[KC23]

When you are in the market for a new car, what do you consider? Do you buy based on import or domestic, gas mileage, price or features?

I know some of my family members will only buy Fords. I could never cross off so many choices, based solely on the make.

[Fanbelt]

When it comes to purchasing a car, I would pay attention to the price, gas mileage, and anything else related to cost. It would be a bonus if the car also had good performance and was eco-friendly.

[Ashley]

When to buy a car .I would consider the price and the design.

[QuilabegeSine]

I want to purchase a car for my small family....So tell me that should I go with color design or its internal features and which will the best for 4 members only?

[Dodge Doll]

Four members .... so 2 children.... +2, because they're going to want to take a friend along, before too long... so you actually need seating for five or six. Most cars and multi-use vehicles today can seat five, most mini-vans and similar vehicles seat seven.

Stick or no? does it matter? (factor in clutch repairs if you haven't already). Does it have to have a/c? Is fuel economy a factor in a large way?

Somewhere here there's a link to a consumers guide on vehicles, where you can type in the make model year and it gives you the pros and cons of that specific make.

[Donald]

Dodge Doll, you make a good point about the kids bringing along friends, but I think seating for 5 is plenty. I think usually both parents wouldn't be in the car when the kids are being driven around with friends, so that opens up the front passenger seat.

As for the main question, gas mileage is huge these days. Price will probably always be a factor too. I'd prefer to buy American, but I wouldn't rule out an import if the car is that much better than its American competitors.

[Jon]

For me personally, I'm loyal to Honda. None of the Hondas I've driven have ever given me any trouble and have lasted for a long time. My main considerations are fuel economy, reliability and it's Consumer Report rating. I'd also consider Mazda, Subaru and perhaps the new Ford Fiesta.

For a family of four (two children), I'd recommend either a mid-sized car or a mini-minivan, like the Mazda5 or the Kia Rondo. These are four cylinder gas savers, but they have the capacity to haul up to six or seven passengers in a pinch.

[Fanbelt]

Jon, Honda is a great brand and I believe they are manufacturing wonderful cars, though I have never tried any of them. What about Toyota; have you ever tried any of Toyota cars?

[Vroooom_1972]

I first of all look at how much will I have to pay monthly. I then start comparing it to the others in milleage, size and features and see how much it would go up depending on what I would like.

[Brent]

For me, a car of any reputable brand will do, though personally I prefer Ford. Of course I would consider the price, gas mileage and performance.