So you want to buy a car and you're looking for a good deal. But while you're thinking about a low sticker price, good gas mileage and reliability, don't forget about car insurance. You car insurance costs could vary wildly depending upon the car you buy -- even if it's an inexpensive car. Here are some of the reasons why.

Car insurance rates are based on a number of factors including your age and driving record, where you live, the coverages and deductibles you get and the type of vehicle you drive.

Now, just because you're driving a small economy car instead of big pickup truck doesn't mean that your insurance won't be high. That's because insurance companies rate different vehicles by their claim histories.

For example, certain cars tend to be stolen more than others. Foreign-made economy cars might cost more to repair. Same with cars that have a lot of extra features and safety devices.

Some cars may be more expensive to insure in one part of the country than another -- especially if you live in a high-crime area.

Of course, there are a lot of factors to consider when you buy your car. Just make sure to look at the insurance costs as well. Take a look at different manufacturers that offer a similar model of car that interests you.

Once you've researched some cars and found models that you're interested in, get some comparison car insurance quotes. Try to get at least three different quotes. You may find that one manufacturer's model is less costly to insure than another, which can help you make your decision.