With 200-plus new cars, pickups, minivans and SUVs on the market, the first step in your car-buying process is determining just what to buy. Unless money is no object, honestly try to distinguish between what you "need" and what you "want." People may crave a rugged, truck-like SUV, but may rarely venture off-road, spend two hours in freeway traffic every day, and need to fit in small parking spaces. Make a list of the features you must have, to narrow your vast options. Ask yourself: How many people or pets do you haul around on a regular basis? Do you need lots of cargo and carrying room? Do you ski? Golf? Use the vehicle for work? How long is your commute? Do you make numerous road trips? Many miles, means greater fuel expense. The bigger the vehicle and the engine-the higher those will be. Do you want a manual or automatic transmission?

Do you want two or four-wheel drive?
Where do you live? Florida? Or in a rural area with bad weather? Four-wheel-drive is more expensive and eats more fuel, although an SUV or truck with 4WD tends to hold its resale value better. Consider what you TEND to do in your vehicles, not what you INTEND to do. If you do traverse rugged terrain, you also need capable tires, high ground clearance and heavy-duty suspension-not just 4WD.

Where do you park?
Will the vehicle fit in your garage or spot? If you park in congested or urban areas, will this vehicle prove a parking headache?