WorldExecutivesDigest.com | 5 Considerations to Remember When Choosing a Car for Your Daily Commute | For most of us, commuting is part of daily life. We wake up every weekday morning and venture out to our offices and, at the end of the day, head back home. In places like the United States, the average commute time is 25.4 minutes. In the United Arab Emirates, a driver can spend up to 21 hours a week in traffic. In the United Kingdom, it’s 55 minutes. And in Australia, it’s roughly 53 minutes per weekday.
While the work commute is an inevitable part of our days, it doesn’t have to be a tiresome experience. Spending part of your day commuting does not have to be wasted time. In fact, there are many opportunities to be productive during your commute.
You can listen to podcasts or audiobooks to let your brain do some heavy lifting while you commute. Discovering new music while you drive is a great way to pass the time. And even better still, finding different ways or routes to work makes your commute an empowering experience. You may even cut the time of your commute down as you discover hidden corners of your city.
In order to get the most out of your commute, finding a car that feels like a second home takes the pain out of commuting. Choosing the right vehicle for your commute will ensure your daily chore will feel more like a satisfying experience.
Do Your Homework
Do you live in a climate which covers the four seasons? Is your commute a 50-mile round trip? What type of car fits your lifestyle? These are some of the questions you should be asking yourself when you decide to choose a car for your commute.
Your daily car will be your workhorse. It will get you from Point A to Point B and everywhere else in between. This can mean that you have to drop the kids off at school before heading to work. Or it could mean a trip to the grocery store for that night’s dinner. It could even be the horse-drawn carriage for date night between you and your significant other.
Understanding all these requirements is a necessary component of knowing what type of vehicle you should select.
Here are five considerations to keep in mind when choosing a car for your daily commute.
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Income
Having a clear grasp of your income allows you to dictate the amount you spend on the car for your daily commute. If you take out a loan to purchase your vehicle, then you must be able to financially balance the payments on that loan. A good rule of thumb is allocating 10 percent of your gross annual income toward the purchase of a safe and reliable car.
This gives you the flexibility and room to balance the cost of other expenses that are necessary when owning a car. Routine maintenance checks keep your ride reliable and reduce the cost of future repairs. Gasoline prices play a factor in what type of vehicle you should purchase with your income. Also, think about having a rainy day fund for when untimely accidents happen to ensure you do not spend too much of your hard-earned income on your daily commuting car.
Other costs may also occur such as financing options and insurance.
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Leasing or Owning
To lease or not to lease? That is often the question. For some, car leasing is a great option. It offers great flexibility. You can lease cars at a very affordable rate instead of buying a car with a hefty cost outright.
The option to replace your current model with a new model yearly is an enjoyable experience. Plus, you save on maintenance costs as the yearly window on your leased car is shorter than owning one.
If you want to keep your car for a long time, then owning a vehicle is the way to go. Owning the car outright, you gain equity in the car. The lack of mileage restrictions is also a big benefit, especially if you have a significant commute.
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Fuel Economy
With rising gas prices, knowing your car’s fuel economy becomes a significant factor in identifying what type of car you need for your daily commute. Does it require premium gas, or does it need special maintenance? These are questions you must be ready to answer when determining what type of vehicle you need.
Just as well, you should ask yourself what your daily commute looks like. If it takes a significant portion of your day, then fuel economy is paramount. But if you work in labor-intensive industries such as agriculture or construction, an eco-friendly car may not be up to the task. Understanding the needs of your daily commute can help you establish the balance between gas mileage and your car’s utility.
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New or Used
Buying a car that’s new or used is often a topic of hot debate. Those who appreciate certified pre-owned vehicles cite that used cars cost less, insurance is lower, and there’s less of a risk with buying new cars as cars are now built better. For those who prefer new cars, reliability, cost over the long term, and lower interest rates are motivational factors.
But there isn’t a clear-cut answer. What it boils down to is the buyer’s personal preference. Each scenario has its pros and cons and it all comes down to the lifestyle of the driver.
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Test Drive
While this seems like an obvious consideration, test driving the vehicle gives you a real feel of how the car drives. It can also give you a glimpse of how your daily commute might feel like. After all, you will be spending a significant portion of your commute behind the wheel. The last thing you want is to experience an uncomfortable ride.
It also pays to inspect the car before purchase. Know what all the beeping sounds are. Make sure you can use all the technological features in the car. Does it have adequate seat warmers for colder climates? This allows you to better focus on your prospective car.
Also, remember to view the vehicle’s safety features to ensure that your vehicle is a safe and reliable transport for everyone.
Making a Smart Decision
Going through these considerations allows the prospective buyer time to reflect on which vehicle will suit their commute the best. By being prepared before you make a decision, you can come away with a purchase you’ll be happy and comfortable driving every day.—
AUTHOR BIO
Mahesh Rohra is the Director of Arabian Automobiles LLC – AW Rostamani Automotive Group, a trailblazer in the automotive fraternity with a legacy of over 50 years. AUTOTRUST by AW Rostamani is the largest automotive multi-brand one-stop shop in the UAE where you can buy and sell quality pre-owned cars.
