Buying a new car should be easy, right? For those of you who are shaking your heads, we’ve got news: It can be easy. You just need to know what to look for.

The first thing to understand is that buying a car is going to require you to do some research. This part of the process can be time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. By identifying which factors are most important to you, you will have the tools you need to make a smart decision.

Start by making a checklist of the things you absolutely need your new (or used) car to have. Remember that needs are not the same thing as wants, and you need to prioritize between the two if you’re trying to stick to a budget.

Once you have your priorities clearly set, it’s time to start comparing. Never settle for the first good car you come across; there will always be five others that are similar enough to warrant a solid comparison.

Compare the following factors to make sure you get the best car in your price range.

Top Five Car Comparison Factors

1. Physical appearance. How a car looks will impact your decision to buy it, but it shouldn’t necessarily be the primary factor. Some great-looking cars are less than desirable once you have to drive them every day.

2. Key features. Decide what features your car needs to have, and only look at vehicles that have them. Then compare to find which model has the features you want for the best price.

3. Price. This is a key comparison factor. Look at the features each vehicle has and the price it costs. One might have a few extra "perks," but if it’s considerably more expensive it might not be worth the price.

4. Financing. Dealerships offer a variety of financing options. Since you’re going to be paying for your car for many years, you need to go with one that fits into your budget.

5. How it drives. All the factors above are important in theory, but if you get behind the wheel of a car and hate it, nothing else matters.

Finding a new car that fits your criteria is easier than you might think. It’s all about mastering the art of comparison. Once you know what you want, you can compare all the possibilities until you find the one that best fits your needs, and your budget.