While you may not be able to find a car that perfectly fits all of your requirements, you’ll likely be able to buy one that’s still a good fit for you, with some research. That said, there may still be trade-offs. For instance, you may need to choose between a car that’s great for off-roading and one that offers good fuel economy. Similarly, if engine power is an important factor for you, you may have to compromise on fuel efficiency. Having said this, we’ve made a list of key questions that you can ask yourself to figure which car you should buy.
How Many People Travel With You?
Most cars can carry at least five people. That said, the center-rear position in smaller cars is quite uncomfortable especially for an adult, so if you usually travel with four or five people (or more), consider getting an SUV or a minivan.
How Much Cargo Will You Need To Carry?
If hauling equipment and goods is something you do often, you’ll need a wagon, SUV, or a minivan. If you need to carry heavy cargo, a pickup truck is your best bet. If a vehicle’s cargo-carrying capacity is not too much of a concern for you, consider checking out hatchbacks and sedans.
Are You Comfortable With A Manual Shift Or Do You Need An Automatic Car?
The vast majority of car buyers today opt for automatics. But, if you drive in hilly regions often, a manual shift car may be a better option. Many automatic cars today also come with a manual-shift mode.
Power Or Fuel Economy – What’s More Important?
The cars that are available today have a range of engine and transmission options. That said, if you need a powerful car with a V6 engine, you may need to compromise on fuel efficiency. Similarly, a car that’s extremely fuel-efficient may not offer you a lot of power. Most car owners, however, find that four-cylinders offer decent fuel economy and performance.
In addition to the above-mentioned questions, make sure to also work out a budget that you are comfortable with. If you are taking an auto loan, understand that the loan offer that you get simply gives you the upper limit for the loan. If you are on a tight budget, you can always opt for a car that’s well under the limit offered to you by a lender.
