Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP

What to look for when you’re buying a car

If you’re in the market for a car, whether new or used, be prepared for decision-making overload. Today’s vehicles come with slews of options – including high-tech bells and whistles. In fact, many seem more like computers than cars.

So how do you go about making a wise choice? With traffic accidents as a leading cause of death among all age groups, safety considerations should be a priority.

Look for advanced safety features

Many newer cars are equipped with crash avoidance features such as:

Other safety-related components to consider include side airbags, all-wheel drive and LATCH connectors for car seats (if you have young children).

While many of these components may seem like maintenance headaches – requiring costly repairs when sensors go awry – the payoff is that they could make a life-or-death difference in the event of a crash (or near-crash).

What about used cars?

Buying any vehicle involves some degree of risk. New cars are often subject to recalls for defective or malfunctioning parts. In used cars, you don’t necessarily know how well the vehicle was maintained – or whether underlying problems make it a ticking time-bomb.

Whether you’re buying from a dealer or private party, avoid lemons by following these tips.

By taking your time and making an informed decision, you can reduce your chances of ending up with a dangerous vehicle – ideally while saving some money in the process.