When picking the right car for you, there are four things that you should keep in mind, such as:
- Your lifestyle
- How often do you drive
- Your budget
- Miles per gallon
What might be the right car for you may be the wrong car for someone else. By taking into consideration these four factors, you can make the best decision for you.
Consider Your Lifestyle When Buying a Car
You want a car that makes your lifestyle. For instance, if you are planning on bringing your kids to and from soccer practice, you might want a van that seats multiple passengers. If you’re a bachelor who works from home, you might do well with a low-mileage sports car.
Here are some things to consider while shopping around for your new car:
How Often You Drive a Week
The Federal Highway Safety Administration says that age and gender can play a role in how many miles you drive a year. For instance, men between the ages of 20 to 34 years old drive an average of over 17,900 a year. However, women in the same age range drive about 12,000 miles a year.
If you have a long commute, frequently travel out of state, or like to go sightseeing, you want a car that gets more mileage. Not only can this help you save money on gas, but it can also reduce your carbon footprint.
Your Profession
Your car should make your job easier, not harder. Instead of going ahead and choosing the easiest or cheapest option, consider how your vehicle could help you at work. For instance, if you are a contractor, you probably don’t want to store your tools in a two-seater.
These job-related aspects could play a role in the vehicle you decide to get:
- How many hours do you work a week
- The nature of your job
- How long is your commute is
You should also consider where your job is relocated. If you work off the beaten path, you do not want a car that is not designed for off-road use.
Think About How Often You Drive
When you buy a new car, its price tag is just the beginning; you will also need to think about what kind of mileage you can get. Right now, electric cars get the best mileage. In fact, the Ford Escape Plug-In Hybrid gets 100 miles per gallon.
When considering how much you want to spend on gas, consider the following:
- How far away is your job is
- Whether you frequently travel to other cities or states
- How often do you rely on public transportation
You should also think about where you live. In colder climates, you get less mileage than if you live somewhere warmer.
Consider Your Budget
Your budget is likely at the forefront of your mind when purchasing a new vehicle. Typically, used cars in san diego cost less than new ones. Older (junk) models cost less than new ones. A junker that has been sitting in someone’s driveway for a few months will cost less than a car that just rolled off the showroom floor.
As we mentioned earlier, the cost of driving your car off the lot is just the beginning of your vehicle-related expenses. To make an informed decision that doesn’t affect your wallet, here are some things to keep in mind:
The car’s history. There are many online services that let you check a car’s background. This can include information like whether the car has gotten into any accidents, was totaled, or got any repairs. If a car is in a serious accident, there might be hidden issues that come up again later.
- Whether the car was recalled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recalled over 350 million vehicles since the mid-60s. If a prospective car was subject to recalls, there could be issues that threaten its driveability and safety. This could cause you to spend a lot of money on repairs and things of the like.
- When a car was manufactured. Some years have been kind to some car brands. Others have not. For instance, in an article from Consumer Reports, 2020 was a great year for Mazda, Toyota, and Lexus. They scored high in customer service satisfaction ratings, giving customers good mileage. However, the year was not good for Kia, Lincoln, and Ford, which saw a lot of recalls.
Basically, what might seem like a good deal upfront may turn out to be a money pit later.
Consider What Cars Get the Best Mileage
In the spirit of saving money, not only do you want a car with low monthly payments but you also want a car that isn’t a gas guzzler. Earlier, we mentioned that Ford’s new hybrid gets good mileage. This is because it uses both electricity and gas to work.
Here are some other things that can be indicators of good mileage:
- The car’s size. The bigger the car, the more gas it uses. For example, General Motors’ Hummer was coveted for its size and power. However, it was ultimately discontinued in 2010 after it got a reputation for using too much gas.
- The fuel type. At the gas station, many of us choose the cheapest option and think nothing of it. However, each fuel’s octane rating is more than just a number; it reveals important information about how the fuel powers your car. When picking a new car, check what kind of fuel it uses first. This could even give you important insight into how often you will need to fill up your tank.
- Online reviews. If you have a certain car in mind, check out its reviews online. You can do this by going on online message boards (like Reddit) or reading articles from Consumer Reports.
There are many factors that will determine how many miles to the gallon you get. By doing your research, you can learn more about what car is best for you.
In Conclusion
Only you can decide which car best suits your needs. While buying a car can be a taxing, anxiety-producing experience, it does not have to be when you consider your options. Take your time and keep your cool; your dream car could just be around the corner.
