Buying a car: 9 questions to ask yourself to buy the right vehicle

Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases of your life after a house. With all the options available on the market, trying to make the right choice can make be bewildering. 

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The first thing you need to do is ask yourself the right questions to find out which vehicles really meet your needs. 

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Here are the 9 things you need to consider to find the perfect car for you.

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1. What is my budget?

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Obviously, this question is at the top of our list because when it comes to cars, the price range is huge! If you can get a pretty good idea of how much you're willing to pay for a car, that's going to narrow it down quite a bit.

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Don't forget to take into account the price of gas (depending on the vehicle's gas mileage and how much you drive per year), insurance (depending on the year of the vehicle and the owner's profile) and maintenance (depending on the year and the make) when you think about your budget.

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2. New or used?

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Often, the answer to question number 1 helps to answer this one, since buying a used vehicle can save a lot of money. But for a more detailed opinion on the subject, consult our article "Buying a new or used vehicle" in the blog section of our site.

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3. How many passengers do I have to transport? 

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To determine the size of the vehicle that is right for you, think about the number of passengers you want to accommodate. If you have a family, don't forget the child car seats. If you have several passengers, you'll probably consider a minivan or family car rather than a coupe or sedan. 

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The answer to this question will also help determine the number of doors and the capacity of the trunk (imagine going on vacation with two or three children in a sedan, it's crammed into a hilt).

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4. How much towing capacity do I need?

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Do you have a trailer, boat, or fifth wheel to tow? If so, it is important to consider the towing capacity which is different for each vehicle according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You must first know the weight of the trailer or equipment you need to tow with its contents. Lastly, this may be what will make you choose a pick-up truck over an SUV.

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5. What type of terrain do I travel on? 

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Do you have to travel on asphalt? Snow? Ice? Rough terrain or sand?

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A person who travels mostly on asphalt in an area with mild winters may prefer a car that is closer to the ground, such as a sedan or sports car, while a person who does a lot of winter driving, in the snow or on forest roads will probably opt for a taller car, such as an SUV or a pickup truck.

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The type of terrain you drive on will also determine your need for four-wheel drive and suspension capacity.

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6. What type of energy?

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A current question: do we choose a vehicle that runs on diesel, gasoline, electricity or a hybrid car?

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Increasingly, we're seeing different hybrid and electric vehicles on the market that can meet your needs for space and performance while allowing you to make an environmentally friendly choice. 

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When purchasing an electric car, don't forget to also consider access to charging stations and the cost of adding a charging station at home.

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7. What do I need to be comfortable behind the wheel?

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What do you need based on your height and personal preferences? Do you like to drive a taller car that makes you feel like you can see farther ahead? Do you need more room for your hips or shoulders? 

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Sometimes we think we've found the perfect car for our needs, but we forget that it must also be perfect for us and our bodies. A test drive is very important to determine comfort, especially if you drive continuously for long periods of time.

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8. What technologies are important to me?

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For example, do you need to talk on the phone while driving? Do you want driving or parking aids? Think about the technologies that are important to you, such as a rearview camera, automatic transmission, or air conditioning. 

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Even though most recent cars are well equipped, it is important to ask yourself if there are any technologies you absolutely must have and, if so, which ones?

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9. What driving experience am I looking for? 

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This is one of the most important points. How do you want to feel when you're driving? Do you need power, acceleration, performance, safety or reliability? All at the same time? Driving is supposed to be fun and the car you choose will greatly enhance your experience. Come talk to us!

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Now that you've thought about these 9 questions, you're clearly ready for the Okaze experience! Call or stop by!  

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