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Are you a travel junkie always on the lookout for your next great adventure? If so, you know that the right vehicle is essential to the wanderlust lifestyle.
From picking the right type of vehicle to evaluating leasing vs. financing a car, there are a lot of difficult car-buying decisions. But don’t worry — we’re here to help.
We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each option, look over some of the vehicle types that might be perfect for you, and help you make the best decisions for your unique needs.
Understanding Your Wanderlust Lifestyle vs. Vehicle Compatibility
If you’re a travel junkie, you know that your car is important to your lifestyle. But every person travels a little bit differently.
What might be perfect for you could be a bad option for someone else. So the first thing to do is figure out your priorities.
SUV or All-Terrain Vehicle
If you’re looking for something that can handle long road trips and rough terrain, an SUV is a perfect choice for adventurers like you.
With an SUV, you’ll have plenty of space to pack all your gear, and you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the mud.
Some great SUVs or all-terrain cars to consider are:
- Jeep Wrangler
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota RAV4
An SUV or truck would also allow you to tow a lightweight travel trailer, so that might be a huge pro for you to consider.
Sports Car or Convertible
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a car that’s more about the journey than the destination, a sports car or convertible might be a better fit. You can enjoy the wind in your hair as you cruise down the open road with a convertible.
Some great convertibles and sports cars to consider are:
- Chevrolet Corvette
- Mazda Miata
- Porsche 911
And with a sports car, you can feel the power of the engine as you zip around corners. If you’re looking for a car all about the experience, a convertible or sports car is the way to go.
Compact Car
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a vehicle that can easily navigate city streets and tight parking spots, a compact vehicle is perfect. Compact vehicles are typically smaller than sedans, making them easier to maneuver in urban areas.
In addition, compact cars often have better fuel economy than larger vehicles, saving you money on gas. Another benefit of compact cars is that they are usually more affordable than larger models.
The most popular types of compact vehicles are:
- Ford Focus
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla
So if you’re looking for a versatile and economical option for city driving, a compact car is a perfect choice.
Leasing vs. Financing a Car: Which is best for you?
Now that you’ve decided on the type of car that’s right for your wanderlust lifestyle, it’s time to decide how to pay for it.
There are two main options for car ownership: leasing and financing.
Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to understand the difference before deciding.
Leasing a Car
Leasing a car is like renting an apartment — you’re only paying for the use of the car, not the entire purchase price. This means that leasing payments are usually lower than financing payments.
Plus, you can trade in your car for a new one every few years with a lease. So if you’re someone who likes to have the latest and greatest, leasing might be the way to go.
However, there are some downsides to leasing. For one, you’re never actually owning the car. So if you decide to keep the car after your lease is up, you’ll have to pay a hefty fee.
Plus, leasing companies are usually very strict about mileage limits. So if you rack up a lot of miles on your car, you could end up paying extra at the end of your lease.
Financing a Car
When you finance a car, you’re buying the car outright. This means that you’ll have to make higher monthly payments than if you were leasing.
However, once you’ve paid off the loan, the car is yours to keep. So if you’re someone who likes to hang onto their cars, financing is the way to go.
Plus, with financing, you’re not limited by mileage like with leasing. So if you plan on putting a lot of miles on your car, financing might be the best option.
Which is right for you?
Both leasing and financing have their own set of pros and cons. It’s important to understand the difference before you make a decision.
If you’re looking for a lower monthly payment, leasing might be the way to go. But if you’re someone who likes to keep their car for a long time, financing is probably the better option.
No matter which route you decide to go, we can help you find the perfect car for your needs.
Just remember to drive safely, as there are some things you should never do while driving, and you don’t want the money you put into a new vehicle to go to waste.
Other Important Vehicle Factors to Consider
That’s just scratching the surface of important things to consider when it comes to a vehicle meant to travel the world.
The Importance of Fuel Efficiency
One of the most important factors is fuel efficiency. After all, no one wants to spend a fortune on gas each month. Choosing a fuel-efficient car for your next vehicle purchase is essential.
These vehicles help you limit how much you spend on gas over time, but they also tend to be more environmentally friendly and contribute less to air pollution than less efficient cars.
Plus, choosing a fuel-efficient car typically doesn’t require making any other compromises, as there are many different models and styles available today that are great on gas.
Focus on Storage Space
If you’re looking for a car that can fit all your gear, you need to find one with good storage space. Look for a vehicle with a large trunk or an SUV with plenty of room in the back. You might even want to consider a van or a station wagon.
Comfort Is King
Whether you’re headed on a short road trip or embarking on a cross-country adventure, comfort is king when it comes to driving. After all, it doesn’t matter how awesome your car’s engine is if the seats are uncomfortable or lacking in support.
To ensure that your road trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, be sure to select a vehicle with well-cushioned seats that provide optimal back and lumbar support, heated seats, or even spacious captain’s chairs for ultimate comfort on the go.
With the right car (and travel accommodations), you’ll be traveling like a pro in no time. So, what are you waiting for?
Luke Williams writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, BuyAutoInsurance.com. His passions include best practices for insurance and supporting travel junkies.