Tips for Choosing a Car That Suits Your Lifestyle
Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility. You need to look out for yourself and become aware of others on the road. Whether you run errands around town or commute to another state, cars need to work with your daily routine. Here are tips for choosing a car that suits your lifestyle.
Set Up a Budget
As you consider what car you want, you have first to make sure you have an established budget. A general rule is that your monthly car payments shouldn’t exceed 15% of your monthly take-home pay. For example, if you go with a lease, aim for less than 10% monthly take-home pay and factor in 7% towards fuel and car insurance. From there, it’s vital to consider if you wish to lease or buy.
Assess Your Car Needs
A car shouldn’t just look nice and get you from point A to point B; it needs to meet specific safety standards, not have too many repairs, and have a long life. Additionally, think of any other riders in the car, commute time, all-wheel drive, cargo capacity, children’s seats, and so on. The last thing you want is getting stuck without enough room for a baby’s seat.
Know Different Car Types
So, one of the biggest tips for choosing a car that suits your lifestyle is figuring out what type of car you need. While cars come with over 30,000 parts, it doesn’t mean that they’re all the same.
Two- or Four-Door Cars
Coupes and sedans are among the most popular cars for regular drivers. Not only do they offer seating for five passengers, but they get the best mile-per-gallon ratings. They are highly preferred by couples or drivers who have families with more than two children. Coupes and sedans make a great choice whether you desire to own a hybrid or luxury car.
Vans
There are two kinds of vans: the standard van and the mini-van. Mini-vans make an excellent choice for transporting a large party of children and friends. It has the capacity of carrying seven people with an additional storage room. They’re also easy to modify for disabled passengers. Lastly, standard vans make an excellent tool for many businesses, including commercial cleaning businesses.
SUVs
Initially designed for utility, SUVs have quickly become a popular car for families. They come with four-wheel drive options to handle rugged terrain. Depending on the model, you can transport roughly 5 to 9 passengers. Although they have a lower gas mileage, SUVs offer excellent safety and reliability.
Trucks
Trucks are fantastic for hauling heavy equipment and materials. While they hold up to 5 passengers, they are great for small families, as well. Additionally, you can fit a camper shell to the bed to add weatherproofing. If you need a reliable, powerful car, a truck is perfect for you.
