HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-10-22, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2009. PAGE 15.
Buyers in the market for a new car
-- who also have a family -- may be
considering any number of options
for their next vehicle. Thoughts of
whether to purchase a sedan,
minivan, crossover, or SUV may
come to mind. Each type has its own
advantages and disadvantages.
Weigh the options before purchase.
If you’re considering a sedan ...
How many people will you be
carrying on a regular basis? Most
sedans seat five. However, the rear
centre position of the car is usually a
tight fit. There are a few wider
sedans that may still feature a front
bench seat for an added passenger,
though children are not advised to
ride in the front seat of the car.
Sedans may get better mileage and
use less gas than larger vehicles,
which can be an advantage if money
is an issue. They’re generally less
expensive to buy or lease also.
Check out trunk space, seeing as
you’ll need to tote strollers and kids’
belongings as well. Also, four-door
models are a must in any sedan for
ease of exiting little ones from the
car.
If you’re considering an SUV ...
For drivers who didn’t want to face
the stigma of the minivan, SUVs
became a popular and viable option
for families. SUVs definitely boast
larger passenger room, with many
models featuring a third-row seat
that can fold down or be removed
depending upon need.
While there have been many
advancements made in the
SUVcategory, they still tend to use
more gas than many other vehicles.
Also, there is still the propensity for
rollover in larger, top-heavy
vehicles.
Compact SUVs may be a better
bet if you’re looking for good gas
mileage and a little extra cargo
room. Also, many feature all-wheel
or 4-wheel drive, which can be good
in inclement weather. Still, most are
generally the size of sedan inside as
they’re often built on a car frame.
If you’re considering a minivan
...
Vans have long been considered a
family-friendly vehicle. They have
many advantages, which spur their
popularity with the soccer mom set.
Today’s vans have interiors that are
roomy and can be reconfigured in
many ways with fold-down seats,
etc. Most can also carry seven or
more passengers, which makes them
advantageous as kids grow and
friends tag along for the ride. Added
features include entertainment
packages and the ability to store a lot
of cargo.
While vans have certainly come a
long way in terms of design,
aesthetics is what drives many
people to look elsewhere. Most
minivans will have a visible tract that
enables the rear door to slide open
and closed. They’re also boxy and
not very streamlined. Fully equipped
minivans may be on par with the
price of an SUV or more expensive
luxury car. Also, some adults just
can’t get over the stigma of driving a
minivan.
If you’re considering a crossover ...
Crossovers mean different things
to different car manufacturers. Some
are compact SUVs on a car frame.
Others are glorified station wagons
that were given a beauty makeover.
Others are a blend of car and truck
features. It’s definitely a mixed bag
and you’ll have to consider the
options available depending upon
the vehicle’s make.
Crossovers often have a lower roof
line or step-in height compared to a
traditional SUV, and in general get
better gas mileage compared to most
SUVs. But most are, in essence, a
car. Therefore, if the price is higher
for a crossover than a sedan, you
may want to go the sedan route.
If you’re considering a compact
car ...
Individuals who know they only
want to have one child and are
interested in keeping costs down can
get great value with a compact car
for a number of years. Most have
ample trunk space and backseat
room to accommodate the needs of
one child.
If you’re planning on expanding
the family down the line -- and
keeping the car for a number of
years -- it’s probably a safer bet to
opt for a larger vehicle at the start.
Options for family-friendly vehiclesFall On The Road
Good maintenance can keep your
vehicle on the road for years to come
-- and keep you safer on the road.
Many drivers think maintenance
equals oil changes.
In fact, most people change oil
more often than they need to but
don't rotate their tires as frequently
as they should. That’s a big mistake.
Proper rotation can add as much as
10,000 miles to the life of a set of
tires.
There’s more you can do to keep
your vehicle operating reliably.
Here are a few tips from AAA.
* Keep maintenance records.
Maintenance records are good
diagnostic tools and proof you have
cared for your vehicle, which can
enhance the vehicle’s trade-in or
resale value
* Run your engine for a few
minutes before powering up the
heater, air conditioner, wipers, and
other accessories. Accelerating with
a cold engine can cause premature
engine failure.
* If your vehicle has fuel
injection, keep the tank at least one-
quarter full. Cornering with a nearly
empty tank disrupts the flow to the
fuel pump.
* Look for cracks or looseness in
engine belts. Broken belts are a
major reason for roadside
breakdowns.
Easy tips to help owner
maintain vehicle’s value
519-523-4356
Complete Mechanical Service
Computerized Tune-Ups
Snow Tires - Mufflers - Brakes
Vehicle Inspection Station
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www.pentasticmotors.com
519-335-6565
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