You've decided to buy a used car, but you're not sure where to begin. With so many makes and models available, how do you know which is the right used vehicle for you? From cars to trucks, and vans to SUVs, the possibilities are endless. Start by asking yourself these questions so you can narrow down your choices.

1. What do I need? Although there are a lot of things you may want in a car, think about what you really need. Size is important. If you have a family that you will be transporting, a 2-door coupe doesn't make sense. Think about car seats, cargo space, towing capability, AWD, safety features and fuel economy. What is necessary? Then consider your wants.
2. What is my budget? Unless you are paying cash, you will need to finance your car. If you are planning to finance, you will need a down payment and an affordable monthly payment that works within your budget. As a general rule, your car payment should not exceed 20% of your monthly budget.
3. What is the overall cost of ownership? Before you make a decision, you should estimate the overall cost of owning the vehicle. Think about insurance, repairs, fuel costs and depreciation. Even if two cars are the same initial amount, one may be more expensive to repair, cost more to insure or depreciate faster.
4. Is it safe and reliable? Does the car you want have a good safety and reliability rating or will you be in and out of the shop having repairs done? Research the vehicles you are interested in before you make a purchase. The last thing you want to do is buy a vehicle that is unsafe or causes you problems.

At Hometown Auto, we can help you narrow down your choices to find a vehicle that suits your needs and wants. We offer Buy Here, Pay Here financing with terms you can afford, even if you have bad credit or no credit history. View our inventory online or stop by our High Point or Winston-Salem locations.