SPONSORED: Find the right ride for a new year at Toyota of N Charlotte

Learn how to shop used cars like a pro this year

Looking for a family used car? Here are some of the categories you'll want to consider while you shop:

• Space. How many passengers can the car hold, and how much cargo area is there left to spare?
• Family-friendliness. Does the Charlotte used car in question have the family features you need, like power sliding rear doors or a Blu-Ray entertainment system in the back?
• Safety. Will you feel secure carting precious cargo around town? What types of safety features – like Safety Connect Services or Advanced Airbag Systems – do you want in your vehicle to enhance your peace of mind? What about LATCH for car seats and booster seats?

• Engine size. Does the engine provide the performance capabilities you need? Do you need a large V8, or will a V6 suffice? Automatic or manual transmission?
• Off-road abilities. Does the vehicle need to have 4x4 and other offroad capabilities to get the job done?
• Power. How much can the used car in question tow or haul? Will it meet your needs for work?
• Durability. Does this Charlotte used vehicle have the durability features you need like rubber or all-weather mats, a bed liner, and easy-clean fabric on the interior?

Toyota of N Charlotte has something for everyone

• Price and monthly payment. How much does the car cost overall? What will the monthly payments be when financing is all said and done?
• Fuel efficiency. How much mileage will the Charlotte used car get out of a tank of gas?

• Cost to insure. Does the vehicle have any qualities that could make it more costly to insure?
• Mileage. How much mileage is on the car? Does it have a long life ahead of it? Are there any major auto services (like tune-ups, etc.) that will cost you coming up soon?

Cox Media Group