It’s easy to get caught up in car fever. Whether you see all of the exciting new automobiles on the market or you hear about the competition for used vehicles, it doesn’t take much to start thinking about picking up a new ride for yourself.

If you’re thinking about shopping for new or used vehicles any time soon, here are five things you should consider before making that purchase:

Take Inventory Of Your Needs

There are so many styles and options on the auto market right now that it can be a bit overwhelming to decide which vehicle is right for you. Your goal should be to narrow down your options so you can focus on finding the right fit.

Start by determining what you need for your automobile. Drivers who need a fuel-efficient daily commuter might look at hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, or small sedans. Those with families to haul around should consider SUVs and minivans. Shoppers who need power for the worksite can look at pickup trucks.

You should also make a list of elements that are must-haves and features that would be nice, even if not necessary. Do you need heated seats? A banging stereo system with a large touchscreen display? Advanced safety systems?

Once you determine what kind of car and which features you need, you should be able to zero in on a few options that fit the bill. Now you can start searching local dealerships to see what is available.

Check Your Credit

Unless you have cash saved up for your next car, you’re going to have to secure financing. The first place to start is by pulling your credit report. Your credit score will determine what kinds of rates you can get or if you’ll run into roadblocks getting approved.

Even if your credit score isn’t in great shape, you can still finance a variety of used vehicles. Once you rebuild your credit, you can only shop for brand-new options.

Explore Loans

After deciding which car is right for you, the most important thing in the car buying process is your loan. This is the time to explore your best options for financing. You can check with local banks or credit unions to see what kinds of rates you’ll get.

It’s also worth letting your dealer make an offer. They can often match or beat financing options from other lenders. Plus, your dealer might have some other incentives to make the deal even sweeter.

If you’re thinking about leasing your next car, it’s even more important that you work with your local dealer.

Go For A Test Drive

When you’re ready to get a closer look at whatever vehicle has caught your attention, make sure to schedule a test drive. While most dealerships allow walk-in appointments, you’ll save time by scheduling ahead of time. You can even line up a couple of test drives back to back.

If you’re shopping for used vehicles, it may even be worth having an independent mechanic inspect the car. You want to be sure that the vehicle you’re taking home isn’t going to throw surprises at you down the road.

It’s Time To Negotiate

Now that you’ve done your homework, found a great car, secured the right financing, and test drove your dream car, it’s time to make a deal. Luckily, there are tons of resources out there to help you know the value of a car, including used vehicles.

You can negotiate every step of the process, from your trade-in to dealer upgrades. Ultimately, you want to be comfortable with the price you’re paying for the vehicle.

With the right preparation and homework, you’ll be cruising the open road in your upgraded ride in no time.