Buying a vehicle is a long-term investment for the majority of people. A spur-of-the-moment decision is only for certain individuals who already know exactly what they want and have the resources to trade in their car once their purchase no longer fits their lifestyle. If you fall into the former category and are trying to figure out what type of vehicle will best suit your current needs as well as your plans for the future, you might find yourself in a bit of a conundrum.
After all, between the numerous passenger vehicle types on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, finding the perfect fit requires thorough research, planning and preparation. With that in mind, here is how to choose a car type that reflects your lifestyle, one that will be able to meet your present and future needs equally.
Sedan: all-around reliability
A sedan is a standard type of car used by single individuals as well as small families of three or four. This vehicle type can seat two adults in the front row, and at least two adults in the second row, or three small children. With that being said, filling up all five seats can make the interior feel crowded, especially if you have lively kids.
There are four doors, five if you count the trunk compartment, which features a windowless lid and is typically sectioned off from the cabin. The trunk, as well as the sedan class in general, boasts medium storage and is suited for short escapades, as well as driving around the city. However, if solo adventures or city cruising is your thing, you might want to consider buying a hatchback.
Hatchback: a good single’s solution
Hatchbacks can be family vehicles if you have one child, two at the most, but they are usually better suited for singles or couples looking to get around town quickly and efficiently. A hatchback typically has two doors with a rear hatch that gives you access to the cargo compartment, which is usually connected to the cabin area.
Another reason why this type of vehicle is great for couples is the ability to fold the rear seats in order to make more room for luggage. However, the hatchback truly shines when used as a small city vehicle, as it usually consumes fuel economically, and can easily maneuver through the tiniest of streets – perfect for getting to work on time.
SUV: the ideal family vehicle
Although the SUV was first envisioned as a utility vehicle, over the years it has become one of the most popular and highly sought-after family cars in the world, due to its versatility, size, optimized fuel consumption, and more. Nowadays, the most popular option among families is the small sized SUV that boasts excellent maneuverability for cruising around town but is also reliable and powerful enough to take on the toughest of off-road challenges.
This is a vehicle for people who want all their present and future needs met, a vehicle for those of you who are planning a family one day, or are already looking for a car that can seat all of your family members safely and comfortably. In essence, an SUV is an investment into the future.
Sports cars: a risky yet exciting choice
Sports cars come in all shapes and sizes, and while they are fun to use for a couple of months, you do need to think long and hard before signing on the dotted line. Is this the car that can meet all of your present lifestyle needs? If so, it can be a good investment, just don’t expect to be able to keep it around when the first baby comes along.
If you do decide to get a sports car, invest in a convertible so that you can get that true sense of freedom as the air whizzes past your ears on the open road. Before you develop a need for speed, though, be sure to get a feel for the car first, as these types of vehicles boast a feather-light gas pedal and will take you from zero to a sixty faster than you would normally like.
Pickup trucks: an excellent auxiliary vehicle
Finally, a pickup truck is a unique choice and is usually considered a utility vehicle although it can serve many a purpose, especially in the residential sphere. What’s unique to this type of vehicle is that it boasts an open-top rear cargo area, known as a bed, with low sides and a tailgate. This feature makes it perfect for hauling different goods and loads, but not for transporting people or animals.
Nevertheless, this is an excellent auxiliary car for homeowners and families in need of a reliable vehicle they can use for home repairs, transporting cumbersome appliances, and other heavy-duty tasks. Keep in mind, though, that this type of vehicle is not well-suited for maneuvering the city streets and they can usually put a dent in your budget because of increased fuel consumption.
Choosing the perfect car type to suit your present and future needs is definitely not an easy task, as it requires proper planning, strategizing and preparation to settle on a car that ticks every box on your list. With that being said, you should have no problem investing in the right vehicle you can enjoy for years to come with this essential guide at hand.
