If you’re going to be driving on public roads, then your choice of vehicle will make a big difference to your experience. The more you’re driving, the more this decision will matter. So, which kind of car is suitable for your purposes? The answer, for the most part, will depend on what part of the country you’re driving in. As we’ll see, the needs of urban motorists can differ considerably from those of rural ones.
Manoeuvrability and Size: Navigating Tight Spaces vs Open Roads
Most obviously, the size of your car will matter. For the most part, city driving is easier when you have a smaller vehicle that can be easily parked, even when the space is very limited. If you have a large family to accommodate, then you might consider a number of compact SUVs, which cram many of the advantages of a larger vehicle into a smaller chassis.
When you’re driving through the country, size becomes less of a concern. What might matter more is your ability to deal with less-than-ideal road surfaces, and to see as much as possible. For this reason, all-terrain vehicles with elevated seats tend to be ideal.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs: Stop-Start Traffic vs Longer Journeys
If you’re taking lots of small journeys in stop-start traffic, then your fuel consumption might be slightly elevated. But by far the bigger concern should be the impact of low-emission zones, like London’s ULEZ, which impose penalties on older, polluting vehicles. Electric cars, which emit nothing, tend to represent the ideal.
In the country, you might be able to reach a more consistent speed. The absence of any congestion charges might also make older petrol and diesel vehicles more appealing.
Wherever you’re driving, changes to Vehicle Excise Duty will impact your running costs. Make sure that you investigate the full cost of a prospective purchase before you finalise it.
Suspension and Handling: Potholes vs Uneven Terrain
The way that your car actually grips the roads that you’re driving on will matter enormously. In a city centre, for the most part, the condition of the roads will tend to be better. This will make driving a smaller car more forgiving.
By contrast, the countryside is more likely to suffer from potholes and uneven terrain. A robust suspension system might therefore be desirable, not just because it will make the ride more comfortable, but also because it will limit your repair bill in the long term.
Safety Features and Technology: Urban Hazards vs Rural Risks
Modern vehicles come with a range of safety features, which might be more useful in some environments than others. Lane assist, for example, might be less useful in the countryside than it is in the city. The same goes for things like autonomous emergency braking, and parking sensors.
In the countryside, where accidents are statistically more prevalent per road mile, the fundamentals of the vehicle matter more. Cars should be robust and hard-wearing, and be equipped with clear windscreens and powerful headlights.
Used Car Market Trends: Making Your Budget Go Further
Part of the appeal of the used car market is that it provides much greater value for money. You won’t need to worry about the effects of depreciation too much.
When weighing your options, you’ll want to seek out vendors near you. If you’re based in Norfolk, then searching for Norwich used cars is a great way to see what is available in your area. This way, you’ll be able to inspect what’s available before you make a decision.
The price of an older vehicle has actually been quite stable – and you can easily find bargains that will keep you on the right side of clean air laws. As the electric car market matures, and more and more of these vehicles find their way into the used market, we’re almost certain to see a softening of prices, too.
DISCLOSURE – This is a collaborative post.
