Not sure what car to buy? With so many on the market, who can blame you. And on top of this, when it comes to choosing something compact, or something a little larger, what’s better? Some of the major pros and cons of each are listed here as we give you some pointers on making this important decision:

Consider your needs

One of the main things to consider first are your needs. Think about:

• How far will you be driving on average each week

• How many passengers will you be carrying

• What features do you like in a motor vehicle

• Do you want to be taking it off road

• Will you be taking road trips in it

• What is your budget (considering the different costs of fuel)

• The space you have to store your car when not in use

• How much is your car and home insurance premiums at the moment? Will this new car reduce or increase the cost dramatically?

Families with Kids

Depending on how big your family is, you may want to opt for a larger car. There’s nothing more annoying that having to sit right up against the dashboard because your teenagers legs simply can’t fit behind your seat properly. Similarly, if you already have one or two children and have another one on the way it’s not just about room in the car but it’s also about how much you need to bring in terms of baby bags and the rest too.

For those who love to go off-road

If you want to use your car to go off-road, then a four-wheel drive is the only option. You need something that is robust and can handle all weather conditions.

Just needing something to take you from A to B

If you have a small family, or live on your own, there’s really no need to spend all that extra money on buying a large car or four-wheel drive vehicle. Not only can they use up more petrol, but they aren’t as easy to drive either and if you don’t need the extra room, it’s really not necessary.

Safety features

Some people feel that the larger their car, the safer they are. While many large cars are really safe, there has been huge improvements in the safety of small cars. Write down a list of features you are looking for in your new car and see if both are offered in the small and larger varieties you are considering.

Will other members of the family be driving it too?

Do you have a teenager that will soon be learning how to drive? Larger cars can be harder to maneuver and drive, so you may want to consider buying a smaller car with loads of safety features if you can foresee teaching your youngster and then possibly even loaning them the car when they get their license. Apart from having them properly covered on your car insurance policy, choosing the right vehicle that’s easy to drive can make all the difference.

There is so much to think about when deciding on the right car for you. So keep our tips in mind and take your time.