When you go to buy a new car, there are some very important things to keep in mind. Finding the right car is not merely a function of cruising the car lots, looking for something that you like. There is a delicate balance of what you like, features, and also price range. You have to take your budget into consideration when you purchase a new car. Sometimes budget considerations outweigh things like leather seats and a sporty look. Occasionally, the right car may not be exactly what you want, but rather a compromise to find a car that you can afford, and that you like "well enough.

" First and foremost, your budget should be the main thing you consider when looking for a new car. This is because if you cannot afford it, you are not going to be able to buy it anyway. If you are paying entirely in cash, you should have an idea of how much you have to spend. Do not forget that in most places you will have to pay sales tax, as well as the price of the car, and that you will also have to pay title and license fees. All of these extra expenses figure into how much you will have to pay for your car. If you are planning on financing your car purchase, as most people do, it is a good idea to know before hand how much you will have lent to you.

You bring in your down payment, and the car dealership can look at your credit and determine how much they are willing to loan you to buy your car. This is also true of a bank or credit union. You should go in and get pre-approved for a car loan before you even begin shopping for a new car. You will have to make sure that you budget can handle the monthly loan payments on your auto loan. After you have your budget constraints figured out, it is time to look at cars.

Try to look only at cars in your price range. That way you will not be disappointed that you cannot get something that you like, but that may be too expensive for you to buy. Make sure that you tell any salesperson that you talk to that you are interested ONLY in a certain price range. Insist that he or she show you cars in that price range.

That way you can look for things that catch your eye, but that you know you can afford. Next, you look for features. Features like air conditioning, power seats, and leather interior are all "bonuses." Compare the features that come in cars that you like the look of. This way you can decide between two or three cars that are at the top of your list.

Really, looking at features should be the way you make your final decision, after narrowing down cars you like in your price range. Your car buying experience will be much easier if you follow these tips.

Learn more about car buying, as well as different makes and models at the Automotive Spot