Ready for a New Car? How to Find the Best Fit

Choosing the right car can be exciting and daunting. To ensure you get the best deal on the best car for your needs, you’ll want to take time to establish what you’re looking for in a car before you start shopping.  

Here are some factors to consider as you search for the ideal car.

• Assess your needs: Consider functionality and how you plan to use the vehicle. How many passengers do you need to carry? Do you drive mostly on highways and city streets or off-road? Do you need to haul equipment or fit into tight parking spaces? Think about how your needs could change a few years down the road, too.
• Set your budget: Look at your monthly spending to see how much you can afford to put toward a car payment. You can use Navy Federal’s car loan calculator to run the numbers.
• Compare new vs. used: An older car might be cheaper, but potential repair costs could put a dent in your savings. To compromise, consider a car that’s two or three years old to get affordable modern features without the wear and tear of an older model. We offer free CARFAX Vehicle History Reports^TM to our members who are approved for a used auto loan through Navy Federal.^{Footnote 1} This allows them to make a more informed buying decision. You can also use our new versus used car calculator to consider the long-term costs.
• Identify must-have features: Create a list of non-negotiable items and another list of nice-to-have features (e.g., rear camera, keyless entry, navigation system, heated seats). If you’re buying new, resist add-ons you weren’t already planning to get. With so many vehicles and options to choose from, it can be difficult to make a decision.
• Review safety ratings: Newer cars have safety features beyond airbags and anti-lock brakes. These include crash avoidance features, such as auto emergency braking, forward collision warning and blind spot monitoring. You may want to consult safety ratings from sites such as iihs.org, a nonprofit organization focused on improving highway safety.

Get a preapproval

Making a smart car-buying decision isn’t just about the vehicle; it’s also about the financing. That’s why it makes sense to get preapproved for an auto loan from Navy Federal before you take a test drive. With a Navy Federal preapproved auto loan, you’ll be ready to close the deal with confidence. Check out our current auto rates and apply via mobile* or online.