Car fun

  The car you drive is an extension of you. Whether you’re in a rental car for two days or a hand-me-down car for 10 years, you take on the personality of the car you’re driving. Or does the car reflect your personality? When it comes to a convertible, your personality goes hand in hand with the car’s. Whether you’re seeking that blissful wind-in-your-hair feeling, some vitamin D therapy, or simply just wanting to add some flavor into your life–when you drive a convertible, you’re making a statement. For you, style and performance are your top priorities when it comes to picking out a car. When you’re driving with your top down through the warm breeze, you are definitely getting noticed on the road (and for you, that’s a perk). Sound like a dream of yours? Then read on! If I ask you to close your eyes and picture a convertible, I bet you’re imagining a sleek, sporty, mid-sized car with its top down driving along the coast. Yes, that is the typical body style a convertible boasts, but nowadays, convertibles come in all shapes and sizes! Check out Car and Driver’s top picks, I guarantee there are cars you never thought capable of having a drop top! That just goes to show that convertibles continue to be a popular car to many. From two-door roadsters to four seat luxury models, there’s a convertible out there to help make whatever statement it is you are pursuing. When talking about convertibles, there are many pros and cons that make their way into the conversation. Safety is more often than not a hot topic. Obviously, having a roof is safer than not having one, but that doesn’t make the car dangerous. Your safety in a vehicle begins with you and how you drive it. Some benefits that many rave about, are the convertible’s increased visibility, headroom, and versatility! While you do sacrifice cargo space and seating, these cons don’t seem to bother potential car buyers, seeing as a convertible seems to gain style points where it lacks in other categories. Of course, convertibles aren’t for everyone. They cater to a more specific audience. When you think of the typical convertible driver, a carefree attitude is a stereotype one usually pictures. But, that’s where you’re wrong! You’ll be surprised to hear that this article from Forbes states that most convertible drivers “have more bucks and brains than other drivers.” If you stop to think about this, it makes sense. Convertibles aren’t the safest car choice out there, so one would hope their driver would be smarter on the road to stay safe. You definitely gain a sense of freedom when driving a convertible with the top down. If you’ve never driven one, I highly suggest giving a convertible a test drive! See for yourself if this is a lifestyle you want to lead!

  So, you drive a sedan or you are looking to buy one. Practicality is your middle name! Sedans have been the most popular choice over the years for many reasons: they’re affordable, dependable, fuel-efficient… the list goes on and on. How do you know a sedan is for you? Let’s look back at that priority list of yours. Is affordability higher on your list than style? Are having four doors a necessity? I bet safety is definitely a priority of yours, too. A sedan checks each one of these off your list! Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of stylish, eye-catching sedans out there on the market–it just depends on what kind of look you’re wanting! If you were asked to draw a car right now, I bet you would naturally draw a sedan without even thinking about it! They are such a classic vehicle style, you can’t go wrong. Perhaps they’re not as adventurous as other body styles out there, but they get the job done. Some of the most compelling reasons for this vehicle’s popularity are affordability and safety. Its low height to the ground creates a steady centered gravity, heightening the car’s balance. If you’re a worrier, a sedan is for you. In recent years, crossovers and SUVs have given sedans a run for their money–but the classic vehicle still reigns in popularity. When compared to its competitor, sedans outshine the SUV in many ways. They are less prone to tipping or rolling over, better at acceleration and braking due to its lighter weight, better fuel economy, cheaper maintenance… the benefits of a sedan are almost endless. The biggest reason most would choose an SUV over a sedan is space. Redesigned sedans now offer plentiful head and legroom and boast roomier interiors, but they still can’t compete with the cargo capacity of an SUV. You’d be surprised how much you could actually pack into the trunk of a sedan, but if you’re in need of that occasional third row of seats, a sedan won’t help you there. If you are a practical, money-conscious individual, then a sedan is calling your name! This affordable, reliable, fuel-efficient body style will save you money in the long run and keep you safe on the road over the years!

You truly love driving, just for the sake of it. You have a need for speed. Power and performance are your top priorities. You, my friend, are a sports car! Sports cars are known for their stylish looks and 0-60 specs. By definition, sports cars are low-built, two-door, two-seat, automobiles built for high speeds. From the classic Chevrolet Corvette to the Toyota 86, almost every manufacturer has a sports car as a part of their fleet–and for a good reason! Since the dawn of the automobile industry, people have always been striving for faster speeds and stunning looks. Let’s unpack more details of this iconic body style. Design is so crucial to a sports car. A front engine, rear wheel drive layout is common to most sports cars that you see. Sleek, sharp, aerodynamic lines are seen on the exterior while a smooth, stylish, luxurious look is seen on the inside. Those looking to buy a sports car usually aren’t setting out to drive across the country in them, but you could! Depending on the make and model you choose, their mile to the gallon isn’t too bad! Ranging from 15 mpg to 30 mpg, fuel efficiency usually isn’t a sports car’s top priority, but the automobile industry has seen worse! When it comes to maintenance costs, sports cars see a variety. Yes, some have jaw-dropping expensive upkeep, while others are much less costly. Sports cars aren’t always this luxurious, unreachable expensive dream car. There are plenty of more affordable options out there, it just depends on how expensive your taste is! If you’re thinking about driving a sports car, you definitely need to take your current lifestyle into consideration. Sports cars definitely aren’t the practical, family-friendly car choice. So, if you’re one that’s constantly helping friends move or carpooling every weekend, a sports car might not be the smartest choice for you. But don’t let that stop you! If you’ve had your heart set on an iconic, speedy sports car and are looking for a big change, then go for it! Sports cars are for the car enthusiast that’s focused more on the journey than the destination. If this sounds like you, put your pedal to the metal and drive on!

  When starting your search for the perfect new car, consider this advice I once heard: start small! Start by looking at smaller sized cars and work your way up. If you find that you’re enjoying the vehicle choices within this small category, then a compact car is perfect for you! Let’s delve into the details of this body style. While small by definition, compact cars are continuing to see roomier interiors and increased comfortability, making them much more of a competitor against larger, pricier options. If affordability and efficiency are high on your priority list, then keep reading–a compact car is calling your name! Compact cars are category that encompass more variety. From the Chevrolet Cruze to the Nissan Sentra, there are countless choices for you to choose from! As its name implies, compact cars are known for their small size. This car is best for those not needing as much seating or cargo capacity. The smaller size makes these cars great for city driving–especially in those crowded parking lots! You won’t have to question if your car could fit, one of the many benefits of a compact car! From their affordable purchase price to their great fuel economy and high resale value, there are many reasons why you’re seeing compact cars on the rise. If you are a commuter, do a lot of city driving and cost efficiency is a top priority, you’ve met your match! A compact car can be versatile, but you will reap most of its benefits among the city. In summation, a compact car is the perfect choice to simply get you from point A to point B. What does driving this vehicle say about you? Well, it says you are a sensible, logical, safe individual. You care more about your destination than the journey it takes to get there. Plus, you’ve saved money on your vehicle, so you have more to spend elsewhere!

  Accommodating, convenient, comfortable. No, I’m not talking about Starbucks–I’m talking about minivans! If you are thinking about driving this vehicle, chances are you are a parent, or an aspiring one. Don’t let that narrow this vehicle’s audience, though. A minivan’s obvious draw is its seating capacity. Do you consistently need to drive around five or more people? Then it sounds like you need a minivan! Minivans fit an obvious lifestyle. However, many with larger families tend to be reluctant towards driving this vehicle due to its stereotypes or unique style. If you fit this driver profile, don’t stop reading! I’m here to brag about this vehicle and tell you why this is the car you should be driving! Yes, there are SUVs out there that can carry the same capacity as a minivan, but they don’t offer all that a minivan can. Between its automated doors and an aisle between the seats, these features alone will improve your life with your passengers. Just imagine it: when you occasionally have to squeeze yourself into a parking spot and your hands are full, you’ll be so thankful for those automated sliding doors that your kiddos can open with the push of a button! I’ve heard countless stories of families wavering between a large SUV or a minivan, and in conclusion, an SUV simply can’t top the minivan’s comfortable interior and convenient features. Here is where making a priority list is pivotal. At the end of the day, minivans lose most of its potential buyers due to its style (or lack thereof). But, let’s take a look at that priority list of yours. Is family #1? How about safety? Maybe comfortability? I bet fuel efficiency is high on the list, too! If you answered yes to all of those questions, then a minivan is for you! Don’t deny it, just give in. If the only cons you can think of are that you don’t like the way a minivan looks, or you don’t want to be a cliche and fall into the stereotype that many generalize this vehicle with–just take a look at that priority list of yours again! Think about what you want and what you need, because those are two totally different things. If you have needs that would benefit from a minivan, then what’s stopping you?! Modern minivans have just as many exciting features, if not more, than their competitors. If you are an inclusive, confident, practical, family-oriented human, then a minivan is just the car for you! My advice to you, is don’t judge a book by its cover. Drive a minivan, and drive it proud!

  Take a four-door sedan style car, add a fifth door to the rear, and you have a hatchback! Hatchbacks have grown in popularity recently. Their fuel efficient costs, smaller size, increased cargo capacity and flexible interior are just a few of their many popular benefits and features it consists of. If you’re wavering between a sedan and an SUV, a hatchback might be the perfect compromise for you! They offer a smaller body style like a sedan, but include larger cargo space like an SUV! Here it’s almost like the best of both worlds, you get SUV-like space without the compromises of fuel efficiency. Hatchbacks are often compared to the station wagon as a competitor. But, hatchbacks boast a much sleeker, modern design style. However, the hatchback’s style seems to either be a pro or a con subjective to the shopper. So, you decide! With hatchbacks, you’re getting a bargain for your buck! Not only does the hatchback offer you an envious mile to the gallon, but its resale value is unmatchable to its sedan competitor! Hatchbacks retain an impressive percentage of their value through the years. Needless to say, not only are hatchbacks are an excellent cost-effective car choice, but also a wise investment in the long run! From the Hyundai Veloster to the Chevrolet Spark, your favorite manufacturer has a hatchback model to offer you. So, if your priority list includes versatility, cargo space, fuel and cost efficiency–than a hatchback should be a strong contender for you! Whether you’re an adventurous spirit clammering for your next road trip, or you’re a commuting father of two, a hatchback is the perfect car for a wide variety of people! Test drive a hatchback today, but be careful, you just might drive away in it!