Purchasing a new car is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll ever have. But to make the right decision, it’s important to do your research before going into a dealership.

The following is a helpful guide of three essential factors to consider when purchasing a new or used vehicle.

# 1
– What Do You Need The Car For?

Your lifestyle often determines the type of vehicle you need, and there are many things to consider when making this decision. Think about how you’ll be using the car daily, where you often go, and what’s more important: comfort or saving gas?

These are all questions that you should answer with care, as they will help you determine the type of vehicle that best suits your lifestyle and needs. Once you’ve decided this, you can then move on to step two.

#2 –
How Much Is Sales Tax?

It’s important to factor in the sales tax on the car purchase in addition to the total price. Some states like Oregon have no sales tax, while others like New York or California have a fairly high sales tax. The most moderate taxes will be the Arizona car sales tax which hovers between 6 to 8 percent depending on the county where you purchase.

# 3
– Do You Want To Lease Or Own?

A lease can be an excellent choice for people who want to own their vehicle at the end of their contract. It essentially allows you to drive a brand new vehicle while only paying the price of monthly payments. However, it’s important to remember that when your lease ends, so does your car!

Owning a car means that you will have to pay a higher cost upfront but not pay monthly payments, which is a significant financial relief. However, you will have to maintain the car and factor in repairs and servicing when determining your budget for a new or used vehicle purchase.

These three steps should help guide you as you decide what type of car to buy.