1) Where will you typically be parking the car? Tightly packed in city street spots? Or in a garage next to your house off the freeway? City drivers will typically be looking for a smaller, easier-to-park vehicle. Compact cars and smaller SUVs will be easier to parallel park and will allow drivers to choose a greater range of spots. Suburban or country drivers won't have these concerns.
2) What will you typically be hauling around? Drivers who plan on carrying lots of cargo--whether in the form of people or stuff--will probably lean more towards the SUV/minivan or the newly popular 5-door hatchback/wagon. If you'll mainly be in the car by yourself or with one or two other passengers, you'll probably consider small sedans or compact cars/hatchbacks.
3) Roominess/size or fuel economy/performance? Many consumers find it difficult to decide between the roominess of an SUV and the fuel economy/performance of smaller cars. This is a very customer-specific decision that truly boils down to the buyer's priorities. However, it's important to consider that gas prices are getting worse and worse, and the recent turmoil in Egypt and Libya does not bode well for the future of affordable oil. Unless you truly need the room of an SUV, which many people legitimately do, I would recommend browsing smaller, more economical options. The savings at the pump will be a gift that keeps on giving. Additionally, compact cars typically offer better performance and a more exciting driving experience which appeals to many.
The flexibility of buying pre-owned is unparalleled -- you can choose the car you want and, if the price isn't right, you can move a couple model years backwards and get the price within your range. However, all these options render it difficult to make a decision.
Stay tuned! My next article will identify and detail the best vehicles in each of these categories and help you narrow your choices even more. Thanks for reading!
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