Tips from Used Car Advisor

Car Advisor Tamotsu Todoroki

Hi, this is Tamotsu Todoroki. I am a car advisor of PicknBuy24.com.
I write an online column every week to take care of your vehicle. My column is all about something useful and practical for your vehicle. Please have a look once to keep your car in good condition.

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Hatchback Comparison: Which One Is Right For Me? - Vol.273

Gone are the days when the only hatchback choices involved a station wagon or the dreaded Ford Pinto. In the last four decades, the hatchback body style has blossomed, truly coming into its own. Now, buyers will find a number of hatchback choices, each offering similar cargo characteristics with their own individual flair and panache. Hatchbacks have become increasingly popular because they are so completely versatile. Smaller in size than a standard sport utility vehicle, hatchbacks still provide a rear cargo area, as well as seating for various numbers of passengers.

When buyers decide that a hatchback is the right choice for their household or family, it can be difficult to determine exactly which hatchback to purchase. Unfortunately, just like with any other vehicle purchase, there is no perfect answer. Determining which hatchback is ideal for which person is completely subjective. It is because of this that most buyers find themselves delving into the various hatchback options, as a means of narrowing down their choices.

Hatchback Style Options
These versatile and varied small size cars are sold in an alarming number of styles. Buyers will find that every major car maker sells at least one hatchback option, some offer a couple. Those who are looking for the most economical hatchback option will find Ford and Hyundai offering the best deals, while buyers interested in extreme luxury should look into Audi and BMW. The automakers Volkswagen, MINI, Scion, and Honda each offer one or more hatchback body styles that are the most versatile in regards to cargo space. As the ability to haul a significant amount of cargo while still driving a small vehicle is the primary draw of a hatchback, those four automakers tend to lead the pack in popularity.

Hatchback Power Options
When considering various hatchbacks, it is also important to think about what is under the hood. Hatchbacks can have everything from small four cylinder engines to super powerful V-8 turbo charged engines. Again, this will be a matter of preference for the buyer. If you are purchasing a smaller hatchback, and will not be driving it in strenuous conditions, then a four cylinder will be ideal for your purchase. Yet, if you will need to drive over rough terrain, in inclement weather, or are looking into a larger/heavier hatchback, then a V-8 would be a better choice.

Hatchback Safety Features
Hatchbacks are subjected to the same safety features as every other vehicle model and style today. However, buyers should remember that hatchbacks are generally smaller than a vast majority of the vehicles currently on the road. No one wants to see the result of a small hatchback and a huge SUV colliding, simply because the hatchback would not win the fight. Therefore, buyers should compare the added security features of the hatchbacks they are considering. Side curtain airbags, excellent traction control, and head restraints are always smart choices for a safe hatchback.

Hatchback Prices
Hatchback prices are all over the place. Buyers can find very frugal deals for less than ten thousand to models that cost an obscene sixty thousand dollars or more. While price points are going to play a part of the decision making process, cost alone should not be your only deciding factor. It is recommended that you decide on a price range first, something that you can afford and are comfortable with. Once you narrow down a price, then compare the many different makes and models within that price range based on style, power, and safety.

Hatchbacks are not only fun to drive, they are a great way to haul your items without hogging the road. Take the time to research the various styles and characteristics of this versatile car so you can feel secure in your purchase.