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Is your family about to grow? Has your old car, after years of loyal service, just given up the ghost and you need to buy a new vehicle? With the impressive number of American makes and models currently on the market, it’s perfectly understandable that you’re at a loss and can’t make up your mind!
For example, are you planning to drive a small or a large car? To help you decide, I’ll explain the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options!
Daily use of your vehicle: not to be taken lightly!
The dimensions of a car play a crucial role in your driving experience, since its size greatly influences its comfort and practicality. That’s why, whether you’re a regular or occasional driver, opting for a small or large car can have an impact on your day-to-day driving experience.
If you drive exclusively in the city, American compacts, designed for urban environments, are a good choice. They stand out for their modest size, usually less than 162 inches. Thanks to these features, you’ll be able to park easily and, what’s more, make substantial fuel savings.
If you’re a city-dweller as well as a highway driver, I can only recommend versatile models such as the Ford Focus or Chevrolet Cruze. They have been designed to meet the varied needs of urban drivers, but also for longer journeys. However, it’s worth noting that despite their versatility, these vehicles can suffer from reduced comfort and limited trunk space.
On the other hand, compared to compacts, larger American sedans offer a more suitable solution for long-distance travel. In addition to being more comfortable than smaller models, they tend to consume less fuel on highway journeys.
And don’t forget your family composition!
Have you identified your needs in terms of vehicle use? Now it’s important to take into account your current and future family composition. A vehicle represents a substantial investment. That’s why it’s vital to choose a model that meets your needs right from the start. I
f you’re a single person or a couple without children, why bother with an imposing model that’s traditionally more expensive to buy? A small compact car will be ideal and suited to your lifestyle!
Conversely, if you have a large family or a large pet, American carmakers today offer family cars specially designed to cater for large families. The choice is yours: station wagons, SUVs, single-purpose vehicles…
And don’t forget where you live!
When deciding between a large and a small car, you should also take into account the area in which you live or work. The constraints are completely different depending on whether you live in the city or the country. In large conurbations, finding a parking space can quickly become an obstacle course for some motorists. A large car takes up more space than a small one, and parking spaces, especially on the street, are not always spacious. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s best to choose a vehicle with smaller dimensions. This will make it easier for you to park and get around.
Budget: the final factor that can tip the balance between a small or large car!
The amount of money you have at your disposal will undoubtedly play a decisive role in choosing one size of vehicle over another. Buying a vehicle is an investment that must be in line with your financial situation, so as to avoid getting into debt. Generally speaking, small cars are less expensive than large ones.
However, today’s second-hand market, for example, is full of vehicles of all sizes and at all prices. As a result, you’ll have no trouble finding an SUV, station wagon or small American compact that fits your budget. In any case, I recommend that you choose a vehicle that you can afford, to guarantee comfortable use without financial constraints.
Impact on the environment
With growing concerns about climate change and air pollution, many car buyers are also considering the environmental impact of their vehicle.
Resale value
It’s worth mentioning that larger vehicles generally have higher depreciation rates than smaller cars. Check the resale price on CarMax to get an idea !
