When preparing to purchase a new car, the most important thing is to make sure that you have a clear idea of what you are looking for. This is an investment that you should be happy with for years down the road, and asking yourself a few basic questions will help get you in the proper mindset:

What Am I Going to Use this Car for?— City or highway driving? Do you need a space for your family, or do you do a lot of camping and need room for your supplies?

What Style of Car Do I Want?— Avoid discounting the stylistic appeal of any automobile you are considering. Whether you're looking for a sedan, sports car, or SUV, you're going to want to be happy to look at your new vehicle in your driveway or garage for years to come.

How Important Is Safety?— This is perhaps the most important consideration. Safety should be a primary consideration in any car purchase.

Another category of questions are the ones you should ask a car dealer / seller before making a final purchase to avoid buying a "lemon." You will want to inquire about a car's reliability, gas mileage, durability (how many miles can you expect to get out of it), among others. If you are looking at a used car, be sure to ask about the vehicle's repair history, to see if there are any chronic problems that could hassle you a few months (or merely weeks!) down the road.