How to Determine Which Style of Car is Best for You

Choosing the right style of car can be very stressful since there is a wide variety of makes, colours, styles and sizes on the market today. Here are a few things to consider that will help you determine which style of car is best for you:

1. YOUR NEEDS

The style of car that is best for you depends on who you are and your own individual expectations. Ask yourself what you want and need from your car:

• Do you want to make a statement?
• Do you like to go for long drives?
• Do you need to transport a lot of goods?
• How many kilometers per kilogram of gas can you afford?
• Do you mainly drive on highways, downtown streets or rural roads?
• Do you drive standard or automatic?
• How many passengers will you typically be transporting?
• Do you need an all-wheel drive?
• What extra features like Bluetooth connectivity, back-up camera do you want?
• What do you need from your car to feel safe?
• What is your parking situation?

Answering these questions will help you decide which style of car is the best for you.

2. YOUR BUDGET

Once you’ve answered the important questions about your car’s functionality, it’s imperative that you sit down and think about how you will finance it. Go through your expenses and see how much you can realistically afford. This will help you determine which style of car is best for you as defining price ranges will likely narrow down your options. A good rule of thumb is a monthly payment on a car should not exceed 15 percent of your monthly pay after taxes. Don’t forget to include 7 percent of your pay to cover gas and insurance.

3. LEASE OR BUY

Leasing and buying each have pros and cons. With a lease, there is little or no money down and lower monthly payments. However, when the lease ends, the search for the best style of car for you will continue. While buying a car is more expensive at first with more money down and higher monthly payments, you have the satisfaction of owning a car.

Here are some more pros and cons to think about when making the decision between leasing and buying:

Leasing

• You can drive a fancier car and pay less.
• You can upgrade to a car with the latest exciting features every few years.
• Repairs are typically covered under the factory warranty.
• You don’t have to worry about trade-in hassles once the lease is done.

Buying

• You can sell the car whenever you want.
• You can customize or modify the car.
• You don’t have to worry about mileage penalties.
• Your car expenses will be lower in the long run.

4. OWNERSHIP COSTS

Some styles of cars may be cheaper to purchase initially but more expensive to own in the long run. Once you decide on the style of car you want, estimate the long-term costs including maintenance, fuel costs, insurance and depreciation.

5. TEST DRIVE

Now that you’ve answered all the questions about finances and functionality, it’s finally time for the fun part. Schedule a test drive with your preferred car dealership. Actually getting behind the wheel is how you really determine the style of car that is best for you. You may think you want a convertible or a sportscar but discover how difficult they are to drive and switch to an SUV.

Car salespeople are also instrumental in helping you determine which style of car is best for you. Present them with as much detail as possible about your wants and needs and they’ll help you make the best choice. You should test-drive at least three different vehicles to get a feel for each car and help you compare and contrast.

6. PICK YOUR CAR

After your test-driving appointment, you should be able to determine which style of car is best for you. If not, sleep on it or do some more research. If you weren’t totally impressed by any of the cars you test-drove, try going to a different dealership or trying out an unexpected style. You really don’t know what a car is like until you’re in the drivers’ seat.

Once you’ve bought or leased the best style of car for you, it’s important to have a reliable repair service in case of emergency. If you’ve gone through the long process of car shopping, you’ll definitely want to ensure it is in tip top shape. If you need windshield replacement or auto glass repair, look no further than North York Auto Glass. Get a quote today.