Car Coach: Select the Right Make & Model

Select the Right Make & Model

Understanding Vehicle Types
Questions You Should be Asking
New or Used?
Researching Makes and Models using the Internet
Researching Makes and Models at the Showroom
Researching Makes and Models during a Test Drive
New Car Options
Safety Options
Comfort and Convenience Options
Appearance Options
Engine and Transmission Options
Suspension, Wheel and Tire Options

Understanding Vehicle Types
In order to find your new car, you need to decide which vehicle type meets your needs and desires:

Sedan	4-door body and a conventional trunk.
Coupe	2-door body that has a fixed glass rear window and a trunk.
Convertible	Roof may be removed or folded and stored in the furnished compartment.
Wagon	4-door body similar to a sedan with a roofline that extends past the rear doors.
Hatchback	2-door body that has a large rear hatch opening into a cargo area.
Pickup	2-door or 4-door body with an exposed cargo box. Comes in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
SUV	Sport Utility Vehicle. Initially made for off-road driving. Comes in 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive.
Crossover	Combines characteristics of multiple vehicle types such as car and SUV or SUV and truck.
Van / Minivan	Short hood and box-shaped body enclosing a large cargo/passenger area. Often has sliding side doors.
Hybrid	Combines a gasoline engine and electrical drive motors to produce great fuel economy. May be any vehicle type.

Questions You Should Be Asking
The following questions will help you determine which vehicle type fits your lifestyle and your budget.

What is the largest number of people you will have in your vehicle at least once every few months?

1 or 2	Consider anything you want, even a two-seater sports car or small pickup.
3 or 4	Start with a four-door sedan.
5 but not more	A large sedan, wagon or SUV will accomodate your passengers, but if you also need to haul their gear, go for a wagon or SUV.
6 to 8	You need a minivan.
More than 8	You need a full-size van.

What is the largest item or combination of items you are likely to carry in your vehicle at least once every few months?

Look at the largest dimensions and make sure it will fit in the trunk or cargo area. For example, a sheet of plywood will not fit flat in every pickup bed.

What is the cubic-foot volume (length x width x heighth) of the cargo you are likely to carry in your vehicle regularly?

Less than 15	A compact sedan will have sufficient space.
15 to 20	A mid-size or full-size sedan will have sufficient space.
20 to 40	You will need at least a station wagon with the rear seat down or an SUV.
More than 50	You will need an SUV with the seats folded or a van.

What is the major reason you will be buying the car?

Short Distance Commuting (less than 1/2 hour per day)
Spend as little as you can - a used car perhaps? Make sure it is reliable enough to get you to work or the train station every day. If you commute alone, a compact or small pickup may work well. Since your car will be sitting in a company or train station parking lot much of the time, stay away from cars that are popular with thieves.

Long Distance Commuting (1/2 hour or more per day)
Comfort may be important. Quality of the sound system may matter more. Operating costs become a large factor - good fuel economy and low maintenance costs may be important. Consider passenger comfort if you belong to a car pool. Reliability is important.

Business
If you haul or make sales calls, you already know what you need. Consider whether image is important. If you drive clients to lunch or meetings, think of leg room and ease of entry and exit to the backseat. If you routinely drive clients around, look for comfortable backseats and a quiet ride.

Transporting the Family
A minivan can fit the kids, their friends, and all their stuff. They ride and park like cars and have reasonably good fuel economy. Look for flexible seating and cargo arrangement, ease of entry and exit, accommodation for child seats and entertainment availability. If the ability to cope with adverse weather conditions is important, many models come with all-wheel drive. Safety is a big consideration.

Home Handyman or Weekend Warrior
Pickups are ideal for landscaping and overall hauling flexibility. Do you like to rough it or do you want creature comforts? Is 4-wheel drive or high road clearance important? If a pickup seems right but keeping cargo dry is important, a pickup shell may be the answer. If you will be doing any towing, engine power needs consideration.

Showing Off
Look for great ride, great sound, pinpoint climate control, and comfort. Performance (acceleration and handling) may be important.

Shared Transportation
Get input from all the people that will drive the car.
- Do you have special needs, wants, or circumstances?
- How important is good gas mileage?
- Do you want a manual or automatic transmission?
- Do you need four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
- What safety features are important to you?
- Will the car fit in your garage or parking area?

By answering these questions, a picture of the car you need to buy will start to form. If the car you need to buy is not the car you want to buy, then it is better to work through the problem now than when you are behind the wheel at a dealer. If the choice is not obvious, you can make a list of several types of cars and let other factors help you decide. Maybe you will find that your budget will decide some aspects for you, or perhaps a test-drive will provide an answer.

The goal is to focus your thinking as much as possible before you move forward in the buying process.

New or Used?

Reasons for Getting a New Car

I don't want to buy anybody else's trouble.

I have enough money and I want that new car look and smell.

When I buy new, the dealer takes care of everything.

I have bad credit and need the dealer to get me a loan.

I need long-term warranties to take care of possible problems.

It is very important to get the color, style, and options I want.

I want the bragging rights that come with a new car.

New cars are better than used cars; I deserve the best.

New cars have up-to-date technology and I want that.

It may be almost as cheap to buy this particular car new as used.

Due to my finances, I need to lease or finance all car costs.

Reasons for Getting a Used Car

Used cars are cheap compared to new cars — I get more for your money.

A car loses as much as 40% of its value by the end of its first year. I can save money by buying a nearly new car that has depreciated for a year or more.

Most cars built and driven in North America can run for 8-10 years reliably.

Sales Tax savings.

Lower insurance premiums.

Lower financing costs.

Lower registration and license fees.

Reasons for NOT Getting a New Car

Budget may not stretch far enough.

More cost effective to buy a good used car.

Reasons for NOT Getting a Used Car

Greater chance of expensive repairs.

Higher maintenance costs for things like tires, batteries, brakes, mufflers.

Greater chance of unexpected breakdowns.

Takes more time and effort to find a really good used car.

Researching Makes and Models on the Internet

When spending tens of thousands of dollars on a car, the decision should be thought out carefully. Falling in love with a single model can blind you to alternative vehicles that may fit your needs better or make you skimp on researching a vehicle's ratings, reviews, reliability, safety or pricing information. To determine which vehicle is best for you, you should set emotion aside and do your homework, comparing different models and assessing your real wants and needs. Use the site's New Car Center to search for pictures, reviews, pricing, specifications, and other information for new models.

Before you go to a dealer, you might want to read what others have to say about the cars you will be driving. Here are a few links with searchable reviews that may prove useful:
Road and Track (expert reviews of new cars)
Car and Driver (user reviews of new and used cars)

Researching Makes and Models at the Showroom

Your objective is to evaluate the make/model, not the individual car. You can do a lot of that without even turning on the engine.

Take a good look at the car from every angle. Do you really like the appearance, or does the look somehow bother you?
Open the doors. Are the doors so heavy or handles so awkward that it is a strain to use them? Do the doorstops keep the doors open easily?
Can you open the hood easily and does it stay open? Is the motor easily set up for servicing? Are the oil, brake fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid, etc. easily accessible?
Get in the driver's seat. Was the entry easy? Did you bend unnaturally or hit anything on the way in? Does it feel like your are sitting too low or too high in the car?
Adjust the driver's seat and steering column. Do you have enough head room and leg room? Do your hands feel natural on the steering wheel? Can you see the speedometer or is it blocked by the steering wheel? Look over your shoulder as if backing up. How is the visibility?
Do the headrests feel natural and can they be adjusted? Are the radio and environmental controls easy to find and use? Are the mirrors easy to adjust?
Do you like the sound system? Check out the look and feel of other options such as navigation and cruise control.
Will the lights automatically turn off when the engine shuts down? Are there map lights and do they work well?
Are there adequate pockets or pidgeon holes for maps, a garage door opener, cell phones, and other small items? Are there cupholders?
Can you easily attach and adjust the seat belts? Can you see over the hood? Can you easily see into the backseat to talk to others or watch your kids?
Now, get out of the driver's seat and get into the rear seat behind it. Will your passengers have enough leg room for reasonable comfort? Was it easy to get in and out? You may want to bring a child seat and make sure it can be easily inserted and removed.
Open the trunk or look at the passenger/cargo area. Is it long and wide enough to hold the cargo you will transport? If seats must be removed or adjusted to make cargo room, take time to change the configuration. Is it a simple, one-person task? How much strength does it require?
Where is the spare tire? Is it simple to get to?

Researching Makes and Models during a Test Drive

Now that you've done some on-line research and started to narrow down your choices, it is time to actually drive the cars you are considering. Maybe you have a friend or relative that owns that type of vehicle and will let you take a test-drive in a relaxed environment. If you are considering several models, you may want to test-drive each vehicle, one after another, so you can compare them. To do that, you will likely have to visit one or more vehicle dealers.

Start the engine. Did it start easily? Turn the car on and off several times. Is the steering column easy to lock and unlock?
Does the car maneuver well at low speed getting out of the parking lot? How is the turning radius? Will you be able to make a U-turn? Can you parallel park easily?
How is the acceleration? Is there enough acceleration to easily merge into freeway traffic? How about going up a hill?
Is the car powerful enough? Does it pass easily? Will it be able to get up hills when loaded? Is there power at low and high speeds or does it die at higher speeds?
If a manual transmission, is it smooth? How does it feel while shifting? Is it too easy to mix up the gears?
If an automatic transmission, does it shift smoothly and at the right times?
How is the steering at high speeds? Does it understeer or oversteer around corners?
Do the brakes work smoothly without a lot of pressure? Would you feel comfortable doing a panic stop?
Is the car quiet when stopped, moving and accelerating? How is the wind noise at higher speeds?
Is the ride too hard or too soft?
How is the vibration at high speeds and on rougher roads? Does the engine idle smoothly at stops?
Is visibility good in all directions? Are there any major blind spots? Are the instruments easily visible?

Take notes when you are through with the test drive. If you take several test-drives in one day, you will forget details about the earlier cars unless you write them down. Now, go on to the next test-drive. You might like the next car a lot better. If you like more than one car, you will be in a stronger bargaining position when it comes time to buy.

Salespeople know that the test-drive is an ideal time to influence people to buy a vehicle. What can you say to them? Tell them that you are "cross-shopping several different models. You need to test-drive them all before you can make a decision. You will test-drive the vehicle and leave. If you like the vehicle, and like the way you are treated by the dealership, you will return and buy the vehicle from them". You are "test-driving" your salesman as well as test driving the car. Is this someone you want to deal with to make a major economic decision? Were your wishes treated with respect or did you feel pressured to buy now?

During the test drive, the salesperson may begin asking you leading questions. No matter how much you love the vehicle, remain non-committal. If the salesman senses interest, he will press the issue. You don't want pressure at this point. If you are interested in buying the vehicle you drove, you should copy the figures on the window sticker including the cost and options. Record the stock number so you can locate it again. The salesman may invite you inside to begin negotiations. Don't go! Resist offers of brochures, coffee or offers to "see what kind of payments we can put together." Take a business card and leave. Remember, you are there to shorten your list of prospective makes and models -- not to buy a vehicle right now. Use the Pocket Buyer's Toolkit checklist to remember everything you should. Take along a friend that you can depend on to keep you to your plan and help you take notes.

New car options

New car options may researched using New Car Central. Most vehicles are built with packages of popular option and trim combinations. Not all options are available separately, and some options and accessories may not be available in all regions. Options and trim packages may increase the base price of a vehicle by 50% or more. Think carefully before you set your heart on all the "bells and whistles". Think back to the main uses for the vehicle and select options that will be used at least every couple of months or will bring great satisfaction during use. Remember that your vehicle may last for many years. Ask yourself what options will be important when your children are several years older, etc.

Safety Options - How much is enough?

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Prevents wheels from locking during a stop on slippery surfaces or in an emergency, helping you maintain control of the vehicle. ABS has a spotty track record when it comes to reducing crashes and insurance claims, but it can be invaluable in a tight spot.
Advantages	Better control, prevention of skids.
Disadvantages	High initial cost, greater complexity, potential for expensive repairs as the car ages.
Brake Assist
Applies full braking in a real emergency (some drivers do not apply brakes hard enough in a panic stop).
Stability Control Enhancement
Senses a skid condition and automatically corrects. May be useful for motorists who often drive on slippery surfaces.
Traction Control
Stops wheels from spinning by regulating the engine power and selectively applying the brakes. Not a substitute for 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, but can help greatly when the vehicle has the right tires for the road conditions. May be packaged along with ABS for an additional cost.
Side-Impact Air Bags
Protects the head and torso of people sitting next to the door in the event of a side-impact crash. Care must be taken with the seating of children in the car, since the air bags may be designed to protect upright adult occupants.
Cargo Nets
Prevents cargo items from hitting occupants in a crash or sudden, violent maneuver.
Electric Rear-Window Defroster
Clears the rear window of dew or frost on the outside or condensation on the inside. These defrosters are very useful to provide good visibility in difficult conditions. Some even heat the outside rearview mirrors to keep them clear of frost or condensation.
Limited Slip Differential
Another apparatus to keep you from getting stuck. In rear-wheel drive vehicles, they sometimes complicate handling. Requires special fluids and may require more frequent maintenance than regular differentials.
Security System
Since stolen vehicles are more apt to be in accidents, security is included with safety.
Advantages	Factory systems work well, some insurance companies give discounts.
Disadvantages	If they fail, your car may be disabled and won't start for you.

Comfort and Convenience Options - What is useful and affordable?

Navigation Systems
Shows you where you are and how to reach your destination. Most give a visual indication on a screen and also provide verbal commands regarding where to turn. Useful to reduce confusion at intersections and eliminates the need to stop to ask for directions.
Advantages	Very helpful when driving in unfamiliar territory.
Disadvantages	Expensive. Routes may not be optimum and information may need to be updated frequently.
Telematics
Sends emergency service to your location in the event of a crash. The owner pays a subscription fee and can use the service not only for emergencies but also to unlock a door when you've locked yourself out, to get directions, etc. The service can trace your vehicle if it is stolen.
Air Conditioning
Provides comfort on hot days. It is almost always installed at the factory.
Advantages	Comfort in the summer. Quickly defogs windows. Allows driving with the windows closed to reduce noise and increase safety.
Disadvantages	Expensive to purchase. Expensive to repair.
Upgraded Seating Packages
Try before you buy: check comfort and visibility. Leather upholstery wears well and conveys a sense of luxury, but the initial cost is expensive.
Heated Seats
Push a button and in a few minutes the seat gets warm. Initial costs vary widely. It may be combined with a heated steering wheel and can make driving a cold car more comfortable.
Power Accessories
Power windows, mirrors, locks, seats, etc.
Advantages	Makes it easy to make proper adjustments to increase safety and comfort.
Disadvantages	Repairs can be costly as the car ages.
Premium Sound and Video Entertainment Systems
Make sure that they won't distract the driver. The sky is the limit here -- let your needs and pocketbook be your guide.
Cruise Control
Reduces physical effort and prevents right-leg cramps on long trips.
Advantages	May help you keep your speed down (safety factor) and can lead to more fuel-efficient operation.
Disadvantages	Can be a hazard if improperly used in heavy traffic, on winding roads, or in limited traction conditions.
Sunroof
Open air sensation of a convertible with the security and strength of a normal roof. Some types reduce headroom by sliding back inside the car. Other types manually pop open from the outside, but cannot be closed quickly if it starts raining. They are usually expensive to buy and repair.
Remote Controls on the Steering Wheel
Lets you change the sound system, environmental controls, etc. without taking a hand off the wheel.
Trip Computer
Provides useful information such as fuel consumption, miles driven since the last fillup, etc.

Appearance Options

Premium Trim Packages
Combination of appearance and option upgrades. Often increases the vehicle base price by thousands of dollars.
Rear Spoilers
May offer little or no stabilization value at legal speeds and may block rear visibility.
Aerodynamic Packages
Usually a combination of under-bumper spoilers and lower side body cladding. Expensive to buy and repair and easily damaged by curbs and road debris. Serves no practical function at legal speeds, but may increase the curb appeal
Alloy Wheels
Have negligible effect on riding comfot and handling.
Advantages	Stylish.
Disadvantages	Expensive, fragile and easily damaged by potholes and curbs.

Engine and Transmission Options

Engines
Standard engine is usually sufficient for most buyers. Sometimes the larger engine only comes with other upgrades such as premium trim packages. Trucks usually have a large variety of choices to meet your needs for towing, hauling heavy loads, etc. Some engines use turbochargers or superchargers to increase engine power, but they are prone to failure and expensive to repair. More powerful engines usually require more gas, so be sure you really need or want the extra power and are willing to keep paying for it.
Transmissions
Try the transmission and engine combination together before you sign a contract.
Automatic Transmissions
Clutch-free driving has wide appeal. There is almost no fuel economy difference between automatic transmissions and manual transmission on new cars. Automatic transmissions are more likely to need repair and are more expensive to repair than manual transmissions.
Manual Transmissions
Some people like to feel the car. Look for at least five forward gears. An unskilled driver can quickly wear out a clutch, and repairs are not inexpensive.

Suspension, Wheel, and Tire Options

Suspensions
Stiffer suspension components give a firmer ride. Generally a firmer suspension produces a safer, more stable, better-handling vehicle.
Wheels and Tires
Most vehicles come with all-season tires that meet needs well. Performance tires have better cornering ability and shorter stopping distances, but perform poorly in snow. These tires also make a vehicle ride more firmly than with a standard tire and tend to follow road imperfections more. For most, all-season tires are best.

Use the site's New Car Center while investigating options and trim packages for your new car. All available options and packages are included, and you can see the dealer cost for each option as you add it.

about us