Planning to buy a car? You need to learn to compare cars. Whether you are planning to buy a new or second-hand car, having the knowledge to compare cars is essential.

If you are new at buying a car, you should also prefer conducting research on the brands and models of cars you want to buy. You can do online research, consult with people who have good knowledge about cars, or visit stores. You can do research at your convenience. 

After doing research on brands and models of the car, you can start comparing the car. While comparing the cars, you need to have a list of features you want in your car. Also, determine how much money you are willing to spend while buying the car and the monthly budget of the car. 

Once you set your mind to the requirements you are looking for in the car and determine the budget, now you can start comparing cars.

How to compare cars before buying?

You should know your priority. What matters most to you while buying a car? Is exterior design important for you or does comfort, safety, and storage matter to you most?  For some people, exterior design may matter most but other essential features of the car should not be ignored.

Here are major features that you need to consider while comparing cars:

1. Seating

You can compare cars based on the seat type, the material used, number of seats, and function of the seat. Are you looking for a bucket seat or bench seat car? Though bench seat is outdated, some SUVs still use bench seats in the car. If you travel heavily, you would want a car with a folding rear seat. 

The car seat uses fabric like tri-laminate polyester, leatherette, nylon, and leather.  You can choose a car on the base of the fabric of the seat. 

Also, you may analyze the car base on the armrest. Some cars have electronically adjustable seats and some have manually adjustable seats. So, you can examine the seat of the car base on these factors. 

2. Safety

Safety is a very essential factor that should not be ignored while buying a car. Check for airbags, traction control, lane departure warning, seatbelt alert, and other essential safety features. These are the essential safety feature that you should not miss at all.

However, the safety feature of a car varies from one another. Nowadays brands put their focus more on the safety of passengers and drivers than on other features. So, safety won’t be an issue while buying a car.

But, if you are buying a second-hand car, you would want to check whether all the safety features are working properly or not.  While buying a car, it would be better if you don’t compromise on safety. You may compromise on other features but not on safety features. 

3. Infotainment

Just like safety features, infotainment is not a big deal if you are buying a brand new car. Every car will have a USB, Bluetooth, touch screen, iPhone compatible, CD player, and navigation system.

The only difference is some cars will have more infotainment features and some will have minimum infotainment features. What’s important is, whether the car is meeting your requirements or not. 

So, if you are buying a second-hand car you need to ensure that all the infotainment features are in good condition. It would be better if you check personally or take someone who is an expert in analyzing cars. 

4. Comfort and convenience 

It’s important for the car to be comfortable. As most of the time, we spend in the car sitting, so comfortable level of the car should be high.

It’s important the seat of the car should have comfortable head and neck support. If you travel long distances by car, comfort should be on your priority list. 

Power window, power seat, power mirror, outlet for charging, and cup holder are some features that are necessary while traveling in a car. This convenience feature is mostly for passengers. 

For convenient driving, cars should have kinetic energy recovery, smartphone integration, smart key reorganization, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Mainly check for these features in the car for an easy drive. 

5. Boot space

Boot space is one of the most important features in a car that cannot be ignored. Whether you travel heavy or light enough boot space is a must require. 

Even if you don’t travel long distances, you will need enough boot space to put packages after shopping, especially grocery shopping. 

Also, check for tonneau cover in the car. It is a hardcover that protects the contents of the boot space. Though tonneau cover seems to be unnecessary in car, it prevents cargo damage, improves foul mileage, and prevent quick wearing. 

6. Performance 

Engine, transmission, horsepower, and fuel mileage are important factors that should not be neglected while buying a car. Look for the type of engine used in the car. And also check whether the transition is manual or automatic and the capacity of the fuel tank. 

Horsepower determines the speed and potential of a car’s engine. Engine with strong horsepower has better acceleration, which determines the overall function of the car.   

Fuel mileage is equally important in determining the performance of a car. A car that consumes minimum fuel while traveling long distances indicates a high-performance engine. 

So, when you are buying a car, it’s better to compare cars on the basis of these six factors. You might not get all of these features in one car under your budget, however, you can prioritize factors and decide on which factor you are ready to compromise.