Choosing Your Car

What types of journeys will you make? For example, will you:

• Visit local friends or family?
• Do your weekly grocery shop?
• Travel to hospital appointments?
• Take children to school?
• Drive in slow traffic to work?
• Drive long distances on holiday?

To give a few examples, if you live in a big city and the car is used mainly for short journeys then a small city car may suit you. If you have a big family, on the other hand, you may want to consider a large family car or MPV.

Other things that you may need to take into account include:

• How many people are going to travel in it regularly?
• Do you live in a busy town or city?
• Is parking a problem?
• Are you able to change gear easily?
• If you have a mobility aid, will it easily fit in the car?
• Do you need to take your scooter or wheelchair with you?

Small changes in specification can have a big impact on your comfort or the car’s suitability. Seat height, door opening angle and positioning of the seat belts, for example, can all make a big difference.

There is a lot to consider when choosing a car. Taking time to work out how you will use your car, the types of journeys you will regularly make plus considering the things that are important to you in a car can help you choose a vehicle which will best meet your needs.