Buying a car is a huge deal for most people. But with so many options available today, you might feel like you’re picking the perfect pizza toppings instead of making a major financial decision. The problem is that your vehicle choice lasts far longer than dinner. What features are essential? Which ones are unnecessary bells and whistles?
Whether you’re buying your first or fiftieth car, these tips will provide solid advice on picking the right one for your commute.
1. Get a Hybrid
Fuel efficiency is your best friend. Choosing a car that sips gas rather than guzzles it can save you from spending your hard-earned money on the gas station. A hybrid also doesn’t sit at traffic lights with the engine running and burning fuel.
If you want to maximize fuel efficiency, you’re better off with a hybrid or electric vehicle with a good miles-per-gallon rating (MPG). Besides cutting your trips to the gas station, you’re helping the environment by releasing fewer emissions into the air.
2. Choose a Comfortable Ride
We spend a lot of time in our cars, so it makes sense to choose a comfortable ride. A car with seats that have lumbar support, adjustable settings, good cushioning, support, and adjustability can be a game-changer.
Also, look for heated and ventilated seats, memory settings, and a heated steering wheel so you don’t freeze your fingers off on those cruel winter drives. Driving your car is a privilege, so why shouldn’t it be a comfortable one?
3. Check Maintenance Costs and Reliability
If you choose a reliable commuter car, you’ll save a lot of headaches and frequent unwanted repairs. Consider buying a car from a brand with a stellar reputation for longevity and minimal maintenance costs.
For reliability and dependability ratings, head to trusted sites like Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book, and J.D. Power. Join an online forum to see whether other owners find the car reliable, too, as well as to ferret out any common problems.
4. Safety First, Second, and Third
Safety is a non-negotiable aspect of any car, especially for daily commutes. Look for vehicles with high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for a good start.
Key features include automatic emergency braking to prevent collisions, lane-keeping assist to help you stay in your lane, and blind-spot monitoring for alerts on nearby vehicles. You don’t have to worry about breaking the bank on safety since most modern cars come equipped with the latest features as standard.
5. Don’t Miss Out on Technology
A commuter car equipped with advanced technology is a no-brainer these days. Wireless charging, hands-free phone calls, Bluetooth connectivity, Spotify, USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto can make a long commute more enjoyable.
You can access navigation and change air settings via touchscreen infotainment displays with voice control. You can do a lot without taking your eyes off the road.
6. Consider Your Storage Needs
Ample cargo space is crucial whether you need to carry work materials, your kid’s sports equipment, or a month’s worth of groceries. To fulfill your cargo needs, look for an SUV or hatchback with a spacious cargo area.
Cars with customizable rear rows, underfloor storage compartments, and various cubbies and bins offer the flexibility to increase storage space if needed. If you want to haul longer items, a pickup with a customizable cargo bed will do the job.
7. Prioritize Resale Value
Depreciation can be a real wallet-buster. Given the current economic climate and the shortage of new cars, it’s wise to hold on to your car for longer. The longer you hold onto your car, the less valuable it becomes.
Toyota, Honda, and Subaru are great choices if you want a commuter car that holds its value over time. Check out sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds to compare depreciation rates. It’s worth investing in a car that retains its value because it’ll save you money when you sell or trade it.
8. Consider Fuel-Type Flexibility
All fuel types, gasoline, diesel, and electric, have pros and cons. Being able to use multiple types of fuel for your car can help you save time and money. For example, EVs offer lower charging costs but require access to charging infrastructure, which might not be super accessible unless you have a Tesla.
In this case, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) might be just what you want. If you often make short commutes in the city, you could say goodbye to your frequent trips to the gas station. Plug in your PHEV overnight at home and enjoy the convenience it brings.
9. Stay Sharp With Used Cars
Buying a used car is a smart financial move but requires due diligence. Don’t hold back when inspecting the car since it could be your only car for many years. Second, make sure to get a detailed vehicle history report. Knowledge of past accidents or repairs can save you from future headaches. Most reputable dealers will provide a prospective buyer with the vehicle’s Carfax report, which details any accidents.
Have a qualified and trusted mechanic inspect the car and confirm if it is worth buying. Also, never pay with cash if you go the pre-owned car route. A paper trail adds an extra layer of security and backs your ownership claims in case of any problems.
10. Learn From Owners
Car enthusiast forums and subreddits can offer a gold mine of firsthand advice. They’re like a secret society, except it’s all about cars. Owners’ reviews can reveal a car’s true pros and cons from people who drive it every day.
These reviews also help you know how the car fares in real-life situations. Engage with other owners for honest feedback about their experiences, common issues, and maintenance tips. There are forums for cars from almost every major manufacturer.
11. Consider the Terrain
When hunting for your next commuter car, consider the roads you’ll face daily. Different cars are suitable for different roads. A compact SUV or a mid-size sedan will work if you weave through narrow streets, heavy city traffic, bumper-to-bumper, and stop-and-go.
If you drive on snowy roads or will be driving uphill, consider a pickup truck or a car with all-wheel drive (AWD). These vehicles are more suitable and comfortable, but finding a parking spot big enough might be a hassle.
12. Test-Drive the Car
Don’t ever buy a car, new or used, without test-driving it first. To evaluate its performance in different driving conditions, take the car for a spin on various road surfaces, including highways, city streets, potholes, and uneven roads.
Consider factors like acceleration, braking stiffness, steering responsiveness, suspension quality, and ride comfort. This will help you decide if the car is a good fit for your driving style.
13. Lease or Buy
Leasing is also an option. Although leasing a car means fewer upfront costs and lower monthly payments, you’ll have to find a new car when the lease ends. On the flip side, buying a car within your budget requires bigger monthly payments, but once the loan is paid off, the car is yours.
Consider the interest rates. You might pay thousands of dollars more in interest, which could derail your finances and delay your ability to transition to a newer, better car when you’re ready.
14. Assess the True Cost of Ownership
Set up a realistic budget before you go car shopping. This will help you out in many ways. You can start by calculating the total cost of owning a car, which goes beyond the sticker price.
Consider crucial factors like registration fees, insurance, fuel, and maintenance. Stretching your budget for a car can lead to financial problems, adding unnecessary stress to your life.
15. Follow Your Heart
If you really love a car and it makes you smile, your daily commute could be a joyride. After all, driving should be more than a necessity. Beyond practicalities and features, choose the car that you want.
It might be the nostalgic charm of a classic muscle car or a modern high-performance sports car. The car you choose will not only get you from point A to point B but make every commute a highlight of your day.
