Breaking Down Vehicle Types
For some drivers, the decision’s already been made, and there will never be any change. For Jane, it might be her love of heights that keeps driving her to purchase SUVs. For Bobby, it might be his desire to waste less that encouraged him to get a hybrid passenger car instead of that new sports car. For Leslie, maybe a truck was the only thing available in her price range that still worked well enough to start up every time. If you’re one of those drivers who doesn’t have a preferred vehicle type, and don’t know which way to go, this vehicle selection guide may help you make a decision before spending thousands on your purchase.
Passenger Cars
Pros: Often more spacious than one would expect from a smaller vehicle. Greater fuel economy is commonplace, particularly among hybrid versions of these vehicles. They can also fit in just about any parking space.
Cons: Not large enough to always fit an entire family or all of your friends inside. Don’t even think about bringing tons of luggage along as well. Passenger cars also tend to be lower in height, and on roads ever more inundated by SUVs, it can be hard to see over just about anything.
SUVs
Pros: Much taller than typical passenger cars, making it easy to see far ahead down the road. SUVs are also quite spacious, and that space is versatile, as you can use it both for storage needs and for passenger transport. SUVs also tend to come with tinted windows, which is perfect for a driver who craves privacy on the road.
Cons: SUVs often have much poorer fuel economy than passenger cars, and many hybrid SUVs even fall into this trap. They’re also harder to maintain, due both to their size and their use for more heavy duty functional purposes.
Trucks
Pros: Ready for just about any job you throw at them. A pickup truck can store lots of equipment in its bed, and the equipment won’t have a shot at damaging any interior upholstery and such as it’s not in the main cabin of the vehicle. Also, trucks are tall, like SUVs, and that makes it easier to see out of them for further.
Cons: Trucks don’t have quite the image that SUVs or passenger cars have, and that can make someone who drives one look less business-like or stay-at-home mom-like. Trucks often can also seat fewer people than both SUVs and passenger cars, and the extra space in a truck is all in the bed, so you can’t just bring extra passengers along as easily as you would in an SUV.
Making a Decision
Consider many of the factors not mentioned above, including your price range, what types of special features you’re looking for, etc. That way, when you go to the dealership, you’re already prepared with a pro and con sheet of your own, so you can make a more informed purchasing decision.