Several factors contribute to your decision when choosing your next car. When I was in the market for a new car last year, one of my stipulations was that it would be suitable for road trips as a family of four. With the current cost of living crisis and the increased cost of international travel especially with school-age children, we decided that holidays closer to home were on the cards. Therefore, for us, we plan to explore more of the UK, which we are excited about especially now we have a new car to travel in. So, if like us you plan to explore more of your local area, here are some things to consider when buying the perfect car for your next road trip.
The Cost
Cost is a massive factor when choosing a new car. You want to either ensure you have enough money to pay for it outright or ensure that a monthly payment is not beyond your budget. You could also look at biweekly payments. These create an effective 13th monthly payment which allows you to pay your car loan back quicker. Also, you may have a car to trade in and use as part payment for a new one. Whatever your situation you should always work out your finances and calculate your payments before setting your heart on a particular car.
Old v New
Depending on how much cash you have to splash will influence your decision on whether you opt for a new car or a second hand one. There are many benefits of buying a brand new car. The main one is the minimum 3 years warranty that they come with. Therefore, if something goes wrong (not driver error of course) within that time frame the manufacturer will sort it out and it won’t cost you a penny. If you opt for a second-hand car, ensure you have someone knowledgeable check it out before signing on the dotted line. This is to ensure that it is not going to break down the minute you hit the road.
Comfort and Size
When looking for the perfect car for a road trip, comfort and size are two factors you will need to consider. Pre-children a small/medium size car suited us fine. As long as there was enough room for two adults and two bags we were happy. However, now we have children, SUVs are our go too. Our children are getting older and we do not have to pack all the things associated with babies and toddlers however we still need the extra room for their car seats and extra bags. With regards to comfort level, this is a personal preference. we like a comfortable car for road trips to make the journey smoother.
Running Costs
If you are stretching yourself with a car loan in the first place, working out the running costs, this includes insurance, road tax and of course fuel is a must. The cost of fuel, like everything else, is increasing therefore calculating how much you are likely to spend on fuel is a must. If the estimated cost is higher than you can afford then you may need to look at different most fuel-efficient cars. This is always recommended if you are looking for the perfect car for a road trip as it is likely you will be travelling a lot of miles throughout your trip.
Electric
The initial cost of an electric car is more often than not a lot more than their petrol and diesel counterparts. However, the cost of charging and running an electric car compared to a petrol car throughout ownership can be considerably lower. This could prove to be a big benefit. Electric cars are becoming more commonplace however, the charging infrastructure outside of major cities is still not ideal. Therefore, when planning your trip it is advisable to map out charging points based on your itinerary to ensure you do not run out of juice!
We hope this helps you if you are looking for a perfect car for your next road trip.
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