Which Car is the Right Car for You?
Today’s car shopper has hundreds of choices when it comes to picking a new car or truck. While there’s the “just right” vehicle out there for every buyer, it isn’t always easy to make the right choice.
What kind of car do you want?
Would you like a sports car, but you need an SUV? What are your choices regarding performance, comfort, styling, or fuel economy? Will a full sized truck fit in your garage? Do you want to drive off road? How many passengers do you need to carry, and how much cargo? Is purchasing a green vehicle important to you, or is safety your number one consideration? Are you looking for a minivan to haul around the family or do you want the comfort and styling of a luxury sedan?
Purchasing a new or used vehicle can be a tough decision. For many people, their car is an extension of their personality, so you’ll likely gravitate toward cars that fit you. Most car buyers know what they don’t like, so that reduces the options you’ll need to choose from. Beyond that, you need to be honest with yourself and decide what trade-offs you can accept.
What kind of car do you need?
For most of us, our wants must be tempered by our needs. If you have a large family, a two seater sports car won’t really work. If you’re a business professional and you have clients in your car, you probably need something upscale to enhance your image. If you have a long commute, you probably want something that’s very fuel efficient. Being honest with yourself about your needs will steer you to the most practical choice.
What can you afford?
This is a tough one. What you can afford can be measured in more than one way. Of course, the down payment and monthly payments are obvious, but you also need to factor in the cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs. You may be tempted to lower your monthly payments by stretching out the term of the loan, but this could cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in interest charges.
Most automobile manufacturers offer special deals from time to time. By keeping abreast of the various low interest rates, new car discounts, leasing options, or rebates, you can save a significant amount of money.
What compromises can you make?
You may have to compromise to get the car you want. You could choose more of the options that are standard instead of the premium offerings. If you need to reduce the price of your car more significantly, a used car might be your best choice. Most car dealers will offer both new and used cars, and the available warranties will alleviate any concerns you may have about unexpected repairs in the future.
What about hybrids and electric vehicles?
The latest trend in the automotive industry is the move toward producing electric vehicles. Up until the last couple of years, your options in purchasing an electric car or truck were severely limited, but now the major car manufacturers are rolling out more and more electric models.
The type of driving you do can help determine whether or not a hybrid or an electric vehicle is right for you. Hybrids use less fuel than fully gas powered models, especially at low speeds. Fully electric vehicles work well if you live and drive in an area that offers public charging facilities.
While you’ll save money on fuel with either of these options, you’ll be paying more upfront, and you’ll have to drive the vehicle a lot of miles to recoup the additional initial expense. If you plan to drive a hybrid for 60,000 miles or more, you’ll come out ahead. With an electric vehicle, the cost savings are a comparison of the cost of the electricity needed to charge versus the cost of gas. If your decision to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle is a matter of conscience based on a desire to drive a green vehicle, the cost savings may be just an afterthought.
When EVs first hit the market, they were generally small compacts, the brands were limited, and the price tags much higher than similar gas powered vehicles. That’s beginning to change, and more and more affordable electric vehicles are coming to the market. In today’s market, you can find a vast array of hybrid or electric vehicles, from tiny compacts to full sized trucks and luxury SUVs. The driving range of these vehicles continues to improve as advances are made in battery technology.
Some automakers are taking the initiative to create networks of charging stations, especially in urban areas or in rural settings where access to EV charging stations has been limited. This expansion of charging station networks will allow customers who live in these areas to give more serious consideration to purchasing an electric vehicle.
Recently, the federal government announced that they will be building a nationwide network of charging stations, an important step toward making EV charging accessible to the entire country. In addition, the technology involved in home charging stations is also continuously improving, reducing the time and expense it will take to charge your car at home.
Whatever you decide about choosing your next car or truck, you’ll be best served if you find a dealership with a reputation for honest dealing and great service.
For over 85 years, Dixie Buick GMC has served the Ft. Myers area, offering a diverse inventory of both new and used vehicles to choose from. Our highly trained sales team is ready to help you select your next vehicle, and our certified factory trained service technicians are equipped to handle your service needs. If you have any automotive needs in the Naples, Cape Coral, or Ft Myers area, we hope you will stop by and let us serve you. For more information, visit our website or contact us. We hope to see you soon!
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