When you are looking to purchase your next vehicle, there are many things that you need to consider. You want to make sure that the car is reliable and has good fuel efficiency. However, if the sticker price for this vehicle seems too high, they can’t enjoy any of these features. So before you head out in search of your next ride, be sure to research three crucial factors: gas mileage, reliability ratings, and safety scores.
1) Gas Mileage
The first crucial thing to research is the fuel economy of the vehicle you are looking to purchase. You want a vehicle that will get you from point A to point B without guzzling too much gas in between. According to KBB, new cars on average have an EPA-estimated combined rating of 27. To save as much money as possible at the gas pump, you should look for a vehicle that has a combined fuel economy rating of at least 26 miles per gallon.
If you are looking for something with better-than-average fuel efficiency, then be sure to consider a hybrid or electric car. Hybrids and electrics can help save the planet and your wallet. If you are looking for a vehicle to drive on long road trips, consider getting one with good highway fuel economy. This will help cut down on gasoline expenditures and reduce carbon emissions from exhaust fumes that come out of tailpipes. Technology continues to improve all the time, and even non-hybrid cars are getting much better.
2) Reliability
The next crucial thing to research is the reliability of a vehicle you are looking to purchase. According to Consumer Reports, there are many things that can affect how well a car performs. The most important thing when it comes to engine performance is mileage. In addition, other factors such as repairs and parts replacement should be considered.
You want to make sure that you buy a vehicle with high-quality parts and little chance of breaking down. When looking at the safety rating, be sure to pay attention to how many years have passed since some safety features were first introduced into cars and recent changes in these ratings over time. In addition, Consumer Reports suggests that drivers should look at how many recalls a vehicle has had as well as if it is likely to have future problems with parts replacement.
3) Safety Ratings
The third crucial thing to research before you make a purchase is the safety rating of the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests cars and rates their performance on several key factors, including protection from front, side, and rollover accidents. You should especially pay attention to any ratings that are lower than five stars. According to KBB, a car with five-star safety has the highest rating in all categories by NHTSA and good ratings from IIHS.
A vehicle’s crash test score will give you an idea of how safe it would be if involved in an accident. If possible, try finding a car that has a score of at least four out of five stars. If you are looking to purchase a larger vehicle, then try one with good front- and side-impact scores as well.
In conclusion, there are three crucial things to research before you buy a new vehicle. These include gas mileage, reliability ratings, and safety scores.
