Tips for Finding the Right Car for Your Family

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Getting married, landing a new job, or expecting another baby? Such life events may prompt you to be in the market for a new car. Car shopping can be a tricky and time-consuming process, especially for first-timers. Here are a few tips to help you get started on the right track:

1. Narrow down your search. With so many makes and models available on the market, it is important to narrow down your search based on your needs and priorities. Things to think about may include the type of car you need (sedan, SUV, minivan, etc.), specific features you would like to have (such as built-in navigation system, automatic doors, remote start, or obstacle detection), and primary use and user of the vehicle. For us, safety features are always of top priority when shopping for a car. More space for passenger and storage is preferred, as our family keeps growing. You may shorten your list even further if you have a clear price range in mind. Fuel efficiency also helps limit your search if you are looking to save money in the long run.

2. Take your time to do research. Once you've narrowed down your shopping list to a few models, it is time to do some in-depth research about the candidates. There are quite a few online resources you can utilize to perform your research and Cars.com is a great one to start with. Their website provides a huge amount of information and several useful tools to help consumers make a better-informed car purchase. Their "Videos & Reviews" feature, for instance, offers extensive and unbiased reviews that cover both pros and cons of a model. They also have a number of great articles offering practical tips and advice for car shoppers.

3. Comparison shop both online and offline. For the average family, a new car is a big ticket purchase. You may want to take the time to compare and shop around to find the car that best fits your family and your lifestyle at the best price possible. Cars.com allows you to compare up to 4 models side by side, including key features, pricing, and fuel economy. You can even customize the comparison with the information that matters most to you. Besides comparison shopping online, you are advised to visit different dealers, test drive the models you consider purchasing, and negotiate for the most competitive price. Make sure you do your research and online comparison before you go talk to a dealer. Showing the person selling the car you are well prepared will help you get as close as possible to a fair price.

Hope you will find these tips and the resources I recommend helpful for your next car purchase. Good luck and drive safely!