While no vehicle does everything perfectly, there are many cars that do a lot of things well. For example, plenty of cars with good reliability are also fun to drive, comfortable and quiet. But still, there might be a lot of things you’re compromising on. You might have to choose between sporty handling and a good ride. Otherwise, in exchange for cargo space or engine power, you might end up sacrificing fuel economy. This guide will help you choose the right car based on your needs.
If you don’t know which car will best fit your needs, start by asking yourself some basic questions. Your aim is to find the models that excel in aspects that matter most to you.
How Many People Will Your Car Carry?
Many cars can hold 5 people, but the center-rear position may be so uncomfortable in some vehicles that it hardly qualifies as a seat. That’s something to keep in mind when you take these cars for test drives.
Consider a three-row SUV or minivan if you need to accommodate more people. In some car variants, the third-row seat might only be enough for children. Also, remember that cargo space gets eaten up when the seats are occupied.
While two-door cars have sporty looks, consider how often you’ll need to use the rear seat. Passengers might have to twist and stoop to sit on these rear seats, and folding the front seat to secure a child safety seat or load the gear gets old fast.
How Much Cargo Will You Need to Carry?
A wagon, an SUV, or a minivan is your best bet if hauling equipment for outdoor activities is important for you. If you carry materials that would mess up the interior, heavy loads, or cargo too tall to fit in an enclosed car, a pickup truck would be a better choice. But, many pickups have a short bed. So if you want to use your truck more for work than for family duty, choose a regular-cab truck that has a longer bed.
Do You Want an Automatic or Manual Shift?
Many of the modern cars come only with automatic transmissions. However, several automatics also offer a manual-shift mode. This works like the typical manual transmission, but without the clutch. This mode is handy when driving on long descents like mountains, as they provide the driver with more control.
However, these stick shifts can get annoying in stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, today’s six-, seven-, and eight-speed automatic transmissions can help cars deliver good fuel economy, and sometimes, even better than the same car with a manual transmission.