The Decision Matrix: Buying a Car

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The Decision Matrix: Buying a Car Use a decision matrix to compare criteria and identify the choice that best meets your neds. By Ted Mitchell Published January 10, 2007 Ideas In the pages of Raise the Hammer, any implied approval of cars might go over as blasphemy; but my primary purpose here is to demonstrate the process of using an engineering decision matrix to address a common problem: how to buy a car that best meets your needs. Several sources will give you their take on car comparisons, but you can do it yourself using only those criteria which matter to you. In 2002, Toyota revived the hatchback class with the Matrix. Seeing wildly successful sales numbers, other manufacturers quickly jumped in. These cars are small on the outside, large on the inside, offer reasonable price, safety, fuel economy and practicality. That is, they provide actual sport and utility, unlike the traditional concept of the euphemistically named SUV. Think Meadowlands, you get the idea. Maybe one of these is for you, but they are all so similar - how does one make sense of it? Like most people, you could buy on price - or reputation, impulse, colour, shape, or (chuckle) how well your desired self-image fits with those people seen in the commercials. Decision Matrix To make an intelligent decision, you should use a decision matrix. First, compile a list of things relevant to you. For example: power, fuel economy, price, safety, reliability, cargo capacity, and the ability to hold your two teenagers comfortably. Next, pick specifications that are available and will quantify those qualities. Set Criteria The first iteration is to refine the criteria. For example, power by itself doesn't do much if the vehicle is heavy. What you really want is a measure of acceleration. This is actually tested by performance magazines, but you can't find numbers for all the cars you are

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