There are many factors that influence the type of car we buy. But they’re all, in some way, related to the lifestyles we lead. We’ll be looking at the different aspects of a person’s lifestyle which could all have an effect on their car choice.
They’re in no specific order, as certain aspects will be more relevant to some people and not to others. Every aspect, however, will have some level of influence over your decision, regardless of who you are.
How driving style affects your car choice
The way you drive a car will affect the type of car you choose to buy. Driving style is another way of referring to a person’s driving personality. You know, the type of driver they are out on the road. For example, you wouldn’t place a nervous driver in a large SUV or 4×4 vehicle where the car feels in control. And you wouldn’t buy a coupé or sports car if you were a slow driver and scared of speed.
You know what your driving preferences are and you need to make sure you buy a car that matches your driving style. It’s important to be comfortable and feel in control of your vehicle in order to confidently drive on South African roads.
How finance affects your car choice
Now, the most obvious factor affecting which car you buy is your finances, for many of reasons. There’s no doubt, unless you own all the money in the world, that your finances affect your car choice the most out of any other lifestyle factors.
Let’s start with affordability. Depending on how much money you earn in a month, you’ll be limited to a car budget. Not only for monthly debit orders for what you owe on your car, which you calculate with a vehicle installment calculator to make sure you can actually afford it, but also for petrol and car insurance every month. Not to mention major and minor services every other month (depending on how much driving you do).
So, finances will affect the brand, model, transmission, engine power and “luxury” bells and whistles that come with your car. The more you have, the more it will cost in the long run. When it comes to finding a deal for a car, make sure you compare prices between enough dealerships and stick to your budget. Be aware of any “new car” hidden costs and balloon payments you’re maybe not banking on.
Your family finances will also affect whether you’ll need to buy one or two cars to fit everyone in. In this case, you may be able to get away with one “family” car and one “fun” car.
How family affects your car choice
Having a family or a regular group of passengers affects your car choice because of space considerations. Don’t underestimate the space that a single-seat car seat takes up for one baby. You will no longer have three seats available to offer the rest of the family in your hatchback or sedan. You’re going to need something a little bigger with a bit more car-space. It will also make school runs and lift-club easier, more comfortable and safer if the kids don’t need to sit with their oversized suitcase on their laps.
When there are other people to think about in your car, they will affect your car choice.
How work affects your car choice
Depending on how far away you live from the office, a car may not even be an everyday necessity. If you live far from work and have to sit in hour-long traffic every morning and evening, you’re going to want an economical car and likely one that won’t draw too much attention to itself. You’ll also be looking for an economical car if you tend to drive quite often for work purposes. Yes, even if you have a petrol allowance from the company.
You may even find that the company you work for sponsors a work or company car deal for you. In which case, you won’t really have a choice.
How values affect your car choice
When we say values have an effect on your car choice, we’re talking about things like social status. To some people, it’s important to have a flashy car to represent their bank accounts. To others, they’re more concerned about the general safety features of the car – for them, their passengers and the car itself.
As you can see, there are many lifestyle factors that influence your choice of car. And it’s not a decision that should be made without considering each of these aspects.
Also view:
Vehicle Finance, Car Insurance and Road Safety
Buying and Selling a Vehicle – Informed decisions and the Vehicle Retailer
The Online Vehicle Retail Market and Safely Selling Vehicles Online