8 important Specs & Features to be Considered before buying any Vehicle

Back in the days while I was growing up, I used to think the more significant your car, the more rewarding it is to you. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. I am going to discuss a topic that appeals to not only current car owners but also aspiring ones.  This is a handy vehicle purchase guide for all. It will help you if you buy a car for the first time, change between car brands, or upgrade your vehicle to a higher-spec one.

Vehicle purchase guide: list of vehicles/cars by body types

A vehicle, with all intents and purposes, is used for transporting people or goods, especially on land, such as a car, truck, or cart. We have various categorizations of vehicles. However, I will use the categorization based on body type or structure for this post. You will agree with me that the most popular types of cars are the ones listed below:

• Sedans

  Stylish sedans feature four doors and are marketed to families or buyers not attracted to the sporty looks of a coupe. Examples are the Mercedes-Benz C-class, Acura TL, RL, TSX, Toyota Camry, Lexus es 300, honda accord, etc. We also have a sub-category of sedans such as Midsised sedans(e.g. Acura tl), compact-sized(e.g. 2009 honda accord), and soon.

• Hatchback

A hatchback is a car type with a rear door that opens upwards. They typically feature a four-door configuration, excluding the rear door. However, we now have many two doors hatchbacks. Examples of four-door hatchbacks include Hyundai Grand i10. For two doors, think of volks polo GTI and the likes

• Convertible: 

If you can drop the top to feel the wind in your hair, the car is a convertible

• Multi-purpose vehicle(MPV)

A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) or multi-utility vehicle (MUV) is commonly known as a ‘people carrier’.  Examples: Acura MDX, Nissan MPV, dASTUN Go +

Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV)

Vehicle purchase guide based on engine performance

Unfortunately, high-performance engines are synonymous with high fuel consumption. Although technological advancement is trying to address this. A 4-inline engine will consume more fuel than a v6 engine. Similarly,  a v6 guzzle more fuel than a V8.

Also, consider a good engine CC, power & torque while going for a vehicle. It decides how well your car can move its head in rough pickup terrains. If you want to pull a trailer, you need a V8 engine.

On the good side, this fuel consumption is compensated with high horsepower and torque, ideal for a long-distance journey. When traveling a long distance, a low-performance vehicle may run out of steam when you floor the gas pedal. Watch out for the following as far as the performance of a vehicle is concerned:

• Tires and wheels: The bigger the rims, the wider the road terrain the car can thread. Also, go for an all-season tire if you do not have an extreme temperature.
• Mechanical: Engine size for a high compression ratio starts at 3.0L. If you need high-speed performance, the fuel type should be gas. Cylinders should be V6, at the least. Horsepower and Torque are also under consideration here.

6. Vehicle purchase guide based on safety and security

A high to moderate safety rating is paramount when choosing your next car. You wouldn’t want to use a sedan in a swamp. Swamps require special build and tires, so only special trucks navigate through swampy terrain. As for security, you need basic security measures in the event of accidents. Don’t buy a car that has already deployed airbags. Or one without any airbags.

Safety is required because you must be alive to ride your car right. Safety features like airbags, crossbars, braking efficiency, EBD, uphill breaking, and ABS are to be considered. A car with Airbags is a must. (At least 2 – one for driver & other for co-driver)

It is better to avoid the base versions of any model. For obvious reasons, most of the time, they won’t have any safety specifications. Go for the model with minimum/basic safety specs & a tougher build-quality material.

List of safety and security features you should look out for in a car

• Front headrests
• Rear headrests
• auto delay of headlamps
• child seat anchors
• daytime running lights
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc bracks
• dual front side-mounted airbags
• dusk sensing headlamps
• electronic brakeforce distribution
• Engine immobilizer
• front and rear head airbags
• Also a front fog/driving lights is great
• Front seatbelt pre-tensioners
• Remote Anti-theft alarm system
• Stability control
• Tires pressure monitoring
• traction control
• high-intensity discharge headlamps
• ABS brakes
• Emergency braking assist
• Emergency interior trunk release
• Rear center 3-point belts
• Rear door child safety locks

Note: After the purchase of your can, please embark on additional safety and security measures such as going for insurance, buying a vehicle tracker, or installing other forms of car anti-theft devices

7. Vehicle purchase guide: Comfort and convenience

if you want heated seats, go for them. Similarly, if you need a navigation system with a rearview camera, include it. I love full-option vehicles. However,  try to limit all the add-ons to what you will use. A bit larger space. Interior comforts, smoothness of the car, visibility, and dashboard comforts are to be considered.

Also, a history of excellent reliability, attractive styling, the latest technology and safety features, premium audio system, comfortable 8-way adjustable seating, heated seats

In addition, legroom is also a factor, especially for tall people. A Coupe or a compact sedan will be unsuitable if you are tall.  You will need a large or midsize sedan.  Watch out for the followings when looking for additional features for your vehicle:

Some of the technology and features in modern cars