Why it’s important: Though hybrids and EVs cost more up front, “the higher purchase price can often be offset by lower operating costs,” says Chris Harto, senior energy policy analyst at CR. As you budget how much you can afford to pay for a new vehicle, it can help to know what your savings on operating costs might look like.

Key Considerations
Hybrids can earn back their higher cost in as little as two years. “For many Americans, the monthly fuel savings can offset a slightly higher monthly payment, saving money from Day 1,” Harto says. Learn more about hybrids in our guide to hybrid cars.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles save the most if you take short trips. That’s because they have an electric-only range that’s usually between 20 and 50 miles. Beyond that, the gas engine­­­­ kicks in. So check the window sticker to see what kind of fuel economy you’ll be getting when the car is in hybrid mode. Some PHEVs qualify for federal tax credits, too.

In addition to their other benefits, electric vehicles can offer serious savings. How much (if any) depends on what kind of car you’re purchasing and where you live. Our guide to EV ownership costs can help you decide. EVs may also be eligible for tax savings of up to $7,500, but qualifying for a federal tax credit requires meeting certain conditions, which we’ve outlined in our guide to EV tax credits. See our Electric Vehicle Savings Finder to check.

For several reasons, leasing an EV may be a better option than buying one. It’s easier to get the federal tax credit when leasing, and you don’t have to worry about volatile prices on new EVs or getting stuck with outdated technology.

Why it’s important: Automakers love to boast about how many cubic feet of passenger and cargo space a vehicle has. But numbers won’t tell you whether a car’s sloping roofline will cramp rear passengers’ headroom or if a small trunk opening will make it hard to load your gear.

Steps to Take
Check out the rear seats by sitting in them. See how easy they are to get into and out of, and whether there are any obvious problems with headroom and legroom. If there’s a third row, find out whether it’s big enough for the passengers you expect to sit back there.

Try out the trunk. If there’s a specific item you absolutely need to fit—say, a folding wheelchair, an empty pet carrier, or a stroller—take the item to the dealership with you and try it for yourself. Is it easy to lift and load?

Be smart about child car seats. If you have young children, take your car seats with you to see how easy they are to install securely, and how well the rest of your family fits with them. Some second rows can fit three car seats across, but in others, a single child car seat might impinge on the neighboring passenger’s space. You also want to make sure that you and your front passenger have enough room in front of the car seats to adjust your seat comfortably. “All car seats are different, so the best way to find out what fits is to bring your own,” says Emily Thomas, PhD, associate director for auto safety at CR.

Why it’s important: As cars become more technologically advanced, drivers face a greater learning curve to master various systems. Don’t get stuck with a system that’s frustrating to use. Get familiar with the tech on your test drive.

Steps to Take
Check the basics. Can you figure out the buttons, menus, and settings? “Systems that are easy to learn in the beginning tend to be less frustrating in the long run,” McCarty says. Check out CR’s list of the best and worst infotainment systems according to our members.

Don’t make any assumptions about the car’s technology. Each year fewer models have CD players, older-style USB-A charging ports, and AM radio tuning.

Double-check the options list on the car you’re buying. Because of supply constraints, some automakers are deleting features that usually come on certain cars, such as satellite radio and parking assistance. “You can’t always rely on a website or brochure to know what will be included anymore,” Fisher says. “If a feature is important to you, confirm that it’s listed on the window sticker.” You might not be able to add it later.

If you have questions later, will someone be there to help you? Some dealerships will help you pair your phone and do other tech tasks.

Why it’s important: Do you like the car you test-drove but wish it had different options, more safety features, or a different exterior color? It might be worth it to wait for a custom order or expand your search radius.

Steps to Take
Shop around. “If you can’t find the exact car you want locally, try expanding your search,” says Gabe Shenhar, who supervises car buying for CR’s auto-testing program. “A dealership in another area may be able to ship it to you.” Have the dealer email you a picture of the window sticker. Scrutinize it to make sure the car has every item you want. “Negotiate the price and complete as much paperwork over the phone or email as you can. Then you only have to arrive at the dealership to take delivery and sign some papers.”

Put in a custom order. If you have the time, it may be worth ordering a new car exactly the way you want it, especially if you’re looking for a particularly popular model that’s in short supply on dealer lots. Just be aware that the wait could be a few months or longer, depending on the vehicle. So make a plan. For example, if your lease is running out, ask the dealer whether you can extend it until your new car is ready.