll need a co-signer; younger drivers generally need someone to cosign with more established credit.
- The purchase price also has additional fees such as: title fees, a down payment requirement, initial insurance payments, and other potential upfront costs.

Decide whether you’re going for a new or used car.
- Newer cars are the most advanced options, and have lower associated repair costs, but they do require financing or leasing and more expensive insurance.
- Older used cars can be a more economical option up front, you’ll have a wider variety of makes/models to choose from, but there is always a higher risk for repairs and maintenance.
- Weigh both as a family and decide which you prefer. Make sure all of your car searches factor in the following: safety features, reliability and longevity, fuel economy, tech and digital features, vehicle resale value.

Do thorough research on your options.
- Decide what features are must-haves and what you can do without. Each make and model year of car has different features and amenities. It’s up to you and your lifestyle to find the right match of indispensable electronic and convenience features. Consider things like: Do you need a GPS? Can you do without satellite radio or do you require digital interfaces? Will a hybrid, all electric, or gas vehicle be best for your daily driving needs? Do you need room for equipment such as sports gear, bikes, luggage, school supplies, etc?
- Figure out your daily mileage (home to school and back, school to work and back, average weekend visits with friends) and determine your average gas costs.
- Research average insurance coverage costs and payments for the make/model of cars you’re looking at, and best coverage that ensures your safety and fits within your budget.
- Research average repair costs for the vehicles over the first few years as well as the lifetime of the vehicle.
Make a shortlist of vehicles you’d like to look at (3 is a good starting point) and head to the dealership to see them in person.
- Call your local dealership and request to schedule an appointment for a test drive. (Refer to our previous blog about maximizing your test drive experience to get the full experience!)
- Make a list of the pros and cons of each driving experience, and how it relates to your daily commute and activities.
- Read all financial paperwork and sales agreements very carefully. If you’re a younger driver, be sure to bring along a parent or guardian who can help you navigate the agreements and negotiate your best deals.

Do you have a first-time car buying tip that helped your family find the right fit financially and practically? Do you have any tips or tricks that worked well for you that we can pass along to younger or teen drivers shopping for their first car? Let us know in the comments!