That might sound crazy, but according to a report on Bloomberg News, Americans are buying larger cars once again. Why? Gas prices dropped. And, many consumers are now taking out 7 year sub-prime loans to pay for this new said vehicle.

That’s simply crazy and wrong thinking.  If you want to do things for the love of family, you will need to think differently. If you think like the average American (see example above), your choices will be a curse to the family, not a blessing.

Here are 7 key principles to follow when purchasing a car (or other mode of transportation):

1.  Keep the value (not the cost) of all modes of transportation within 25% of your income.

2.  Buy the best you can afford. Not a payment you can afford. You should always try to pay cash for a car. See number one and number three.

3.  Save for a car; make payments to yourself. $300 per month for five years equals $18000.  You can find a very decent car for that amount of money.  If you can’t save that much, save less. If you can’t afford to save, you can’t afford a car payment either.

4.  Remember the purpose of the car.  The purpose of a car is not to look good. My friend Jeff Medders , 2nd World Experiment, stated it well:

 I used to scoot… Back in Ft. Worth and Denver I rode small scooters. I switched to a larger bike because of my own vanity (Condor A-350). Then after mechanical trouble, I went to look at a small bike but I allowed myself to be persuaded by the clever salesperson to test-drive the biggest one on the lot. (oops “I grabbed the wrong key” she said). The power and cool-factor got me. I had gone after transportation and came home with an identity. The trouble is I already had an identity that was enough: Child of God. I had listened to The Lie that it wasn’t enough. Now I’m back to simple thrifty transportation and a better version of me. (2003 Yamaha Zuma 50cc $625 estimated 123mpg)

Here are a few REAL purposes for buying a car:

• to get from point A to point B
• to transport your family to activities, school, etc.
• to bless others

5.  Buy when you NEED a car. Don’t allow outside influences, like the price of gas, make the decision for you. Make a hard evaluation and ask yourself the tough questions. Usually, it is a want, not a need. see number Jeff Medders quote.

6.  Consider the cost of maintenance.

7. PRAY. God wants to provide for your needs. he will help you find a good car, when you need, within your budget.

For the love of family….make wise decisions.