We’re all different, so it makes sense that our cars are different too. Whether you’re driving solo in the city or nursing a big brood in the suburbs, it’s important to choose a car that reflects your daily needs. Car sales are higher than they’ve ever been before in the UK, which means it’s a busy market out there for both new and used vehicles, and a great time to buy. No one wants a car that’s too big – or too small! – or costs an unnecessary amount to run, so when it’s time to pick a new set of wheels, here’s a few questions you need to ask yourself.
1. How many people will be in it every day?
If you have no children or live-in dependent relatives, then chances are a smaller car is best for you, but it can get a little trickier if you and your partner are juggling work and family. Perhaps you commute to work via a bus or train, in which case you’ll only need your car for weekend errands and trips away. There are 26 million cars on UK roads servicing a population of 65 million people, so chances are almost every household with two adults and children will also have more than one car. It’s important to keep this in mind when you’re deciding what car to purchase. Having two large family-sized SUVs is expensive to run, so consider one family car and one commuter vehicle that you and your spouse can swap between if it’s needed.
2. What’s your budget?
We all want the best, particularly when it comes to a nice car we’re going to spend a lot of time in, but it’s not worth racking up the large debt just to drive around in luxury. Sit down with a pen and paper and work out how much income your household generates each year. This is a good rule to start with when you’re working out your vehicle budget. If you’re trying to be frugal, then look at a car that’s around 10 percent of your yearly income. If you want a sturdy, reliable vehicle for your family, however, it’s a good idea to increase this to 20 percent. This will give you a good budget to find a safe, late-model car that won’t overwhelm your finances.
3. Where do you drive?
Think about where you’ve driven over the past 12 months. In a typical year, how often do you go away on camping trips, weekends in the snow, or long drives to visit relatives? Find a car that’s going to best fit these needs as well as your day-to-day driving habits. If you find you rarely venture outside the city, then a small, fuel-efficient car available at dealership MINI Edinburgh, is most ideal for you. However, if you frequently drive along rugged country trails, then look at an SUV with good off-roading capability. If you stay on the roads during your frequent travels, however, then you should select a car with a reputation for durability. Have a clear goal of what you need from your car, and let this inform the selection process.
