Choosing The Right Family Car |
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Winston Takeda
19 September 2012
Shopping for cars these days is getting more confusing than ever. There are so many options and things to choose from, you can spend a couple of months just on the research alone. But the other side of that coin is that there is more information than ever when it comes to choosing the right car.
Car magazines, Internet forums, and even the manufacturers websites themselves are fine places to get plenty of good information. You can compare and contrast, take virtual tours, and really learn about the car of your choice. That way, when you finally do make it down to the dealership, you won't have to rely on the salesperson for any information. You can just simply tell them the car that you want. This tends to take a lot of stress out of the negotiation.
So how do you choose which car you want? First of all, consider the size of your family. Not only now, but in four or five years. That's about the average length of ownership of the American family. So if you've got kids, make sure they'll have a big enough car to grow into. If you're planning on having more kids, make sure you've got the room.
One thing you'll have to choose between is the kind of car. You've basically got three choices. A sedan, a minivan, or an SUV. All have their advantages.
Sedans are the cheapest. Many people feel that SUVs are a lot safer, but with the development of airbag technology, sedans are pretty safe. If you're on a budget and need to worry about gas prices, then a sedan is probably best. It will be the least expensive to own and operate.
Next up on the price list is the minivan. These have a lot more space, and will have a lot more airbags. Don't be fooled, though. Their bigger size doesn't necessarily translate into more safety when compared to a sedan. They can be just as cheap to operate, because minivans aren't really known for having them most powerful engines, so they'll get good gas mileage.
If you need lots of room, lots of visibility, lots of power and a sturdy frame, then the SUV is the way to go. But these are the most expensive to both own and operate. However, if you've got the money, both to buy one and to pay through the nose for gas, these can be the best vehicles to own. Choose the one that's right for you.