What are your primary requirements for your daily driver and which car suits your lifestyle best?
This guide will help you break down the process of choosing the right car into simple steps, and learn how to identify the best vehicles tailored to different lifestyles and specific requirements.
4 things to consider doing before purchasing a vehicle
1. Assess your needs
Not everyone loves making lists, but when it comes to an automotive purchase, it’s a solid first step. Start by listing your primary requirements and then stack-rank them in order of importance. Consider the number of passengers, cargo space, fuel efficiency, your budget, what you’re using it for — even if you want a quality sound system or not.
Also, think about how your needs might change in the next few years and choose a car that can adapt to those changes, and possibly even environmental concerns. Nothing should be off the table when it comes to purchasing a new car.
2. Do your research
3. Assess financial aspects
Again, it seems obvious, but you need to know how you’re going to pay for your new vehicle. Do the research on all the ways you can do it because how you think you will be paying for a new car and how you end up paying for a new car can quickly change.
4. Test drive the vehicle
This one seems like a no-brainer, but always test drive the car to ensure it feels comfortable and meets your expectations. It’s not just about the performance of the car itself, actually sitting in the car will help you decide if you like the layout, the space and other more ergonomic concerns. It will also show you what’s intuitive and what might be harder to get used to. If you have more than one car seat, this would be a good time to ensure they fit correctly and safely into your preferred vehicle, as well as anything you may need in your daily driver.
Choosing the right car for different lifestyles
Cars for families
Cars for hockey dads, soccer moms and all kinds of sports families
Parents shuttling kids to sports practice need a car with plenty of room for equipment and multiple passengers. An SUV or a minivan with foldable rear seats — bonus points for the ultimate 40-20-40 split bench seat — can offer the flexibility needed to transport both gear and teammates.
Cars for urban dwellers
City residents need vehicles that are easy to maneuver and park in tight spaces. Fuel efficiency is also crucial due to stop-and-go traffic — a regular hybrid or PHEV might be a really good option for those looking to save money on gas. Look for compact cars with good visibility and advanced parking assistance features.
Alternative transportation: For urban residents, also consider car-sharing services or public transportation as alternatives to car ownership, especially if parking is limited or expensive in your area. A cheaper used car might make a great addition for those who aren’t looking for a daily driver.
Cars for grandparents
Grandparents often need a vehicle that offers easy accessibility and comfort for both themselves and their grandchildren. Minivans or SUVs with sliding doors, low step-in heights, and spacious interiors can be very practical. Safety features like backup cameras and parking sensors are also important.
Cars for empty nesters
Empty nesters might look for a more luxurious or sporty vehicle now that they don’t need to worry about accommodating passengers in the backseats. A comfortable sedan or a sporty coupe can provide a blend of style, performance, and comfort. Look for features like leather seats, advanced infotainment systems, and driver assistance technologies to totally pamper yourselves.
Cars for bargain hunters
For those on a tight budget, affordability and fuel efficiency are key. Look for reliable used cars with low maintenance costs and good fuel economy. Compact cars and older models from reliable brands can offer great value as well. Additionally, keep your eyes open for end-of-year sales when you can get great deals on a new car as dealerships start bringing in next year’s models.
Cars for contractors and tradespeople
Cars for road trippers
Cars for boating and trailering
If you’re into boating or trailering, you’ll need a vehicle with robust towing capabilities. Look for trucks or SUVs with high towing capacities, four-wheel drive, and a strong engine. Features like trailer sway control and a built-in trailer brake controller can enhance safety and ease of use. Many models offer options for a trailering-specific package.
Cars for camping and outdoors
Cars for skiing and boarding
For skiing and snowboarding, a vehicle with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive is a huge plus for to navigating snowy roads. Look for cars with roof rails that will allow you to install roof racks or ski racks, as well as loads of space for passengers and gear. Heated seats and steering wheels can add comfort during winter trips, so be sure to check if your trim includes those creature comforts. Many models offer a winter driving package which, let’s be real, should just be called the Canada Package.
We’d love to hear about your shopping experience, so if there are any unique aspects of your lifestyle that guided your recent vehicle purchase, email us at [email protected] or leave a comment below.
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