Buying A Car - Getting It Right

4 months ago 06th Apr 12:34

Supermini, estate, hatchback or MPV? With thousands of cars to choose from, buying the wrong one can be a costly mistake. Read this essential guide to find the right car for you.

Lifestyle

A number of factors should influence your decision making process:
* Your finances - how much are you willing to spend?
* Your family - how many passengers will you have?
* Your location - city living or rural idyll?
* Eco-friendly - how important are the car’s CO2 emissions to you?

Type of car

1. Supermini / compact vehicles

These cars have low engine sizes and are generally easy to drive. They’re ideal for new drivers, someone with a small family or a tight budget. Fuel economy is good and tax is low - but so is the performance and size.
Typical examples: Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207, Ford KA, Mini Cooper

2. Hatchback

One of the most popular type of cars on the road today, hatchbacks have two rows of seats with an integrated cargo space in the back passenger cabin.

The seats can usually fold down to provide more luggage space, accessed from a top-hinged tailgate at the back of the vehicle. Sizes vary, but these are reliable, all-around vehicles and tend to make good family cars.
Typical examples: Vauxhall Astra, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Audi A3, BMW 1 Series, Honda Civic

The shape, design and feel of a vehicle’s exterior is what everyone else will see - so choose wisely

3. MPV (Multi-purpose Vehicle) / People Carrier

Perfect for the motorist with a large family or many passengers.

These cars have plenty of luggage space, seven or eight seats - but also take up more room on the road.
Typical examples: Ford Galaxy, Citröen Grand C4 Picasso, Chrysler Voyager, Vauxhall Zafira, Volkswagen Touran

4. Sports

If speed, style and panache are your thing, then a high-performance sports car may be what you’re after. Most are rear-wheel drive, with two seats, two doors, superior power and manoeuvrability.

But they don’t come cheap - and may be more expensive to run and insure. Fuel economy tends to be low, but they can look, feel and sound impressive.
Typical examples: Lotus Elise, Audi TT, Lamborghini Murciélago, Ferrari F355, Porsche 911, Mazda MX-5, Vauxhall VX220

5. Estate / saloon

A passenger car with a longer body style than a hatchback but less room than an MPV.

They make good family and executive vehicles, and usually have an assortment of extra features to offer, such as leather seats, electric sunroofs and in-car temperature management systems.
Typical examples: Volvo V70, Mercedes E-class, Jaguar XJ, Vauxhall Vectra, Ford Mondeo, Audi A4/A6

6. SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) / 4x4

These off-road vehicles have good towing capabilities, strong engines and passenger space similar to an estate.

Most have four-wheel drive capabilities for increased traction, but their larger size is something to bear in mind - especially in built-up areas. Fuel consumption is generally inefficient, but SUVs are highly reliable vehicles.
Typical examples: Land Rover Range Rover, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Rav 4, Hummer H3, Honda Pilot, Subaru Forester

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