Are you joining the world of car owners? Maybe you have been a fellow member for years, and just need a new set of wheels? There are a few things to consider when buying a new vehicle, both practical and regarding your preferred aesthetic. If you are buying a car for the first time, you may want to take the time to read through this comprehensive guide and evaluate your ideas one phase at a time. If, on the other hand, you already have some experience in owning a personal vehicle, then you can skip the advice for beginners and just consider the following universally essential things. First of all, you should think about the practical needs that the vehicle will need to cater to, what you prefer in terms of driving style and appearance, and only then go flipping through manufacturers` catalogs for a new car.
Figure out your cargo needs and potential passengers.
These two will directly determine the size of the car (or maybe even the truck) that you will need to buy. Think about how many passengers, at most, are realistically likely to be transported in it, and then count the seats in the vehicle you set your set your sights on – and remember to add one, for you, the driver. So, if you have a spouse and two children, four seats are the barest minimum. If you like to travel around with friends, consider a minivan or some such option with more seats and more space to move around between them. You can find AAP`s car seat guidelines for families at this here.
Next, stop to consider the amount of cargo space that you will require. If you have a family, you will need to transport toys, groceries, sports equipment and the like, so you might consider an SUV, a station wagon, or a minivan. A smaller family might opt for a sedan or a hatchback. If you are a solo flyer and enjoy going on camping trips or free rides around the country, maybe you would prefer a pickup truck where the balance is shifted towards the “one person, lots of things” scenario.
What will be your predominant driving environment?
This means gaining an understanding of how your desired car would fit into the area where you live and through which you will be driving every day. For example, whether you live alone, with a family, or a single roommate or partner, if you are located in a densely populated area like a city, you will need to place emphasis on the ability to park in tight spaces and the ease of maneuvering in the streets congested with traffic.
In contrast to that, a suburbs or the countryside are the ideal area for large, sturdy vehicles that carry lots of cargo or are used for towing purposes. They can also be a good option for a person who mostly drives on the highway, regardless of where the actual permanent residence might be located.
What kind of a driver are you?
Your style of driving is also an important aspect to consider when making your purchase decision. Believe it or not, this also factors into your lifestyle, and quite heavily.
If you need something that will properly serve a driver but be a good fit for a family of passengers, you are likely looking for a hatchback or a sedan. Be wary if you go checking out pickups and full-sized SUVs, as such large vehicles are notably difficult to control. Check out this helpful guide post about how to operate them safely, especially if you are driving one for the first time.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more free, more driver-centric experience from your new car, you may be happier with something like a convertible or a coupe. These kinds of vehicles tend to make speed, performance, and easy handling their highest priority.
What is your favorite vehicle aesthetic?
This one item is most often the one that sways a buyer one way or another. We can rant on about functionality all we want, but in the end, appearances really do matter just as much. Are you in love with large, sturdy, strong frames, or do you prefer a slender outline that looks sleek and powerful among the regular family four-wheelers?
Do you typically go for neutral, dulled down colors that look sober and mature, like black, deep blue, or peaceful brown? Are you more likely to turn your eye to intense hues that make a statement, like a deep red, rich green, or even a defiantly bright hot pink? Or maybe you will opt for silver or gold to add a dash of luxury to your daily routines? Believe it or not, the color wheel can really spin our minds around when we go shopping, which you can learn more about here.
Once you have these things figured out, you will automatically have formed some idea of what model of a vehicle you are looking for, so you can start searching for one. The internet is your friend here. Browse for model-specific, area-specific sellers, like “Jeep Dealership Seattle“, “Used Pickup Vendors in Texas”, and so forth. Remember, filter your results as much as possible according to your location, how far out you are willing to go to check out a car seller`s venue, what your budget is, and what make of vehicle you are looking for.
So, how about we summarize: when you are looking to buy a new car that will fit and reflect your current lifestyle, consider passengers, cargo, driving style, environment, and aesthetic preferences.
These are the little red dots on your buyer`s map, so to speak, which you need to connect in order to get a clearer picture of what kind of a car will be a good balance between what you like, what you need, what you can afford, and what you can handle.
