Time to trade in or get a new lease or just get another car, huh? There are three easy things you can do to make your life a little easier when it comes to making a decision.
1. Compare different models
Since you probably know what you want in terms of the size and shape of the vehicle (you might even have a particular model in mind), check out some of the comparisons out there that compare similar types. You may be a diehard Subaru fan (thank you), but you might find some features on another vehicle that surprise you. It's important to know what's out there so you can know better what you want.
Stanley Subaru has comparisons across makes (and within makes!) ready for your perusal.
Lately, we've been doing base model to base model comparisons, so you can know exactly where your money is going when you buy! There are other places to look, certainly. Car magazines like Edmunds and Car and Driver do a pretty good job of letting you know what's out there. Auto magazines like Edmunds tend to favor the high-trim levels in what they look at and review, which means they may be fascinated (and play with) features that cost more money than you're interested in. It's another reason we try to compare base models. Most manufacturers make plenty of bells and whistles, but not all of them come standard.
Be aware that every place that does a comparison is going to have a perspective. We happen to think Subarus tend to be the best (that's why we choose to sell them after all), but we try to tout the features and value of all manufacturers that make quite good showing (we tend to sell those ones used!). There are plenty of good cars out there! Some places might not try to be as fair as we try, so it pays to keep in mind where you're getting your information. The more informed you are, the faster and easier your car shopping experience!
Find the model you want!
2. Third party reviews
Get the opinions of people who don't have a vested interest in whether or not you specifically buy a car but who also know what they're talking about.
US News Rankings and Reviews. They have it right in their name. They rank and review stuff!
Consumer Reports. Consumer Reports collects reviews and ratings from actual people who have the actual vehicle. They survey how actual drivers feel, so you can get an idea of how a vehicle might fit your needs based on real vehicles people live with.
Edmunds. It's what they do. They tend to skew interest toward the higher trims, and their standards aren't always applicable to normal, every day driving, but they know their stuff.
IIHS. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the safety of vehicles. You should know how safe the car you want to drive is.
3. Check local dealers for incentives
Save yourself some money.
Dealers will offer not only manufacturer's specials, but monthly specials and other proprietary programs. Check with your local dealers to see what's on offer. At Stanley Subaru, not only do we have monthly specials, we offer Tires for Life on new vehicles, Lifetime Powertrain Protection on certain used vehicles, complimentary loaner vehicles, and coffee for life! Depending on how much you like coffee, that could be a real motivator.
