Initially, make sure to determine the type of car you need. If you're a single student just driving to and from school, chances are you won't need a large truck or SUV. Make sure to be as practical as possible when deciding on the type of car you get, as this can save you both money and frustration down the road. Falling in love with certain aspects of a car that you know you don't actually need can cause you to pay extra for a feature you likely won't ever use.
After deciding on the type of car you're going to get, you can begin to narrow down your options regarding on specific models. Take into account all of the factors that will play a role in your use of the car. For instance, f you're going to be taking your car on trips quite frequently, storage space will be something to take into consideration. Gas mileage is important to everyone, but especially so if you're planning on driving your car frequently.
Finding the car that will work perfectly for you is something that is very personal, but there are some universal things that everyone can do to make the process easier. As long as you put in the necessary work, you should have no problem finding the car that will be ideal for your situation.