In our new car buying guides we analyze all the offers available in the market by type of vehicles. We try to help the buyer by showing all the models that meet a series of similar characteristics, since it is common for many buyers to miss out on some interesting model that better meets their expectations and needs than the most common cars we see on the street.
But what happens when the first step is not carried out correctly? It is then when you end up choosing a bodywork that, in the long run, turns out to be not the most convenient. Rarely will someone admit that the car they bought was not the most suitable, but it happens.
There is no doubt that cars have an intrinsic irrational and aspirational component. God free us from trying to strike down the illusions of the staff. We’re just trying to make a appeal to logic so that people choose their new vehicle using, in addition to their hearts, their common sense. That is why we have compiled strengths of each of the most popular types of cars, as well as the most common mistakes when choosing them. Are these:
microurban
It is, without a doubt, the best cars for get around town, by consumption, its ease of parking. They are cheap and also, due to their mechanical simplicity, they have a very low cost of use. All this makes them the second car par excellence. However, you should not choose them:
- if you plan to do long trips frequently… or even occasionally.
- If adults often go to the rear seats.
- If you are looking for interiors and Luxury finishes.
- IF you value the technology effective mechanics and automatic changes.
It can help you: Microurban shopping guide
utility
They already dare with road trips, but it is still about cars with a clear citizen approach, although they can travel more kilometers a day than microurbans without the passengers suffering too much. However, there are very common mistakes:
- use the rear seats with three people often.
- looking for one highly equipped version… which will increase its price so much that it would be convenient to have chosen a bigger car.
- choose it from three doors only for the price (its depreciation is greater, since second-hand ones are much more in demand in the market.
It can help you: Utilities buying guide
compact
We always define them as the most balanced. They are the best-selling type of car for this reason and there is a great offer on the market (both model and version). They are perfect if you often drive through the city and you cannot afford to have another vehicle. But mistakes can be made:
- when they have two children (or plan to have them soon), your trunk may be short.
- Sometimes it is bought in the basic versionand when completed with options it is more expensive than a superior finish.
- Like utility vehicles, three-doors depreciate more.
It can help you: Compact buying guide
If you want more trunk: Compact sedans buying guide
If you are looking for more practicality: Buying guide for compact family members
sedans
It is the type of touring vehicle by excellence. When most of the kilometers are done on highways or fast roads, with four adults, they are the best option. They are usually the great references of brands in the technological section. But they are not the perfect car if:
- You intend to travel a lot with five people (the central square is not usually as comfortable and wide as the side ones).
- Do you want to use the trunk of the trunk to put very bulky objects.
- looking for a versatile interior.
- Do you think about driving a lot? city (They are not as agile as others and their rear visibility is reduced.
It can help you: Medium and large sedans buying guide.
If you want more boot space and practicality: Buying guide for medium and large family members.
minivans
The quintessential family alternative with five real seats (or more), a very practical and modular interior (with spaces that can fulfill various functions). Its greater height makes it easier for children and the elderly to get on, as well as having a better vision of the road when going higher and having a lot of glass surface. But people are wrong if they pretend:
- Have a light car with a great dynamic behavior.
- Keep consumption very low (your worse aerodynamics and greater weight penalize them).
- Obtain at the same time (with some exceptions) many places and a very capable trunk.
They can help you: Buying guide for compact minivans and large minivans
If you want practicality in a smaller format: Small MPV Buying Guide.
SUV
They are undoubtedly the fashion segment. They have the appearance of an SUV but not its qualities, as we explain in depth in our tips for buying SUVs (although they can drive on simple dirt tracks without problems, especially the 4×4 versions). Its rise is due to its dominant driving position and its image as a top-of-the-range vehicle. Also to a growing offer of vehicles of all brands, of all sizes. But they will give you problems if you think that:
- They are a good option for driving around the city (don’t be fooled by the advertising.
- They will consume less than a conventional car (be careful with gasoline versions)
- Its maintenance is similar to that of other cars (tire changes are much more expensive.
- Being large they are so practical, for habitability and trunk, as a saloon or minivan.
It can help you: Buying Guide Small SUVs, Compact SUVs and Family SUVs.
jeeps
They are the kings of the countryside, which is why they are the most sought after by people who work in rural areas and are looking for a robust vehicle. However:
- His Greater weight it makes them consume much more.
- They are not intended for travel comfortably on the highway. Their height and suspension scheme penalizes them a lot.
- His maintenance It is higher, since the differentials, reduction gears, descent controls… and the use to which they are subjected force us to take care of it more than other types of cars.
- Have now few options of real SUVs on the market.
sports
They are the best for those who want a sporty and differentiated aesthetic. Also for those who put performance and dynamic behavior ahead of other characteristics (they tend to be very stable, with a low center of gravity, and have better than average suspension and brakes. However, you will make a mistake if you buy them:
- if you usually travel accompanied, your passengers will suffer. They are not as comfortable as most cars.
- Your insurance is, as a general rule, more expensive than alternatives from other segments of the same power.
- His consumption It is above average, since the set-up is more sporty.
- Circular in town It’s not fun with them. Their turning radius is smaller, the steering is usually harder and speed bumps threaten them at all times.
It can help you: Compact coupes buying guide
convertibles
These are very striking cars aesthetically, which also provide a unique driving sensation, since you can enjoy the sound of the engine better than in other cars, while feeling the wind on your face. But they are not your cars if:
- You don’t like to be watched.
- You live in places with extreme climates (very cold in winter and very hot in summer.
- You intend to make long trips… with large suitcases.
- You have to leave the car in the street. In addition to vandalism, this will make the hood and the interior plastics suffer much more, which in themselves suffer a lot.
