Different car body types: Car buying guide

For many people, purchasing a car is not just an expression of their status, it is a rational decision. People want to make a decision that can meet their needs. Comfort, safety and appearance are the most desired features that consumers look for in a car.

Evaluating a vehicle while understanding your needs can make the purchase less difficult. Buying a car without having comprehensive knowledge can be the biggest mistake of your life.

Cars come in various body styles, some of the common ones are:

• Coupes
• Station Wagons
• Crossovers
• SUVs
• Sedan

Coupe/Convertible

Coupes and convertibles are considered the most stylish option out there. These machines feature an expressive design and are quite popular among young people as they have restricted access to the back seat and can hardly accommodate a family.

Sedan

Known for having a traditional trunk along with 4 doors, Sedans are a popular choice among people who have families or people who are planning to have kids. The problem with coupes is that if you are a family man, then carrying your kids can become difficult.

Although there is some space at the back seat, fitting your child into that space and then hopping in to get him out could be taxing and cause you inconvenience.

SUV/Crossover

SUVs are sizeable and heavier vehicles which have enough space for cargo as well as passengers. The distinctive feature of an SUV is the added ground clearance it comes with, which enables people to pass easily if the road is not plowed or cleared.

Another cool feature an SUV driver gets is the height advantage. SUVs are taller and offer a better driving view. As a result, the driver can see any misadventure or accident on the road before others and decide to change the lane or the route.

If expensive insurance charges and less fuel mileage doesn’t worry you then going for an SUV would be a good choice.

Hatchbacks

Being smaller in size and less in weight, hatchbacks are similar to SUVs. However, these are less expensive and have better fuel mileage. Hatchbacks have a 2-box model. The engine and cabin are also relatively small.

If the style of an SUV impresses you but you are short on budget, you can consider hatchbacks.

Station Wagon

If there are any underrated body types in vehicles out there then it has to be station wagons. Despite having amazing features and performance, station wagons have acquired a very bad image and are considered obsolete. If you compare a station wagon to an SUV, you will find that these are not far behind in features and performance. Mazda 6 wagon, which is a station wagon, can carry more people than Mazda CX-7 — a crossover.

Automobile experts revealed that it had better fuel mileage and was quicker. But, due to bad positioning, they had to discontinue the car as sales kept diminishing.

Minivans

Again, like station wagons, many people think buying a minivan would make them look less cool or harm their social status. But since we are talking practically, let’s consider its features.

Minivans are an unprecedented option if you have a large family or you frequently transport a large group of people. Let’s say you often go around the city carrying seven to eight people. Then buying a sedan won’t meet your transit needs and buying an SUV can cost you more.

The right bodywork for you

Ultimately, it all comes down to your needs. We would suggest you to keep in mind the situation you will have after some time. If you are newly married, don’t buy a coupe because considering you will only be two people. Rather look for a long-term investment.

A car loses great value in depreciation, so it is always better to buy prudently. In this case, buying a sedan could be the right choice for you.

SUVs are usually an ideal choice for people who live close to muddy areas or uneven terrains. As the tyres in these cars can grip better in soft terrains.

Many people think putting SUV tyres in their sedan will give them a better chance to explore tougher terrains. If you want to buy SUV tyres then use it on an SUV instead of putting them on a lightweight vehicle.