Vehicle Selection Guide

Introductions

So which car to choose? Before you can make the leap into car ownership you should really know what types of features that you desire. This guide will assist in narrowing it down a bit, by working with the body types and then taking into account other features that the average consumer tends to find attractive in a vehicle.

Body Type Index

Coupes

A coupe is a closed car body style, the precise definition of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, and over time. Coupés are often hard topped sports cars or sporty variants of sedan body styles, with doors commonly reduced from 4 to 2, and a close-coupled interior (i.e. the rear seat placed further forward than in a standard sedan) offering either two seats or 2+2 seating (space for two passengers in the front and two occasional passengers or children in the rear).

Convertibles

A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle. Many different automobile body styles are manufactured and marketed in convertible form.

Roof designs vary widely, but a few characteristics are common to all convertibles. Roofs are affixed to the body of the vehicle and are usually not detachable. Instead the roof is hinged and folds away, either into a recess behind the rear seats or into the boot or trunk of the vehicle. The roof may operate either manually or automatically via hydraulic or electrical actuators, and the roof itself may be constructed of soft or rigid material. Soft-tops are made of vinyl, canvas or other textile material, while hard-tops are made of steel, aluminum, plastic or other rigid materials.

Sports cars

A sports car is a term used to describe a class of automobile typically of two seats and two doors with precise handling, brisk acceleration, sharp braking, and attractive aesthetics. A sports car makes trade offs in practical considerations such as passenger space, comfort, and cargo capacity in favor of those traits which enhance the joy of driving it.

Sedans

These are good options for a used family car.  They are more roomy and powerful compared with small cars.  Large sedans are long and wide, powerful, and well equipped.  They have plenty of room for five, sometimes six.  Their handling is not the best, and parking is more difficult than with smaller used cars. There is also a type of used cars in this category called luxury sedans.  They are high priced,  and have exceptional power, ride, and equipment.

Hatchbacks

These small or medium-sized used cars have a trunk lid that's all one piece with the back window.  This vehicle maximizes cargo space and provides a large loading door through the rear.  The sloping roofline of some designs can limit head room in the rear. the rear cargo area is not as secure as an enclosed, lockable trunk.

Wagons

A great alternative to other family vehicle types, the wagon offers both cargo and passenger space.  It usually handles well, and is in the middle range of fuel economy.  

Minivans

These are the best choice of used car for family, or big cargo.  They are easy to drive ride, economy is generally good, and some offer all-wheel drive. Minivans do lack the sporty feel and style, though, that some want in a used car.

SUVs

These are one of the most popular body types of used vehicles, and are easy to find.  They are known for their command of the road, their power, rugged qualities, and their ability to still sit five, sometimes seven.  They work as family used cars, but also as a work vehicle. They are sometimes costly to buy and maintain, though, and often get poor mileage.

Trucks

These are able to carry huge loads, and are good for towing. Four-wheel drive is common for this used vehicle, and an extended cab is available to fit more people.  Fuel economy is often poor though, particularly with larger trucks.

What to look for in a car

When shopping for a used car, a good way to narrow down specific models is to take a look at some key factors in a car.  The vehicle must hold the proper amount of passengers and cargo.  It must have satisfactory comfort and performance, and it must have a fuel economy that you are happy with.

Shift Style

Most used car models are available with only an automatic transmission.  Yet manual-shift used vehicles can certainly be found.  Manuals are more interesting to drive, and offer more control.   But working the clutch in stop-and-go traffic can become a chore.  Also, if you do not know how to drive a manual, it does take some learning.

Two Wheel Drive or Four Wheel Drive

How much traction is needed in your used car?  Many vehicles use two-wheel drive, where engine power is sent to the front or rear wheels. Front-wheel drive is used in most cars, wagons, minivans, and is better than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions.   Rear-wheel drive places less demand on the front wheels, allowing them to be used primarily for steering.  Rear-wheel drive is popular on sports cars and high-performance sedans.  All-wheel drive (AWD) feeds power to all four wheels. It provides maximum forward traction and is especially helpful in slippery conditions and when driving over moderate off-road terrain. Modern 4WD systems are either full-time, which means they can stay engaged all the time, or automatic, where the vehicle switches between two- and four-wheel drive depending on the driving conditions.   Something to consider is that AWD and 4WD used cars consistently get worse mileage than 2WD used cars.

Cargo Capacity

It is important to recognize how much cargo space you will need in a used car.  A truck obviously offers the most room, it is able to carry large loads, and will not dirty the interior. If you carry large items regularly, such as building or nursery supplies, or camping or sports equipment, you may find that a minivan, SUV, or wagon is better suited to your needs, than a sedan with a trunk.  If you prefer a smaller car but with maximized cargo-carrying ability, a hatchback is a good option for a used car. They often have more interior space than a similar-sized car with a trunk, and the rear hatch makes it easier to get large items in and out.

Seating

Most vehicles will accommodate five people, although the center-rear position uncomfortable in some small sedans.  Then there are some sports cars and convertibles that are only two-seaters.  If you are in need of seven seats (or more), you need a vehicle with a third-row seat. This includes all minivans, a few wagons, and many SUVs.

Cabin Accommodations

Some drivers place importance on comfort. They like luxurious seats, plenty of convenience features, and isolation from the outside.  You can find many used cars that fit these criteria, including family vehicles. Within a given price range there are big differences in reliability, fuel economy, comfort, and overall value. The best way to get a true feel of a used car's driving experience is to read the reviews and experiences online, and then do a test drive yourself

Performance

For some people looking for a used car, they want something that accelerates and drives in crisp motions. Most sports cars and many coupes fit the bill, but some make you sacrifice space.  Many buyers want something that is both sporty and suitable for a family car. There are a number of sedans and wagons that provide a good balance between the two. 

Gas Mileage

In this time of wavering fuel prices and environmental concern, fuel economy is a priority for most consumers.  Smaller vehicles and many midsized models provide four-cylinder engines, which typically provide the best fuel economy.  Six-cylinder engines usually provide the best balance between performance and fuel economy, and they are usually quieter and smoother than four-cylinders.  V8 engines deliver the most power but the lowest gas mileage. A V8 engine is a good choice if you tow heavier loads. The best used cars for fuel economy are hybrids and diesels.   Still, hybrids can cost thousands of dollars more to buy than similar conventional used vehicles.