When you think of the Fourth of July, what do you think of? Obviously, fireworks, cookouts, block parties and that movie with Bill Pullman are a given, but this blogger will contend that there is nothing more symbolic of Independence Day than all of the dealership sales on new and used cars. The United States is a nation built on capitalism, and a good old-fashioned Fourth of July sale allows the consumer the opportunity to spend his or her hard-earned cash on something special to take their families on vacation or just use for the daily commute to work. However, given all of the choices out there (should you get a mid-sized like a Ford Edge or is it time to buy into the Prius market), there are some things that you should consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• How much are you willing to spend? There is a wide variety of different cars to consider and each comes with a different price tag. What kind of car are you looking for? This might depend on your budget. That’s why it’s important to establish how much you’re able to spend on a car. If you’re looking to finance, remember that you should put twenty percent down on the purchase price in order to get a good rate from your bank.
• Are you looking for a new car or a used car? During this holiday weekend, you might see a wide range of offers that might be tempting. Things like “no money down” and “$1,000 bonus cash” are just a few of the offers you might see on Fourth of July ads. However, the best choice for you might depend on your budget. A new car will often cost you much more than a used car, so be mindful of what you’re looking to spend. A used car might be just as dependable, given manufacturing standards for the past decade, but that deal on the Fourth of July might be worthwhile if the price is right.
• What kind of a car are you looking for? Depending on your needs, you might need a certain type of car over another. If you have a family and you’re using your car to get your family around, you might want to consider something like a Ford Edge because it is a mid-sized crossover SUV. You know you’ll have roominess with the SUV, but you’ll also have decent mileage and handling. However, if you don’t need the room, there are a wide variety of compact cars and other economic models, which might fit your needs better.
• Don’t forget about insurance? There are a wide number of factors that determine your insurance rates – some you can control and others that you can’t. One of the things that determine your insurance rate that you can control is the type of car you purchase. Look around to see what cars might save you.

By looking around and doing your research, you should find a car that meets your needs and budget this holiday season. Here’s to a great Independence Day!

James Cash is a used car salesman and part time writer.

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