All set for your road trip but not sure how to go about it? Keep these points in mind when you decide on your car for the experience.
1. Number of people
The second step in your car selection process, the number of people can decide whether the car you go in for is a minivan or an SUV. Maybe an RV is the best bet for you. Or a snappy two-seater. The key is comfort for every person in the vehicle, not just the driver. You’ll be especially grateful for this during long trips and hours on the road. You really don’t want luggage rattling about and bags on the floor where the brake pad is. Uniform air conditioning or heating for all, comfortable seats that don’t make for cramped spaces but instead allow some comfortable snoozes and naps, and a generally good mood. Choose a small sedan if it’s you, your partner and the kids and pet. You’ll need something larger if you’re out with friends or extended family. Keep the headcount in mind before you choose your vehicle.
2. Terrain
If you’re going to stick to the highways on a generally known and well-traversed track, then a good solid car will work well. But if you’re going to be travelling on rough terrain or in the mood for some off-roading, then you need something solid. Think about a used jeep renegade. It’s the right car for your adventurous side, coming as it does with so many options, including the good ol’ 4X4. You’ll need a car that has a great ability to make it uphill and have great grip too.
3. Budget
Step one of the entire process is the budget you have in mind. Think about not only what you’re willing to spend on the car, but also what you’re spending on fuel bills. For instance, if your future plan is to do many road trips, then think about how much you can and will spend. This is true even if you’re renting a vehicle. It’s a tad absurd to say that you’ll buy a vehicle only for a road trip – you do have to consider the daily costs as well. But a vehicle that works every day can be the one that you can on your trips too. Think about costs and then figure out what car you need.
4. Extra features
Speaking of road trips and long hours in a cramped space, how are you going to keep everyone entertained? Conversations don’t last forever and people may need other things to do too. Does your car have great entertainment options? Maybe a fancy music system with DVD and the ability to play video games? Perhaps a Wi-Fi hotspot, to connect and stream all the music and news they want to listen to and see? Maybe a nice large screen they can watch movies on or animation without yelling at each other and raising your blood pressure? You’ll be glad for it when the miles stretch endlessly ahead of you.
Whether you rent your car or buy, keep these points in mind and have a great trip!
