If you're in the market for a car because you commute to work now, or will be in the near future, you have a few considerations to think about. Buying a car is a big financial commitment, especially now when car prices have seen tremendous increases. And you also want a vehicle that will be dependable, reliable, and safe in all sorts of weather.

Here are a few key questions to think about if you're looking for your next set of wheels:

Narrow your choices

• What's your budget? Do you have a nice chunk of cash to put down as a down payment, or will you make larger monthly payments instead? What will it cost to insure the car? Do you have strong credit to qualify for the best auto loan rates? If it’s an older vehicle, don’t forget to budget for maintenance and repairs, too.
  
  
• Will it double as a family car that needs to be more spacious? If you’re using the car to go back and forth to work only, a small commuter car — even if it's older with lots of miles — might be the way to go. But if you’re carpooling your kids’ little league teammates around, or planning to take road trips, then a larger vehicle could be warranted.
  
  
• How long is your commute? According to 2021 U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the average one-way commute in the United States was 27.6 minutes as of 2019. Driving a few quick miles locally is a lot different than sitting in highway traffic for an hour or more each way, however. More driving means that you’ll be using more gas, so considerations like gas mileage or choosing a hybrid or electric vehicle might become more important. You also might want to avoid a used car with too many miles if you'll be piling on a lot more.
  
  
• What kind of terrain will you be driving on, and what's the climate like? People who live in hilly or snow and ice-prone areas might be more inclined to go with an SUV that has all-wheel drive and a powerful engine, for example. 

Determine car preferences

Once you think about these factors, the next step is to consider the features of your ideal car.

New or used?

Deciding if you want to go with a new or used car often comes down to budget. According to Kelley Blue Book, as of March 2022, the average new car in America sold for about $45,900, while the average used card went for around $27,250. In addition, because of supply chain issues with chip technology, the supply of both new and used cars is limited. 

That said, some pros of buying new include having the latest features, they are less likely to break down, and they have warranty protection. But you’ll pay a higher sticker price and more in insurance, and the value depreciates quickly. Certified preowned cars can cost almost as much as new ones since they are only a year or two old. 

Regular used cars can be less expensive overall and cheaper to insure, but they come with less warranty protection and are likely to require more frequent repairs and maintenance.

Gas, hybrid, or electric?

Choosing which type of power you want your vehicle to have comes down to costs and preference. Traditional gas-powered vehicles are usually the least expensive of the options up-front, they tend to have more power, and fueling up is convenient with gas stations in abundance. But they aren’t as environmentally friendly, and gas prices continue to climb year over year, making greener options more attractive.

Hybrid cars combine features of both gas and electric cars, allowing you to fuel up less often. They are pricier than gas cars, but you’ll save at the pump, and they have a good resale value.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are expensive up-front, but the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory report estimates that driving an EV can save a driver around $1,000 per year in fuel costs. EVs have shorter driving ranges, and finding a charging station could be more challenging depending on where you live. On the positive side, they are climate-friendly, can be charged at home, and won’t need oil changes.

Make and model preferences 

• Size and type: Depending on your needs, you should first decide whether you can get a smaller car or whether you’ll need a vehicle like an SUV or minivan that has more room for bigger groups of people. Look at various models to get an idea of your options.
  
  
• Safety: It’s always smart to check safety ratings and read up on features that protect you. If you’re buying used, be sure to also get a CarFax report, and follow up with a thorough test drive and mechanic check-up.
  
  
• Extras: Is having a navigation system important to you? What about heated seats, a backup camera, or a moon roof? Forgoing some bells and whistles can keep your costs lower, so keep that in mind. 

If you need a car to get you back and forth from work, choosing the right vehicle comes down to the type of driving you'll be doing, how much you can afford to spend, and what you want out of your driving experience. Once you have an idea of your parameters, test drive and research the prospective vehicles, get your financing in order, and choose the best car to get you to work safe and sound.

Are you in the market for a new car? Whether you’re saving up or building your credit, we have the tools to help get you on the road.