Moving to a new city is always an adventure. It is doubly, so when you are starting a new chapter of your life. But like any adventure, you need the right tools for it. There are two things you need when you are establishing yourself in a new city: shelter and transportation. So while you’re looking at houses for sale, you should also consider getting a car of your own. Here are some things to consider when you are out shopping for a car.
A Comfortable Size
A major factor that will affect your car purchase for city living is how big the car is. You are likely single if you just moved to start a new chapter in your life so that you won’t need the big SUVs. The perfect car for the single individual is a small one, with a passenger seat and some space for passengers and cargo. City driving is not like driving on the open road. You’ll compete with a lot of other cars. A big lumbering vehicle may look impressive, but it is not going to zip through traffic easily. These small cars might even surprise you. Some models have a fairly roomy interior so that should give you a few more options to choose from.
To Go Electric
Nowadays, there is a major concern about emissions. A polluting car is not exactly what you want to have in the city since it will grab the attention of the authorities. While low-emission car models are out there, you should seriously consider going full electric. If you are hesitant about it, some hybrid models can seriously cut down on your emissions.
Many people assume that when you plan to get an electric car, you’ll be buying a Tesla, but there are cheaper options that can still perform very well. Nissan and Mercedes Benz have come out with some excellent models that will make city driving much easier for you. Some of these cars can even take you a bit out of the city, with the Nissan Leaf delivering a little over 200 miles on a full charge. This makes it perfect for those who live in the suburbs or want a weekend getaway from the city.
The great thing about electric cars is that they are also more efficient than their gas-guzzling equivalents. This offsets the initial expense of these vehicles.
Easy Parking
A big problem for anyone driving in the city is how to park your car properly. Considering how close cars can get in the city, you don’t want to bump into other cars. This can lead to damage and problems for you. To ensure that you can park your car right, you need to know how well it handles. With a maneuverable car, you can better be able to park without an accident. Good handling also allows for better movement through the city.
To make parking easier, you can also choose a car that has parking aids. A parking camera is an excellent feature since it helps you see your blind spots when parking. While you can get these separately, some car models come with them automatically. You can also get one with parking sensors. These make a loud noise when you are about to bump into something.
Special Features
There are also a variety of car features that you might want to find in your potential car. The best ones are those that provide additional safety features to your car. Some key features that you will be looking for are the collision warnings that can tell the driver they are about to hit something they don’t see and the automatic emergency braking, which applies the brakes automatically for any forward impact. Both of these can cut down on accidents and lower the chance of injuries. Other features are mainly about driver and passenger comfort. While not as important as safety, you’ll still want a relaxing drive.
Decent Price
One final thing to check is the price. While compact cars can be affordable, they are still an expensive purchase. If you recently purchased a house, then this may add to your expenses greatly. You might be able to get one second-hand model, which is a good deal. You can also finance it with a car loan. But the important thing is to choose one that provides bang for its buck. Read reviews to see which one is best for you.
Buying a car is a major decision and can cost you quite a bit of money. Ensuring that you don’t regret the purchase is very important. The factor above should help you decide on the right car to buy for your trips around the city.