Have you been wanting to buy a car to replace your old one, and now you are finally ready to do it? It will help to know these tips before you head to a local dealership. 

Decide If You Want A Used Or New Car

A decision you'll need to make from the start is if you are going to buy a new or a used car. While there are pros and cons to both types of cars, the biggest difference is going to be the price. Some people simply like knowing that they are the only person that has driven the car and that they don't have to worry about wear and tear for quite some time. You will also be certain that the car has never been in an accident or treated poorly. Used cars have a value that is going to depreciate much slower than a new car, and help save you money overall. You'll also find that the taxes are going to be cheaper, which can save you money over time. 

Consider The Ongoing Costs

While many people look at the cost of a car to drive it off the lot, it's also important to consider the cost of maintaining the vehicle. Look at how many miles per gallon the vehicle gets, what the insurance costs are, and even if the vehicle is known for having more expensive repair costs due to parts and labor. 

Know How You'll Finance Your Purchase

One thing that you'll need to know is how you are going to pay for your car. Do you plan on paying for it all in cash? Do you need to get financing to pay off the car over time? Will somebody be helping you with the down payment? These are all important things to know because they'll certainly come up at the dealership when you've found a car that you love.

Know What Purpose The Car Will Have

You should think about what purpose the car will serve for you once it is yours. Is this a car that you are simply driving to work? Then you may want to look for a small sedan that has good gas mileage. Do you have kids that you are always driving around town? Then you'll need to have a minivan that can help fit your kids and all their stuff. As much as you may want that sports car, it may not be practical for the purpose it will serve. 

Visit a car dealership, such as Hart Nissan, for more information.