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Finances & Money

5 Things You Should Look for in a Commuter Car

December 14, 2021
By Susan Paige
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Landing that exciting job is one thing. Getting to the office each day on time can be something else entirely.

If you’re a professional with a commute, it’s no secret that the car you drive matters. Having a vehicle that can get you from point A to point B successfully is a necessity.

When you’re on the hunt for a commuter-friendly vehicle, here are five points to keep in mind while navigating the marketplace. 

1. Affordability

While you want your commuter car to be dependable, its price point should most definitely be average. There’s no reason to overspend on a vehicle designed for long hauls each day.

Sticking to a car that’s $30,000 or under should suffice. You’ll be putting a lot of wear and tear on this vehicle, so don’t break the bank buying it. 

2. Reliability

Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you’ve done Consumer Reports research on the car you’re considering. Peace of mind is priceless! And if you have to commute each day, you deserve to know that your vehicle is up to the job. 

When you’re considering the longevity of your car, you can also find reliability ratings in the J.D. Power’s dependability study, which goes out annually. In any case, the more research, the better!

3. Enhanced Safety Features

Every time you get behind the wheel, there’s a safety risk involved. Those who commute are automatically at an increased risk for accidents.

That’s why it’s vital to look for a commuter car with enhanced safety features in place. Safety features can be lifesavers if another driver doesn’t heed those Jersey barricades or an unexpected stop catches you by surprise.

Look for a vehicle that includes options like lane departure warnings, rearview cameras, forward collision warnings, and even blind-spot detection.

4. Fuel Efficiency

With gas prices on the rise, it is no surprise that fuel efficiency is a top feature to look for in a commuter car. Whether it takes you 20 minutes to get to the office or an hour each way, you want a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Make sure to take your route to work into consideration, as well. The more roundabout your drive is (or the more traffic you sit in), the more fuel efficiency matters to your monthly gas budget.

5. Interior Comfort

When you commute, your car can become your home away from home. Spending potentially hours at a time behind the wheel makes interior comfort that much more critical.

Think about interior features when searching for a commuter car that you can be happy in during transit. It may be worth your time to look for a vehicle that includes features like automatic climate control, heated seats, a premium sound system, and beyond.

 

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