Hybrid, Sporty, Luxurious...Which Car is for You?

Whether it's the wind in your hair, rush of adrenaline while going wide open throttle, or having pride in saving gas money, everyone has their reasons for choosing a certain vehicle. For some the choice comes easy, but for others it can be a bit confusing. In this article, I will explain a few of the different types and configurations of cars, and try to help you narrow down what you're looking for.

Are you the frugal type? If so, you're in luck. Many manufacturers make hybrid vehicles, which use a combination of electricity and gas to run efficiently. In order to run this combination of power, there is a set of batteries and also a gasoline engine. Depending on the make and model, the electric portion will take over when gas is not needed, such as when stopped at a red light, or periodically while driving at constant speeds. The gasoline engines in hybrid vehicles are much smaller and lighter. Although speed performance is not the focus of a hybrid, they are still capable of keeping up with traffic and meeting normal driving demands, all while producing 30-40 mpg. This equals huge savings with fuel! Also, many new hybrids range between $15-20,000, which is excellent compared to many new vehicles.

Do you seek thrill and performance? There are many types of vehicles on the market today that are producing excellent horsepower numbers and handling characteristics. Ranging from Ford to Honda, almost every manufacturer has a performance oriented vehicle out. A couple of things to watch out for are price when new, and abuse if purchasing used. Most of the time, people buy these vehicles with the intent of driving hard, so keep that in mind. Read online reviews and conduct proper research. A well rounded performance oriented vehicle should consist of good factory handling, decent horsepower and torque figures for the engine platform, aggressive looks, and a good balance of luxury/sporty interior styling depending on the make and model.

The last category of cars I will describe is the luxury market. There are your more known brands, such as Lexus, BMW, and Mercedes, but the less expensive manufacturers (Acura, Nissan, Ford, etc), are also stepping into this market. For around $20-30,000 a very nice vehicle can be purchased, with the same amenities as the $50,000 cars. Keep in mind new vehicles lose value immediately after driving off the lot, so buying used may be a better alternative for some. Keys things to look for in a luxury vehicle are leather interior, quality interior materials, and added comforts such as heated seats, upgraded stereo, and enough space to be comfortable. Suspension should ride smooth with very little road noise, almost like floating down the street.

Try to figure out what kind of car fits your personality, as well budget, and make a list of comforts you want. There is a car out there for you, it just takes a little patience and searching to find the right one. Enjoy your ride, and stay safe on the roads!