Figure out what you need

With so many models on the market and new designs being introduced all the time, it’s hard to know where to start when choosing a car. It’s so confusing that many people just buy the same model again — if they liked the last one — ignoring new and better choices. Others take recommendations from friends or buy something that catches their eye with sleek design or clever advertising.

There’s a much better way to pick the right car, a practical approach that also allows room for some fun.

Figure out what you need

Be honest now: How often do you really go to the mountains or pull a trailer or carry lumber? If you try to get something that does everything, you’ll end up buying too much car and paying dearly for it.

In life, there are needs and wants. When picking a car, start by understanding whether you need a car. If so, move on to narrowing down what kind you need. Write out those needs on a piece of paper. If you follow the list, your needs will lead you to the right car.

If you have a big family and need room for six passengers, your choice could be a no-brainer. If you’re single and like to go off-roading on the weekend, it’ll be obvious you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

But maybe you’re like a large section of the population: You want a car to be a kind of Swiss Army knife that prepares you for anything. In that case, prioritize. Usually, you’ll find there’s one thing you need 80% of the time. For example, most people use their car for commuting or picking up the kids from school. Write the primary use at the top of that “needs” list and view the rest more as “wants.”