So you need a new vehicle.  How do you cut costs, especially when more kids and more stuff might mean getting a different car? According to AutoTrader.com, here are three money-saving tips to change the way you shop for a vehicle:

1. Pay for what you need.

The line between “need” and “want” is invisible sometimes, especially when you visit a car dealership. Logic tends to fly out the window when you take a test drive and imagine yourself behind the wheel of a new ride. Determine beforehand what you need versus what you want. Then, when it’s time to pick a vehicle, be willing to give in on a few “wants” to get a few more “needs.”

2. Walk through the week.

Think about what you should make a priority when it comes to car features. If you don’t usually watch DVDs on trips then don’t make a DVD player a priority. If a third-row seat is something you’ll never use, then skip that, too. Imagine how you’ll use the car during an average week and then shop against that reality.

3. Think about maintenance.

It’s not fun to think about the maintenance costs for a car you haven’t purchased yet. Test drives are fun. Turning up the stereo and kicking the tires, those activities are enjoyable. But to cut ownership costs, investigate your potential maintenance costs. Information is available online and in magazines, but you can also talk to mechanics. Ask the person who changes your oil about models that have bad repair records. Speak with a friend who repairs cars or even ask one of the employees of the shop at a dealership. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get good information.

These are just a few of the many ways you can cut the cost of your next family vehicle.

Thanks to autotrader for the helpful info. Visit  to access the Lifestyle Center, learn more about the right type of car for you and find some more helpful articles and tips!