Sharing a second family car can make a huge difference to the quality of people’s lives. Whether you’re in the market for unfettered utility, a future heirloom, or just a backup car, there are both innate and personal factors to consider when purchasing a second car.
Assessing Your Needs
The ideal second car is very context-dependent. Will it be used most as a commuter mobile, a weekend-family workhorse or an adventure-ready road-trip buddy? It is important to know your priorities before starting your search.
For everyday commuting, fuel economy and comfort should be at the top of the list. A small sedan or hatchback would probably be great, with great fuel economy and easier parking in crowded urban centers. So models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Mazda3 thread the needle nicely for the commute and weekend chores.
If your second means of transport needs to carry your family, for example, you may want a crossover SUV or a minivan. Plus, these vehicles have flexible seating options, plenty of cargo room, sometimes with family-friendly features such as the number of available USB ports and advanced safety aids. The Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V or Kia Sorento are good utility vehicles that will not guzzle gas.
Weekenders may prefer an all-wheel drive system, more ground clearance, and a tougher cargo capacity. Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, and Jeep Cherokee vehicles can provide the day-to-day play you want, as well as the ability off the beaten path.
Budget Considerations
When it comes to choosing a second car, budget is still a factor for many people. In addition to the purchase price, consider ownership costs such as insurance, maintenance, fuel and even depreciation.
Secondhand vehicles tend to be more affordable, as they have already taken their largest depreciation hit. A three- to five-year-old car is typically a great choice for the “best of both worlds,” according to Edmunds. Dozens of manufacturers have certified pre-owned programs with extended warranties and rigorous inspections, and these can provide peace of mind like you’re getting a new vehicle—without the commensurate price tag.
“If buying new, you want to go for cars that are known to retain value,” Hurtig added. Brands including Toyota, Honda and Subaru maintain impressively high resale value, so you can expect your investment to lose value less quickly over time.
There are a wide range of financing options, from a traditional auto loan to a lease. Leasing may make sense for a second car, assuming you like driving a newer vehicle with little hassle about maintenance and aren’t going to drive it a whole lot. But ownership provides equity over the long term, and if you plan to keep the second car for some time, normal financing could work out to be cheaper.
Practical Aspects to be Taken into Account
If you’re shopping for a potential second car, some practical considerations are worth noting:
Tune your storage space to suit your needs — that could equate to rear seats that easily fold flat for whenever you need to throw something bulky back there, or a permanently expansive cargo area if you’re going to use it regularly.
Features related to technology are gaining ground. Think about what sorts of connectivity you want, whether it’s just simple Bluetooth, or more advanced smartphone integration systems, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Safety features are widely variable depending on model and model year. Advanced driver-safety systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and blind-spot monitoring, protect you, your family and your friends.
Fuel economy is related to both your wallet and the world. Even if you really don’t care, a more efficient car means lower ongoing costs, as well as fewer emissions. Hybrid variants have become ever more attainable and realistic for those trying to save money on a second car that’s also economical.
Maintaining Two Vehicles
2 cars, and the extra maintenance that comes along with. Perhaps schedule regular maintenance services at intervals that can allow you to break up costs of repairs over the year. It also allows many owners to have one car for longer trips, thus spreading out the miles driven.
Car insurance for a second car can have a very different price, depending on coverage and discount options. A lot of insurers provide you a discount for more than one vehicle.It can really give you a sized discount. Then, when you have your prospective second vehicle in mind, seek out the best rates.
Don’t forget parking and storage. Make sure you have room for an extra car at home, and this would be especially important in winter months for those of us who live in colder climates in case you want extra protection from the elements.
Making the Final Decision
Even for a second car, a test drive is still key. Notice the visibility, comfort, acceleration, braking and how successful the vehicle is in everyday circumstances you’ll experience.
Perhaps try to time your purchase wisely. The end of the month, the end of the quarter, and especially the end of the year often brings discounts as dealerships need to reach their sales goals.
And lastly, the perfect second car is a blend of fun with the everyday use in mind. You should consider your usage and budget when making a decision, but you also want a car you’re eager to get in and drive every day for the next several years.
The perfect second car for you is something that enhances your primary car, but with distinct capabilities, such as better gas mileage, alternative cargo hauling options or specific features for various activities. But by sizing up what you need, planning a realistic budget and taking some time to shop around, you can find second wheels that will jibe with your lifestyle without getting you too deep in the hole.