Choose the Right Car for Your Needs
Personalized car recommendations based on your lifestyle and needs
You don’t need to sift through endless lists of car makes and models. Answer a few short questions and we will recommend cars that fit your needs. Customized results, delivered efficiently – this is car buying the Shrewd way.
How much can you afford?
One of the first steps in choosing your next car is understanding how much you can comfortably afford. While the monthly car payment is our staring point, Shrewd buyers understand there are other car related expenses too. We’ll help you sort through those later. For now, let’s determine the two most important numbers to help us recommend some cars for you.
We’ll remember these on this device only so you can continue later.
- Consider your monthly take home income and various living expenses (mortgage/rent, food, entertainment, savings, etc.).
- With the monthly dollars left over, determine how much would you spend on a car payment (leave some room for insurance, fuel, and ongoing maintenance). This will be your monthly max car payment.
- Determine how much cash you have available for a down payment.
Your lifestyle & needs
When choosing a car, finding the right fit goes beyond price and looks – it needs to fit your day-to-day life. Review the following prompts and select up to 2 car types below.
Driving experience
Are you looking for a car that offers road feel, performance and is generally fun to drive?
- Look for responsive steering and suspension
- Target higher horsepower or sporty trims
- Consider small-medium cars that are nimble
Best Fits
Which car types best fit your lifestyle and needs? (Select up to 2)
Which fuel type fits your needs?
Whether you drive a gas-powered vehicle or an EV that runs entirely on electricity will impact your operating costs and driver experience. We can help you decide whether a gas, hybrid, or electric vehicle is the best choice for you.
Driving distance
How many miles do you typically drive each day?
Long road trips
Do you plan to use your vehicle for long journeys?
Access to charging
Do you have a charger installed where you live?
Select as many fuel type preferences as you are open to
New vs. used vehicles
Are you only looking for a brand-new car, or are you open to pre-owned? Know that each option has its pros and cons. This choice will play a key role as you narrow your search and compare total costs later in this car buying process.
New
Financial considerations
- Higher initial cost, lower financing rates, incentives available
Warranties and repairs
- Included manufacturer warranties (typically 3-5 years)
Depreciation and value
- Value loss of 15-25% in year 1, 40-50% by the end of year 3
Used
Financial considerations
- Generally more affordable, higher loan rates, leases not available
Warranties and repairs
- Some may have remaining warranty, may need vehicle inspection
Depreciation and value
- Slower depreciation / value loss after year 3
Which do you prefer?
What other factors are important to you?
Every car has its trade-offs. Look through the following list and specify which factors you care about so we can provide you with a curated list of recommended cars to consider.
- Operating cost - Gas/electricity, ongoing maintenance
- Value - Price vs. other similar cars within same class
- Luxury - Premium materials, features, and overall feel
- Performance - Responsiveness, quickness, and handling
- Comfort - Ergonomics and quiet ride
- Practicality - Room for people, cargo space, usability
Click once for important or twice for very important. Leave unselected if it doesn’t matter. Select up to 2 factors as “Very Important”.