Sinking a significant amount of money into a new vehicle can be risky if you don't check out depreciation rates and consider other factors that indicate a bad buy. Some cars depreciate as much as 20 percent the first year. Poor quality and novelty equipment, in particular, can label your new car a bad pick. Take test drives to check the ride, handling and performance, and to check the interior for fit and finish. Wait until a new model has been on the market for a year.
Manufacturers often rely on buyer feedback to correct problems when they build the next generation.
Jill Amadio has reported on the automotive industry for 23 years as an editor and consultant. Inc. All rights reserved.