Buying a Vehicle: Making a Decision Based on Your Actual Needs

Buying a vehicle is not something you should treat lightly. To make an informed decision, you have to consider various factors and create a list of your needs. In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know.

Car or SUV?

Cars (also called sedans) and SUVs are two types of vehicles. Although cars have long been the favourite, SUVs have become increasingly popular with the public in recent years. In 2021, 52% of all vehicles were SUVs. The remaining 48% were divided among sedans, trucks and minivans:

• 17% trucks
• 4% vans and minivans
• 27% cars

While cars offer good handling and fuel economy, SUVs are more robust and offer good cargo volume. 

Depending on what you’re looking for, there’s probably a car or an SUV out there that will meet your needs. If you don’t have many passengers and you love the open road, a sedan is certainly a great choice. This type of passenger vehicle is often more frugal at the pump than an SUV. If you occasionally have to move around urban centres to go shopping or go to your appointments, then a car is undoubtedly a sensible choice.

However, if your family is growing, then a sport utility vehicle (SUV) might be the best choice. They offer substantial cargo volume, and many used vehicles for sale in that segment allow you to tow the equipment you need. It’s often said that SUVs are more versatile than sedans. Moreover, the towing capacity of SUVs is significantly higher than sedans’.

In short, the choice between a car or an SUV will depend on your needs. You can determine what suits you best by evaluating your current and future activities. Your choice should also take into account the level of versatility that you’ll need with your used vehicle.

Truck or minivan?

Are you hesitating between a pickup truck, a minivan and a truck? If you have a large family, then a minivan is the ideal choice for your next vacation. Generally, this type of vehicle has room for eight occupants. The cabin is spacious and minivans are known as very versatile vehicles with solid handling.

If you’re looking for a vehicle for your outdoor adventures or just to get work done, then a 4x4 truck might be a logical choice. The lineup of trucks and pickup trucks is big and you’ll undoubtedly find the vehicle that suits you best. 

It would also be advisable to consider the vehicle’s payload, towing capacity and the type of powertrain. For example, if your work requires you to tow heavy equipment on the construction site, then keep in mind that the Ford F-150 (3.5 L V6 turbo engine) can tow up to 14,000 lb, while the Ram 1500 can tow up to 12,750 lb.

Mid-size pickup trucks like the Honda Ridgeline, Chevrolet Colorado and Ford Maverick are also powerful beasts and can tow equipment that goes up to 7,700 lb.

In short, full-size and mid-size trucks are great companions if you want to get the job done. They have all the versatility you need for your adventures, and they can be used to tow your boat or your trailer.

Choosing a Car, Based on Your Needs

In the end, it’s clear that some factors must be taken into account when the time comes to choose your next used vehicle.

Take the time to go over all your needs, including your professional and family needs. Doing this small exercise will help you make the right decision. It’s also a good idea to set a budget for your next used vehicle. If you do these steps, you’ll have all the necessary information to make an informed decision, based on what you intend to do with your vehicle. Since it’s an important decision, it’s advisable to do things in the right order. In the end, you’ll be much better for it!

Touteslesmarques.ca has the largest inventory of used cars, SUVs, minivans and trucks in Quebec. Come discover the wide variety of choices that are available to you. Discuss your needs with one of our sales agents and leave with the vehicle of your dreams. Take advantage of the best prices and most advantageous financing solutions on the market.

Touteslesmarques.ca, your dealerships in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Côte-Nord and Charlevoix regions. See you there!