First consider what car models, options you want and how much you are able or willing to spend.

The library and book stores have magazines that discuss and compare car models, options and costs, as well as provide information about frequency-of-repair records, safety tests and mileage.

The United States Department of Transport Auto Safety Hotline, 1-800-429-9393, will tell you if a car model has ever been recalled and send you information about that recall.