When you are in the market for a new car, whether it's new to you or brand new, it's far too easy to get carried away with the excitement and romance and forget all about the realities. You may yearn for a snazzy convertible with payments of $900 a month, and if that's what you truly want you can find a way to make it happen. But if other things are more important in your life right now, and you have to make compromises, you can still end up with a nice vehicle in your price range with the options you desire.

Here are a few considerations that should save you some frustration and enhance your hunt.

1.  FINANCING. The first thing to do is determine what you can afford. These days, all it takes is a simple phone call, night or day, to apply for a car loan. You can get some idea of how large a loan you qualify for in about half an hour. Once you have that information, you will know what price range to look at, you'll be able to strike a better deal with the seller, and you can work out a new budget to fit your new lifestyle.

2.  MANUFACTURER. Narrow down the kind of car you will be happy with. Which ones have you always admired? Daydream a little. You're touring down the highway, with the music beating and the gentle breeze cool, relaxing, sun shining on your face, beautiful scenery and no traffic. You are relaxed and happy. Who is with you? What are you driving?

3.  REPUTATION. Now, ask any family or friends that own that breed of car. Ask them how they feel about their vehicles now. Did they get their money's worth? How much have they spent over the years in repairs? Were they locked into expensive maintenance routines? Were they satisfied with the service department? In either case, you should start putting together a list of vehicles that you know have caused your friends and relatives good and bad experiences.

4.  CRITERIA - You now have the high limit in mind, and that in turn narrows down the year and model. You can find a better vehicle in an older model or you can forgo some of the luxuries to purchase a newer model. For example, you will now be able to determine whether you should be looking at a brand new Pontiac Firefly or a second hand Pontiac Grand Am.

5.  RESEARCH. It is a good idea to check into the history of the vehicle you have in mind. There are books available such the Lemon Aid guides that will tell you what to look for and what to avoid. Here are some good online sites to look into.

www.smartsense.com - Great advice and tips articles.
www.kbb.com and www.edmunds.com - both of these sites give you an idea of how much you can expect to get for your old car and how much to pay for the new one, as well as reviews and advice.
http://autos.yahoo.com has pretty much everything you would ever want to know.

6.  CHOICES. Make up three lists to keep you on track: WISH LIST - List  all the luxuries and gadgets you would definitely order if money was no object. WANT LIST - What would you really love to have on your new vehicle? Write down the colour, year, model, etc. Don't forget what you will be using this car for. Transporting kids to games and events; impressing clients; both? NEED LIST - The basic requirements that will make you happy. Standard or automatic, economical to operate, age and mileage, cup holders. As you start looking at cars for sale it will become clearer which things you definitely do and don't want.

7.  AVAILABILITY. Now that you have a good idea of what you want and how much you can afford, it's time to start looking. Most people you ask will be glad to recommend either the place where they purchased their last vehicle, or somebody they know in the business. Check the local newspapers and auto traders, check online for local dealer websites and visit these: www.cars.com, www.autotrader.com and www.canadatrader.com can direct you to used cars in your area. www.carbuyingtips.com and www.carbuyingtips.com/canada.htm will keep you busy if you want to buy a new car.

8. TEST DRIVE. Apparently sometimes people forget! Go through your checklists and compare the different vehicles you are interested in for everything, not just the price. Don't get too excited when you find a great deal and want to snap it up. Stay calm and stick to your plan. Make sure it's what you want first.

Plan and prepare, research and investigate. A vehicle is an important investment. You're sure to find a good bargain in one that really makes you happy - when you search in an organized way.