Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
With so many cars on the market today, it can be a challenge to know which one best fits your lifestyle. At the same time, because there are so many models available there's never been a better time to find the perfect car for you. From trucks and SUVs to sedans and sports cars, everyone can find a car they love.
To help sift through the more than 400 car models available considering several criteria about your lifestyle is a great place to start. Once you've assessed your needs and wants and researched several models that might fit the bill, you're ready to go shopping.
Here are seven factors to consider to find the perfect car for your lifestyle.
Commute
Your commute will likely heavily factor into the type of car you'll want to drive. If your commute is a short distance, something more sporty with a firmer suspension and poorer gas mileage might be fine for you. Conversely, you could go full-electric and never pay for gas again!
2022 has seen some of the highest gas prices of all time and while they are coming down, those with long commutes will likely want a vehicle relatively fuel efficient, Consumer Reports explains. Long-haul commuters will also probably want to consider something with a softer suspension and a comfortable ride, depending on your personal preferences.
Family size
Families are larger than average here in Utah, and so are the family-schlepping vehicles in the soccer field parking lot. When considering your next vehicle, you'll need to factor in how many people you'll be toting around. Do you have small children? Perhaps all you need is a five-seat sedan or crossover. Is your family bursting at the seams? You may want to consider a minivan or full-size SUV, Carly Schaffner and Chris Teague writing for Forbes suggests.
Whatever vehicle you decide to fit your family's needs will also depend on other factors like garage/driveway space, budget, and capabilities. A minivan might be great for hauling kids to soccer, but if your family likes to go off the beaten path on adventures, then an SUV might be a better choice. Visit the Ken Garff website to check out their inventory of minivans and SUVs.
Hobbies
If you're looking for a do-it-all vehicle that will serve your family and commuting duties, you should also consider your hobbies. If you're an adventurous person who likes to explore the unpaved roads of Utah's backcountry, a four-wheel drive SUV or truck might be best for you. Or, if you prefer sharp handling dynamics and acceleration, a sports car could be a perfect fit.
Considering your hobbies will immediately point you in the direction you need to find a car that will have your back, whether it be to your early morning yoga class or paddle boarding at the reservoir with the family.
Budget
The easiest way to avoid being overwhelmed by the hundreds of models on the market is by assessing your budget. "Financial experts generally recommend capping auto payments and related expenses at 10%–15% of monthly income," Kat Tretina writing for Investopedia explains. "Beyond the sales price, buyers should also budget for other expenses like repairs, registration, and insurance."
Knowing what you can afford will point you in the right direction by eliminating vehicles that are either more or less than you want to spend.
Local climate
Considering the local climate in which you live can be a huge factor in finding the perfect car for you. If you're from Utah, you know how volatile the weather can be. It's not unusual to have very warm days followed by rain or even snow, and vice versa.
If you see a lot of snow, a rear-wheel drive convertible might not be the best choice if it's your only car. On the flip side, if you live in a dry, flat area, an all-wheel drive might not be necessary, either, Consumer Reports explains.
Test drives
Perhaps one of the best things you can do to find the perfect car for your lifestyle is to go on test drives. Lots of them. If possible, drive the car for an extended period. Take it on the freeway, around town, to get groceries — everywhere you usually drive. If you have kids, bring them and their child seats to do a test fit.
It's easy to get a good first impression from a short test drive, but a more thorough and lengthy drive will likely provide a much more accurate idea if the car is the right one for you.
When it's time for a new car for your family, we hear you and want to help you find a vehicle that fits your needs and your lifestyle. Visit kengarff.com to get started finding your next car.
