When you're shopping for a first car, it's easy to picture the trips you might take and overlook the driving you already do. A sedan and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) can both work, but they solve different problems.

The right choice depends on what your week actually looks like, not on what's sitting in the showroom. Start with where you drive and park, what you carry regularly, and what you can afford to spend after you bring the car home.

Where a Sedan Fits

A compact sedan like a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla may cost a few thousand dollars less than a comparable small SUV. A sedan may also return 5 to 8 miles per gallon more on the highway, depending on the models. Compare the published fuel economy ratings for the versions you're actually considering.

If you commute alone on paved roads and park in a city garage, a compact sedan such as a Mazda3 may be all you need. Check how easily you can see the corners of the hood and judge the space around the car from your normal driving position.

What an SUV Offers

A higher seating position can give you a better view over some cars ahead, but it doesn't tell you how well you can see close to the vehicle. The extra ground clearance can be useful on a rutted driveway or an unpaved road you use regularly.

A Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 can take a full grocery run and a folded stroller. If you regularly carry friends, bikes, or moving boxes, check how much cargo space is available with the rear seats upright. Space with the seats folded won't help on a trip when those seats are occupied.

Parking and Handling

A midsize SUV can be 8 inches wider and 2 feet longer than a compact sedan, depending on the models. Check the dimensions of the cars on your list against your garage or usual parking space, and leave enough room to open the doors and load the trunk or rear hatch.

An SUV can lean more in a turn, but how it feels depends on the model. According to Ronald Montoya, senior consumer advice editor at Edmunds, scheduling test drives on the same day makes differences easier to notice while both drives are fresh. Use the same route and check rear-window and mirror visibility as you back into a tight parking space.

Budget Beyond the Sticker Price

The purchase price is only the first bill. Get insurance quotes for the exact cars you're comparing, using the same coverage for each. Estimate fuel costs from the miles you actually drive and price a set of replacement tires in the size each car uses. Include registration and routine maintenance, too.

Ask each dealer for a written total that includes fees and any add-ons. That gives you a better basis for comparison than advertised prices alone. Check which features are included on the car being quoted rather than assuming it comes with everything you tried on the test drive.

A used sedan may leave room in the budget for features a new base-model SUV doesn't include. If you consider a used car, get a vehicle history report and arrange an independent inspection. The report can tell you about the car's past, but it doesn't replace a mechanic's check for current problems.

Before putting down a deposit, write down what would rule out either car, such as a garage door that won't close behind it or too little room for the stroller with passengers aboard. Check those points on the exact car you'd buy.