4 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Commuter-Friendly Used Car

If you have to commute to work or school, having the right car can make all the difference. While your commute won’t ever be a fun thing to do, there are many ways that a commuter-friendly car can at least make it more pleasant. Here are four things to consider when shopping for a commuter-friendly used car. 

1. Comfort

When you’re stuck in your car every day for hours at a time, you deserve to be comfortable. A cramped car can make your commute more miserable than it has to be. When test driving your next commuter car, the first thing you should take into consideration is how it makes you feel. Is the steering wheel too close? Are the seats too small? Can your feet reach the pedals, or do you have to stretch? 

Make sure the air conditioner works. If you live in an area where the winters are harsh, you might want to splurge on amenities like heated seats and a heating steering wheel. Features like a good stereo or infotainment system will keep you from getting bored.

2. Handling

If the car you’re test driving isn’t easy to handle, it won’t just make you uncomfortable; it can also pose a safety hazard. You want a commuter car that is easy to steer, especially around corners. You also want a car that isn’t a struggle to park. If you’re test-driving a car and it’s proving difficult to handle, check it off your list and move on to the next one.

3. Power

While a powerful engine can sometimes seem like an extravagance, it’s actually essential to a successful commute, especially if you encounter tricky driving situations along the way. For your safety’s sake, you want a car that’s fast enough to merge onto busy highways. If your route includes hills or other inclines, a powerful engine makes those conditions safer too. When winter snowstorms hit, that’s another situation where you don’t want to be stuck in an underpowered car. 

In addition to the safety benefits, larger engines don’t have to work as hard as smaller engines to tackle obstacles. That means less wear and tear, which will save you money in the long run. 

4. Efficiency

One thing you don’t want to do is add time to your commute by having to stop at the gas station every day. Before you make your final purchase, you should compare the fuel efficiency ratings of the cars you’re considering. Take into consideration whether you spend more time driving on the highway or in the city. Which car has the best efficiency ratings for those settings? 

You should also factor in how much time you spend stuck in traffic. That can affect how accurate a rating is. You might want to consider a hybrid car. While a hybrid car is initially more expensive than a conventional car, the money you’ll save on fuel can be worth the initial expense. 

As you can see, there’s a lot to consider when purchasing a used commuter car. However, if you take your time and do your research, you’ll find the commuter-friendly car that’s right for you.      

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