Shopping for your next vehicle is a complicated process as you balance factors such as cost, mileage, and safety ratings. However, while crunching all the numbers, you must find a ride that suits your lifestyle. That can range anywhere from an EV you use to commute around the city to a huge SUV to move your family around. The following are several factors you need to consider.
Determining Your Needs
One of the biggest and earliest decisions you’ll make is choosing between a car, van, SUV, or truck. Consider how many passengers you must carry around regularly and how much room you need for cargo or luggage. Cars might have excellent gas mileage and work in urban areas, but something with four-wheel drive could prove more crucial for rugged terrain.
Researching Makes and Models
The car market has more makes and models available than you might know, but that can mean the perfect one for your lifestyle is out there. However, it’s up to you to find it. Thorough research should start with reliable brands renowned for longevity and durability. Utilize reviews and online resources to compare various models and start seeing which ones appeal to you.
Buying or Leasing
Leasing a vehicle might entail paying for driving a car too many miles during the contract, which might not suit the travel lifestyle. However, leasing allows you to enjoy new vehicles every several years. Buying opens the door to ownership outright and can make financial sense if you want a car you’ll drive for a long time.
Practical Factors
Your regular passengers and cargo needs can influence the internal size of your next vehicle, but where you drive can impact the external size. For instance, maneuvering and parking in city environments are much easier with smaller cars. Safety features, such as rearview cameras, lane-keep assist, automated emergency braking, and crash test ratings, are also essential to consider.
Optional Factors
Look at vehicles offering advanced comfort features and technology that align with your preferences. These include heated seats, driver-assist technology, a sunroof, smartphone integration, and touchscreen infotainment. Having some of this in the backseat can help entertain passengers on long trips, and all of it helps you if you’re going to spend a lot of time behind the wheel.
The Test Drive
When you think you’ve found your next vehicle, arrange for a test drive. This is how you experience things and assess performance and handling. Pay attention to your comfort with everything from noise levels to mirror placement. Your test drive should be when you know whether a vehicle suits your lifestyle.
The Journey Before the Ride
Identifying which vehicle best fits your lifestyle requires research and thorough consideration. The average consumer spends up to eight months gathering information and comparing different makes and models before deciding, but this can be time spent well. Vehicle owners average around 200,000 miles with each car if it is well-maintained and cared for, so this decision might impact your life for years to come.