MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Service members looking to buy a new vehicle can expect to spend more than $20,000 on a new car such as the Toyota Camry or Dodge Charger.

While many may be tempted to rush out and buy a nice new car, it’s important to plan ahead, explained Craig Hughes, accredited financial counselor aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

“The first step to purchasing a car is to make a budget and estimate how much you can afford to spend on a vehicle,” said Hughes. “Budget in the ‘true’ cost of a car, which factors in extra expenses like insurance, gas and vehicle maintenance.

“You shouldn’t sacrifice your financial health to purchase a vehicle,” said Hughes.

After coming up with a budget, the service members should decide whether to purchase a new or used vehicle, according to Hughes.

“Though new cars depreciate in value as soon as they leave the lot, they’re guaranteed to be well maintained,” said Hughes.

Regardless of which they decide to buy, the service member should check consumer reports on the vehicle they are considering for purchase, said Hughes.

“I would recommend gathering your information before you go buy a car,” said Marcella Norris, a member service representative at the Navy Federal Credit Union here. “When going to buy a car, the more you know , the easier it is to find the car you want.”

Service members can get pre-approved auto loans from a variety of banks and credit unions, explained Norris.

“Being pre-approved enables you to become a cash buyer and allows you to negotiate a better price,” said Hughes.

It’s important to have your loan secure when you go in to buy a car. That way, explained Hughes, you can possibly get a better interest rate and not be at the mercy of the dealership’s finance company.

“Before you apply for a loan you should double check your credit report to ensure it is accurate,” said Hughes. “You can check it for free on www.annualcreditreport.com.”

According to Hughes, a few things to look at prior to visiting a car lot include the invoice price of the vehicle, which is the price the dealer paid for the automobile, the additional features available and the consumer reports on the vehicle.

“You should visit dealerships at the end of the month, because they will be trying to clear out their inventory for the next month,” said Hughes. “When you get there, negotiate up from the invoice price not down from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.”

If purchasing a used car, they should get it looked at by a trustworthy mechanic, explained Hughes.

“Whether getting a used car checked out is free, $5, $50 or $100 it is well worth the money it could save you in the long run,” said Hughes.

Service members can get prospective vehicles checked out at the Auto Skills Center here.

In addition to having a mechanic check the car, they can visit www.carfax.com, to view a detailed history of repairs to the vehicle by typing in its vehicle identification number, explained Hughes.