Advantages And Disadvantages Of Different Cars
What are the advantages of an SUV?
With regards to finding a car, SUVs became very popular in the mid-90s and really replaced minivans as the soccer moms' vehicle of choice. This is mostly because SUVs impart a feeling of height so people are able to see over traffic better, giving a sense of safety. Also, with a lot of SUVs, the original SUVs were made on a truck platform, and therefore they were of a much higher quality and grade when it comes to crashworthiness and protection.
What are the disadvantages of an SUV?
With regards to SUVs, the biggest disadvantages have been mileage. By their nature, SUVs are less aerodynamic than sedans or compact cars. SUVs are usually powered by larger V6 or a V8 engines and therefore do not get great gas mileage. This is one of the biggest disadvantages. Other disadvantages of SUVs are that as they are larger vehicles, they fill more space in your garage or take up more space in the driveway. Lastly, because of the way SUVs are built, they have a higher center of gravity and it has been shown they have more of a tendency to rollover in a big swerve or an accident avoidance maneuver. A lot of the newer SUVs are going to have new technologies such as antilock braking systems and traction control systems which will help that, but it is always a concern with a taller vehicle like an SUV of rolling over.
What are the advantages of a convertible?
When finding and buying any vehicle, you always have to consider what that vehicle is going to convey or say about you as the owner of that vehicle. Probably none do a better job of doing that than a convertible car. Firstly, a convertible has the advantage and versatility that if the weather is nice, the top can easily go down and open you up to the elements. This gives you a kind of sense of superiority over a lot of the other cars that maybe just have the windows open. You get that being in touch with nature feel even though you're driving along in traffic. Secondly, convertibles just convey a great sense of individuality and the spirit of freedom. Therefore there's a real emotional side or advantage to buying a convertible.
What are the disadvantages of a convertible?
With regards to a convertible car, probably the biggest disadvantage is security and safety. You've got in most cases a convertible top which is canvas. So it's very easy for people to slice into it if they want to break into your vehicle when you've got it parked at night. There is always that fear of somebody easily breaking into the car. Of course you can consider many of the new hard-top convertibles that provide the safety and the versatility of both. The other element is because you often have the top down; UV rays of the sun can wreak havoc on the material of the seats as well as the plastic on the dash of the car. So you've got a bigger wear and tear issue that happens in a convertible as opposed to a closed-top car. The last disadvantage to a convertible is that by nature of the aerodynamics, when you put the top down on the convertible you're going to be lessening your mileage to a degree as well. So, if you're going to use the vehicle the way it's really intended, you're going to be hurting yourself on fuel economy.
What are the advantages of a luxury vehicle?
Probably the biggest advantage of buying a luxury vehicle is the sense of reward. You've achieved a certain place in life. You've got the money to make this extravagant purchase now, and you're letting the world know that you've arrived to some degree. Then, of course, there are some real advantages to driving them, as well. They're usually going to be much quieter, a lot smoother, and much more comfortable rides, insulating you from the crazy hustle and bustle of today's life. Lastly, one of the big advantages of buying a luxury vehicle is that in order to justify that higher price, the manufacturers will usually include a very comprehensive service plan, such that you may only need to pay for oil changes in the first four or five years of ownership. So, there are some real financial advantages as well. Another factor that comes with buying a luxury vehicle is often buying the very latest in safety equipment. Airbags were really pioneered in luxury vehicles, as were anti-lock braking systems, and traction control. Due to the fact that the vehicle can command a higher price in the marketplace, they'll usually load it with more of the newest safety features, so you do get an advantage from knowing that you'll be well taken care of in a crash.
What are the disadvantages of a luxury vehicle?
There are disadvantages to owning a luxury vehicle. First and foremost, when parking the vehicle every day, you're going to be concerned about other people possibly scraping or putting door dings on the car. This is a real concern, especially when you're spending that kind of money to own the luxury vehicle. Secondly, luxury vehicles are probably not as sporty or as engaging to drive, so that factor of insulation, which it could be comfortable at some points, could also make you feel disconnected from the road. You don't get a real sense of driving enjoyment at all times in a luxury vehicle. Lastly, I think luxury vehicles by nature are going to be powered by larger engines than their mid-size or small compatriots in the market place. These are vehicles with V-6, V-8, or even V-12 engines, so fuel economy is a definite consideration with luxury vehicles. Another disadvantage of owning a luxury car is that, by nature of it being more expensive, in order to justify that higher price, the manufacturer will often load it with a lot of high tech features, which would appeal to maybe a younger buyer, but the younger buyer can't afford the vehicle. It ends up in the hands of an older buyer, who maybe can't appreciate the Bluetooth technology, the latest sound equipment and the latest comfort equipment, and it becomes a bit bewildering. The value of that is somewhat lost on an older buyer. Of course, the last consideration is that a luxury car is going to be much more expensive. You need to consider the cost of purchasing the vehicle and how that's going to play out over the time of its usage.
What are the advantages of a classic car?
Buying a classic car is a lot of fun on many different levels and has many advantages. First and foremost, you're not just buying a means of transportation. You're not just buying an appliance to take you from point A to point B. You're actually buying something where you're going to relish the drive more than the arrival. And so, you are buying more than a car. You're buying a real statement about yourself and an affinity with a piece of history that you feel you want to be associated with. Another advantage of buying a classic vehicle is the fact that it will open you up to clubs of like-minded individuals that have also embraced that particular vehicle and that era and can help you with finding parts, service ideas or maybe special days where they all take them out and drive them. Again, the drive can be more important than the actual destination. So the main advantage of owning a classic car is it opens up a whole new lifestyle.
What are the disadvantages a classic car?
When finding a car, some of the disadvantages of buying a classic car are related to maintenance issues. Parts for classic cars could be harder to find and more expensive. Finding a mechanic who can do some of the larger work that is familiar with that particular vehicle and any idiosyncrasies of that vehicle can be expensive and time consuming too. So, this is always a concern with classic cars. Secondly, as far as driving the actual vehicle goes, because they were made in an era that doesn't have the same look at fuel economy or reliability; they can really choke back a lot of gasoline. Therefore there's going to be a cost involved in actually driving the car around. Another disadvantage and consideration when you're buying a classic car is where to store the vehicle. It's not going to be something you are going to be using every day, probably just on the weekends. So, during its time off you need to decide whether to keep it in your driveway or garage taking up space. If the classic car is going to be kept outdoors you'll have to invest in a good car cover to protect it from the elements. These are the sort of things that get swept under the carpet when you get caught up in the romance and the excitement of buying a classic car. You need to think how buying a classic car is going to really work in a day-to-day life as well.
