What type of car should you buy?

Purchasing a car is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. The second most important decision is knowing what type of car to buy. Whether you are buying your first car or trading it in for a unit that you think is better than your current model, choosing the right vehicle could give you the convenience and flexibility you need.

To help our readers decide which car to buy, we have gathered information and advice from industry experts on what type of car will fit your lifestyle. Have a read below to get an idea of what car you should be driving.

First time car owners

If you just got your driver's license and are looking for your first car that will complement your driving style, experts suggest a small car such as a minicar, a subcompact or a hatchback. They are very easy to own because of their affordable price and could save you a lot on fuel because of their low gas intake.

Because they are lightweight, they are easier to drive than some larger vehicles. Small cars are also easy to park and do not require much space in your garage. The only disadvantage of owning a small car is its limited space which can usually seat a maximum of five passengers and a small amount of cargo. Unless you are buying a premium model, small cars also offer less safety features.

Some of the popular examples of these are: the Mitsubishi Mirage (hatchback), the Toyota Vios (subcompact) and the Suzuki Alto (mini-hatchback). The most common owners of these types of vehicles are young professionals and college students.

Family service vehicles

When a first time car owner graduates from being single and now has children to raise, he or she will usually shift to a car that offers a larger interior. That means going for models that offer the same car driving experience but with extra luggage space and a heftier cabin. For these purposes, crossovers, minivans and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are the perfect choice.

These vehicles are larger compared to your average small cars in terms of dimensions and the engines they use. With the capacity to seat five to seven people (sometimes eight), these vehicles can serve different purposes including carrying a large amount of cargo without sacrificing passenger space. Be wary, however, that some models in this category are known to be fuel guzzlers. It would also be a waste of fuel if only one or two people were using it on a daily basis.

There are a lot of models to choose from in this category, but some of the stalwarts include the Honda CR-V (crossover SUV), the Toyota Innova (APV/ MPV) and the Kia Carens (minivan). In the Philippines, they are usually the choice of middle class families whose parents are in their 30s or 40s.

Off-road thrill seekers

At some point, most car owners seek to drive not only on the city's streets, but also on the rugged terrain of the countryside’s dirt roads. Off-roading is one of the most enjoyable activities a car owner can do with their vehicle. For one, it can bring you closer to nature by bringing out your adventurous side.

These types of vehicle usually have a more durable and rugged suspension (offered with an all-wheel drivetrain).With higher ground clearance and wading depth, off-road vehicles allow you to go places that few vehicles can enter. With its massive body, you have to give up car-like handling and fuel economy. That means more pennies for the extra power and towing-capability they provide.

Under this category are midsize or fullsize Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks. Because they require some driving experience, they are mostly owned by those who have already handled smaller car models. Their hefty price also means that you should be earning a decent amount of dough to purchase one. Some very good examples of these are: the Mitsubishi Montero (midsize SUV), the Ford Ranger (compact pickup) and the Toyota Land Cruiser (full-size SUV).

For executives and car enthusiasts

For the rich and famous, the premium brands (BMW, Porsche, Ferrari and Lexus) are the way to go. Not only do these cars exude the same commanding presence they have, they also provide an exclusive driving experience few models can offer. Definitely worth buying for all your hardwork.

Whether you are an avid car collector or an executive of a company, premium and performance cars (especially sports cars) are a symbol of what you have accomplished financially. Other than a rousing top speed, great handling, high-quality interior materials and multiple safety features, they flaunt a lavish lifestyle few can have.

Some of the best cars in this multi-million peso category are: the Ferrari California (sports car), the BMW 6-series (luxury grand tourers) and the Lexus LFA (super car). You surely will not mind the fuel cost as they are made to be more efficient, but the initial cost requires you to have deep pockets.

When choosing what type of car to buy make sure that it fits your lifestyle. While some car reviewers will sway you to buy a certain type of car model because they are the best in their segment, there are several other factors that play out other than lifestyle compatibility. So choose wisely, and look beyond the sticker price.