There's nothing quite like a summer road trip. The wind in your hair, the sun on your face, and the wide open road stretching out before you. But before you can hit the open road, you need to choose the right car for the job.
If you take many road trips and find yourself renting or borrowing cars frequently to get the job done, you may be better off buying a new family car that fits your road trip lifestyle, although insurance on a used car is usually less expensive. Financing a new car loan isn't hard when you've got resources such as a car loan calculator and a good relationship with your local banking institute.
With so many factors to consider, it can be tough to decide which car is right for you. But don't worry, we're here to help. Keep reading for our top tips on how to buy the right car for a road trip.
Choose the Right Size
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a car for a road trip is size. You'll want a car that's large enough to comfortably fit all your passengers and luggage, but not so large that it's difficult to maneuver or park. A good rule of thumb is to choose a car that's about two feet longer than your height. That way, you'll have plenty of room to stretch out without feeling cramped.
If you're planning on doing a lot of camping or hiking on your trip, you may want to consider a car with a rooftop tent. Rooftop tents are becoming increasingly popular among road trippers and adventurers, as they offer a convenient and comfortable way to camp. Many of today's rooftop tents come equipped with features like solar panels.
Consider Your Passengers
Another important factor to consider is who will be joining you on your road trip. If you're planning on traveling with young children, look for a car with features like built-in DVD players and spacious back seats.
If you're traveling with friends, look for features like Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports so everyone can stay connected and entertained. And if you're traveling solo, look for features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Think About Fuel Economy
When you're planning a road trip, fuel economy should be one of your top concerns. After all, there's nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road waiting for AAA because you ran out of gas. To avoid this nightmare scenario, make sure to choose a car with good fuel economy.
Smaller cars tend to be more fuel-efficient, so they're a good choice if you're planning a long road trip and don't have a ton of people to fit into the car. If you intend to travel with many people or pets a larger vehicle may become necessary.
Mini-vans, SUVs, and passenger cars with eco-features will help manage your fuel budget. So whether you're looking at sedans or SUVs, make sure to compare fuel economy ratings before making your final decision.
Road Tech
There are bits of technology that you can add to your car kit regardless of which car you choose, several are apps on your phone that make road trips more fun, and less stressful. Google Maps and Waze are great for real-time traffic updates, while Spotify and Pandora can keep you entertained with music. If you're traveling with kids, download some apps and games to keep them occupied on long car rides. And if you're worried about getting lost, consider investing in a GPS.
When it comes to road trips, preparation is key. By taking the time to choose the right car for the job, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. Research the resources available to help you manage your trip with the fewest hiccups.
Roadtripping Doesn't Need to Break the Budget
Travel is an enriching activity that in most cases, far outweighs the cost of the trips. If you can build and mindfully stick to your budget, you'll feel the strain far less than those who don't.
We've got a few tips on budgeting and saving your extra cash floating around the blog, don't forget to check them out. It'll make buying a new car much simpler to have your funds under control.
Hit the Road with Confidence
As you can see, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a car for a road trip. But if you keep these tips in mind, you'll be sure to find the perfect car for your next adventure. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and hit the open road!
About the author
Echo Mayernik has been a freelance content writer for over 10 years. She works from home raising her four young kids and three crazy pets on her urban homestead in Portland, Oregon. When she's not writing, she spends her time as a cub scout den leader, artist, and nature lover. You can find more of her adventures at The Oak Anchor Collective.
