A comfortable car is the best kind of car to drive. It’s a car you feel supported, cushioned, and like you’re capable of staying focused on the road. Ultimately, it’s a car you feel safe in.
You don’t feel like you need to reposition your legs every 5 minutes, or like you can’t quite see out of the rear view mirror, no matter how much you try to angle it. You feel like you’ve got a good car on your hands and you’ll be able to rely on it no matter what.
So, if that’s the kind of car you’re after right now, what features should you keep an eye out for? Here’s what to pay attention to, ask about, and test out when you’re down a car dealership.
A Good Price Point
It’s the most important thing, when it comes to being comfortable with your car purchase!
If you’re not happy about the price, and it’s a little too out of your budget range, you’re not going to be comfortable with the car in the long run – no matter how many ‘comfort enhancing’ features it might have.
So the first thing to do is set your budget. What can you reasonably afford in terms of long term car payments, fuel costs, and repairs you might end up needing?
Make sure you check out the average cost of these things within your area; double checking price per hour at a local mechanic’s shop is never a bad shout.
In terms of the car itself, you’ll then want to get a few good research hours in. Start your research online, where it’s easy to find out more about the price of a car you’re interested in when you know the make, model, and year of release.
And while you’re there, you can scope out what other, similar vehicles are available, as well as if they’re any cheaper or hold better value for you.
A Supportive Driver’s Seat
If you don’t feel comfortable in the driver’s seat, the car simply isn’t the right one for you!
But what do we mean by that? Well, if you get into the car and have a feel of the seat, what do you instantly notice?
Does your head clear the top of the wheel and the dashboard, with enough height to let you see the road in front as clearly as possible?
And if it doesn’t, are you able to adjust the seat to a point where you can get this view? Similarly, is it easy to adjust the seat, or were you having a bit of a tough time trying to get it to lift?
Let’s not forget the actual cushioning of the seat either. Does it feel like you’ve got plenty of back support to keep you upright? If you’re someone who has to drive long hours, do you think you’d be able to sit there without getting an ache?
There’s also another thing to check for when you get into the cockpit:
Is there enough space for the driver?
For anyone with long legs and a long back, trying to fit into a small driver’s seat with little knee room between the seat and the wheel just simply isn’t going to do.
There’s no space to actually use the wheel, the pedals, or to sit in a way that makes you feel comfortable.
An Intuitive Media Center
The best car media centers have buttons – something tangible to press or turn that doesn’t require the use of your eyes!
But many modern cars use touchscreens and panels instead, so you’ll need to test the radio and any carplay system to see if it’s easy to use, and isn’t a risk to your driving safety.
Check for elements like savable favorites you can turn on with a tap, and how many screens you may have to go through just to switch the channel or turn the volume up or down.
Plenty of Storage
A lack of storage can end up driving you mad! And not just in the trunk, but in the rest of the car too.
Namely, are there any cupholders? Is the glovebox big enough? And are there any clips or hooks?
Lighting!
Most cars come with a light fitted up front in the driver and passenger seat area. Usually this is either just the one light that can be flicked on and off as you need, but sometimes you get two separate ones that let either side light up when they need to.
However, backseat lighting isn’t standard these days. It’s often something you have to pay extra for – which ironically, turns a lot of people off. However, if you want car rides to be comfortable, you might need this extra lighting.
If you’ve got kids, for example, you’re probably going to need more illumination in the backseat.
If you’re on an evening drive home, and need to clean up sick, a spilled drink, or you’re unbuckling a baby seat and can’t quite manage it in the dark, backseat lighting will be crucial!
Always Take a Car for a Test Drive
It’s the best way to check for the features above, and ultimately, find out whether or not a car is comfortable enough for you!
Get the Comfortable Car You’re Really After
It’s out there! All you need to do is go and find it!
And when you’re aware of the features you might want, as well as willing to test drive as many potential models as possible, you’re so much more likely to find it!
Comfortable cars have the right amount of space, storage, lighting, and an easy to use media center that doesn’t require you to take your eyes off of the road.
And while some cars may need you to upgrade to get features like these, a lot of them have them fitted as standard. Shop around to find the right vehicle for your budget, and don’t be afraid to take your time here!
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