Getting a car is a major decision. It is an expensive undertaking. You cannot go wrong with it because you cannot return or exchange a vehicle on a whim. That is why it requires careful decision-making. You need to think long and hard about it because that vehicle will be with you for the long haul.
There are several factors to take into account; the budget being the most important of them all. But you also need to think about comfort, your car needs, safety features, and size. To help you with a significant decision, we have prepared a list of tips for choosing the right car for you.
Needs and Expectations
First, list what you need and expect from a car. That can include the number of passengers the vehicle can accommodate, the size of the trunk or the overall cargo capacity, and the terrain. For the latter, that means thinking about whether the car is for the smooth roads of the highways only or if you also want it to take on rough off-road terrain.
When it comes to the number of passengers, this is where your future expectations can come into play. Do you intend to have a family in the future? Do you plan to have getaways or to give rides to family and friends? If you are only going to be giving rides to four people or fewer, then you can stick with a sedan. However, if you expect to have more passengers, then a larger car with more passenger capacity is right for you.
Needs to Consider
- Passenger capacity
- Cargo capacity
- Terrain capabilities
- Safety features requirements
Fuel
Nowadays, it is more costly to drive a car due to surging fuel costs. Because of that, you have to think about the fuel expense of your automobile. There are vehicle options that take on diesel, which would be more economical. But most options in the market run on unleaded gasoline. Fortunately, fuel economy features are now more common. Thus, if you are big on fuel savings, you can select a car that lets you stretch every drop of fuel.
Speed
If the decision will be left to you alone, would you rather have a fast car? But take note that the faster a vehicle is, the less efficient it is when it comes to gas. However, if you have a partner, you may butt heads with them regarding speed. After all, the issue of safety comes into play here. Therefore, you need to weigh the purpose of your car in this part—is it to enjoy the feeling of being behind the wheel of a fast and powerful vehicle, or is it for more practical purposes?
Maintenance and Upgrades
As you are aware, cars require regular maintenance. That is crucial for the smooth operation of the vehicle and road safety, as well. This helps you prevent problems that could become larger and more expensive issues in the future. The usual schedule manufacturers set is 30-60-90. That means certain parts of the car need checking, tweaking, or changing when you hit 30,000, 60,000, or 90,000 miles. Windshield wipers and tires, in particular, need to be checked often because they wear out in irregular intervals. You can check those by yourself or have a mechanic determine whether they are still good or need to be changed.
Apart from that, you may want to make changes to your car in the future. You might want to upgrade the stereo system, the seats, and other things. Ask your agent or car aficionados online if the brand and model you are eyeing can take customization and other car accessories well. Just remember that anything you customize has to be taken into account in future maintenance expenses, as well.
Budget
It is not just the base price of the car you need to worry about. You also have to think about car registration and insurance from the get-go, and neither is cheap. In that case, you need to consider your financing options while accounting for the monthly payment you can afford. And while you are on that, think about the fuel and maintenance costs too. This way, you can set a realistic budget for your car without overly affecting other facets of your life.
Take It for a (Test) Drive
Once you have made a shortlist or narrowed down your selection to one or two cars, visit your local dealership and ask for test drives. It is well and good to have a vehicle that meets your requirements on paper, but it can feel different once you are behind the wheel. This is important, as the dealer can make changes according to your specifications if needed. What’s more, it can help you get familiar with the road vehicle before you sign your name to it.
