Some people are opting for smaller models 05/24/2011
The economy is still tight, and many individuals are trying to downsize their lives in an effort to live more affordably. As gas prices continue to climb, people with SUVs are having to pay up to $80 to fill up their vehicle. However, while purchasing a new small car can be exciting, it's important for consumers to do their homework to make sure they're getting the most for their money, and hopefully saving some cash in the process.
According to Consumer Reports, it's important to pick a smaller vehicle that has a long lifespan, as buying a small car just to have one could ultimately set people back more in cost due to the fact that people have to buy a new vehicle sooner than anticipated. The news provider reports that the longer one has a car, the cheaper it will be to own over time.
In a sense, think of it as paying as you go. If you have a car for 10 years, divide the total cost per year and then think about how often you may have driven it. This could make a person feel better about making such a significant purchase.
With any major purchase, research is crucial, which is why it may be a good idea to read reports and reviews on desired cars. Some options that people who are looking for a fuel-efficient downsized model may want to consider are a Toyota Prius or a Honda Civic, as both vehicles have a high fuel economy and have been known to last for years with few upkeep costs.