Best Car Brands

Automobile cost 

Similar to a home or other large purchase, buying a new vehicle takes strategic financial planning. Past the initial price tag, you will need to factor in monthly payments, routine maintenance, and resale value. Try using the following car financing options and tips:

• Improve your credit score — Unless you are buying with cash, you need to build up your credit score so you can be approved for a loan. According to credit score experts, you should aim for a credit score above 660 if you are looking to buy a car. Seek extra help from a reputable credit repair company if you need advice on improving your credit score.
• Buy with loans — Before purchasing a car, determine what down payment you can afford. If you start with a large down payment, your monthly payments will be less and you will pay less in interest overall. A good rule of thumb is to pay back your car within three years or less. If you cannot meet the three year deadline, consider purchasing a cheaper car or waiting until you have more cash. Overall, loan financing is a great way to buy a car if you don’t have the total in cash. Once you have finished financing your car, you are the owner. 
• Lease a car — Leasing is a popular financing option for individuals who enjoy driving new cars and paying lower monthly rates. When you lease a car, you are essentially renting the car from the dealership. At the end of the lease, you return the car without any ownership. People lease cars to stay up-to-date with the newest models and to avoid maintenance fees common in older vehicles.

• Purchase with cash — Cash is the simplest method for purchasing a car. This option can save you hundreds to thousands in interest payments. However, you should take into account other expenses you may need the cash for in the next few months to years. Extensively review your finances before making the decision to buy with cash. First-time car buyers will often need to use a loan financing option.

On-going maintenance

Cars need routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations to preserve longevity and reliability. These costs should be factored into your personal car budget. Your maintenance costs will vary based on the make of the car. A luxury brand, like BMW or Mercedes, is more expensive to maintain because of limited service stations and specialty parts.

Resale value 

If you ever plan on selling your car, you should consider the resale value. The resale value is determined by factors including mileage, number of owners, accident history, age, and overall upkeep.

This information helps the prospective car buyer determine the vehicle's reliability. The resale value of an older car can be used to purchase your next vehicle. Maximize your resale value by keeping up with car maintenance and avoiding reckless driving.

Types of cars

Cars models can help you categorize what you want out of your car. You can make a decision on seating, truck space, and doors by finding the right model for your needs. Once you have a decision on the model, you can start exploring the different car brands. 

Brand

A major factor in choosing a car is the brand image. From the clothes we wear to the food we buy, consumer brands have internal associations that help build our own personal brand. A car purchase is no different.

While brand image is not the most important factor when buying a car, brands can help you make the final decision once you've narrowed down your options. Are you a mini-van or SUV family? Do you see yourself in a reliable Toyota corolla or a high-tech Tesla Model 3? Would you feel more confident in a pickup truck or a sports car? When choosing a car, pick the brand and model that best fits your lifestyle.

The market for used cars is just as popular as the market for new cars. Most dealerships today sell both new and used cars. The decision to buy new vs. used is based on your personal preference and car buying goals. Here are some general pros and cons to consider when deciding between a new vs. used car: 

New vs. used car

Car specifications

Information is thrown at you a hundred miles per hour when buying a car. You need to be able to understand the basic specifications of a car in order to purchase the car that makes sense for you. Before engaging in the car buying process, familiarize yourself with the following common car details such as fuel economy, price, towing capacity, seating, drivetrain, and safety features: 

• Fuel economy — Most often, new car models will have better gas mileage than old cars because of continued technological improvements. Fuel economy is important to consider for individuals with long commutes or consistent travel obligations. A hybrid or electric vehicle option reduces the need for gas which lowers your monthly cost of use. A reliable car brand will maintain its initial gas mileage average unless other problems arise that affect the fuel mixture or fuel efficiency.
• Towing capacity — Cars such as pickup trucks, SUVs, and crossovers have a towing capacity to measure additional weight that the engine can pull. Large vehicles with powerful engines can tow heavy trailers and equipment. If you and/or your family plans on owning a boat, trailer, jet skis, or other outdoor equipment, you should consider a car with enough horsepower and towing capacity to accommodate. 
• Price — The overall price will vary significantly between models and brands. Currently, the cheapest new car you can buy is a Nissan Versa priced at $12,815. When you are buying a new car, check to see if the dealership is offering any rebates or deals. This can help lower the price of newer vehicles. Spend sometime shopping around at dealerships to get an idea of the current car market. If you are purchasing a used car, check on an accredited website to see if a car price matches the industry average.
• Seating — When it comes to seating, plan ahead. This is when you get out your 5 to 10 year life plan. If you are married and plan on having children, you may consider purchasing a minivan or SUV that will accommodate more people. If you are in your younger years, a sedan with 5 car seats may be plenty. At the dealership, you can ask about seating material and adjustment options. 
• Drivetrain — The drivetrain determines which part of the car powers your driving. There are four main types of drivetrains: front-wheel-drive (FWD), rear-wheel-drive (RWD), all-wheel-drive (AWD), and four-wheel-drive (4WD). In FWD cars, the engine powers the front two wheels. For RWD, the engine powers the back wheels, and the front tires manage the steering. FWD is the most common type of drivetrain because of its improved fuel efficiency. The major difference between AWD and 4WD is that AWD powers all four wheels at all times. In contrast, 4WD remains in BWD most of the time except when needed for traversing difficult terrain. 4WD and AWD are best if you live in an area where it often rains and/or snows.
• Safety features — As technology improves, more safety features are required to meet industry standards. For example, a car manufacturer must include seat belts, airbags, electronic stability control, and adjustable child safety straps to maintain safety regulations. In higher-end models, you can get lane assistance, advanced back-up cameras, sensors, and even self-driving features. You may also choose extra safety features to increase dependability in winter weather conditions.