Choosing which car to buy is a big decision in anyone’s life. It is a long term investment and involves picking the vehicle that you’re going to be spending a large chunk of your day in, every day, hopefully for the foreseeable future.
Between the research stage and completing a purchase, the average car buyer will spend 96 days in the car buying process. With good reason.
There are so many different factors one must consider in order to determine which vehicle will be right for them.
With so many different car types to pick between, it can be a difficult and confusing task to choose.
Of course, your budget will be a big consideration, as will any special features you may require or desire. But one thing that is just as important to take into account when it comes to buying a car, is the lifestyle of the person or persons buying it.
Below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to help you find out which car will fit into your lifestyle.
Growing Families
Whether you’re planning to start a family or you’ve already got a few in your brood, you’ll want a car that has a few specific attributes. Namely, you will want a vehicle that is reliable, spacious, and most of all safe. Substance takes precedence over style, in this case.
If you’ve got a larger family, a minivan could be a good option for you. Great for bringing the kids (and their friends) to school or practice, or for piling into on a family vacation. If your family is on the smaller side, you might choose a sedan instead. Still spacious and safe, but slightly more compact.
Carefree Singles
On the opposite end of the scale from families, you have the carefree single types. Although obviously, safety should still be a major consideration for anyone purchasing a car, those without children to take into account may prioritize other features, as well.
They can afford to be a little more daring in their choice if they choose. A statement-making sports car, with little leg room but plenty of horse-power, could be one option. Or maybe a cute and compact mini-cooper or VW bug – this time it’s style over substance.
Blue Collar Workers
For tradespeople, or for those whose work involves transporting large or bulky objects from point A to point B, something a bit larger is the most obvious and practical choice.
There are several different options for this type of vehicle. If you need to transport oversized objects, a pickup might be the way to go. If you have fragile material or live in a particularly rainy area, something like the VW transporter might work better. If you’re considering this option, you can find a good variety on the new site for Swissvans.
Intrepid Explorers
For those who hear the call of the wild, and feel the insatiable urge to answer, a sturdy, resilient, and spacious car is of paramount importance. If you love going on adventures, spontaneous camping trips, and taking the road less traveled, this one’s for you.
You’ll want a car that is capable of going off-road from time to time, with enough trunk space for all your gear and enough seating for your friends. An SUV is a great option, with plenty of room and a robust build. For a more compact version that’s just as tough, try a jeep wrangler.
Eco Warriors
Do you never leave home without your steel water bottle and reusable coffee cup? Is recycling a daily ritual for you? If so, you’ll probably be looking for a car that is as environmentally friendly as you are.
These days, there are so many options if you’re looking for an eco-friendly car. The classic is, of course, the Prius. Toyota’s hybrid offering today comes in an array of styles. If you want to go super carbon-neutral, there are now ten times more fully electric vehicles on the road than there were even just a few years ago.
First Time Buyer
If you’ve never purchased a car before, you may be at a complete loss about what kind is best for you. If this is the case, or even if you think you know what you might want, it is advisable to seek the help of someone with some degree of knowledge or expertise when it comes to cars.
If you’re a new driver or first-time buyer – or both – one of the most important things you will want to look for in your car is that it will be reliable, affordable, and easy to drive. With this in mind, something smaller like a ford fiesta or a Kia Rio could be good options.
Executive Traveler
Appearances tend to matter slightly more in some lines of work than others. If your job involves driving to meetings, impressing clients, and traveling for business, then your car becomes an extension of your overall image and an important factor in your success.
Foreign cars are exceedingly popular with this type of buyer, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz being two of the top names to look out for. You want your car to run well and be comfortable to drive, but also to portray a subtle sense of luxury.
Choosing the Best Car Types for You
One last tip? Don’t let the vast array of car types out there intimidate you.
Take a step-by-step, systematic approach to the decision. Consider your lifestyle, but also the things that are really important to you in a car, and what you may be willing to compromise on.
Finally, make sure to do your research on whatever car you do eventually choose, as well as the car dealer you choose to buy it from.
If you’ve found this guide helpful, don’t forget to check out the rest of our site for more engaging car, bike, and transportation-related content.