Not surprisingly, more and more people are doing their “homework” before buying a car (new or used), and much of that homework is done online. 

For example, the top five most researched vans/minivans on AutoTrader.com are:

1)      2008 Dodge Grand Caravan

2)      2009 Volkswagen Routan

3)      2005 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

4)      2008 Chrysler Town & Country

5)      2007 Honda Odyssey (I own a 2007 Odyssey and I LOVE IT — that’s my own personal plug. Honda didn’t pay me to say that.)

Certainly, in these challenging economic times, making the right decision about what car to buy is more important than ever, and many people are using online sites like Autotrader.com to help them make that decision. Now,  Autotrader.com offers the Lifestyle Center, a new tool that allows consumers to search for cars based on their lifestyle preferences, featuring Family Focus, Going Green, Smart Saver, Trend Watch and Work & Play sections. The Family Focus section provides the top researched SUVs, minivans and wagons, allowing consumers to see what their peers are looking at most often, and also includes articles and tips on topics like what to keep in the car in case of an emergency, what to look for in a family car, correct installation of a baby seat and more.

Here are some  money-saving tips from the Family Focus Center to consider when you’re buying a car:

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. Visit the Lifestyle Center to learn more about the right type of car for you and your family.

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