41% of car buyers in Canada are female, according to The Globe & Mail. Even when they’re not buying a car for themselves, research shows that women influence 80% of car purchases. But when it comes to finding the perfect set of new wheels, what should you consider?
Practicality & reliability
Two key factors to think about when buying a new car is practicality and reliability. For these reasons, women drivers tend to favour Asian brands such as Toyota and Hyundai. But it’s also important that you carefully think about the size of the vehicle you require. If you have a large family to ferry around or regularly travel off-road, you may be better off with a larger and more spacious vehicle, such as an SUV. While females typically opt for compact SUVs, mid-size and full-size SUVs are available, too. SUVs also handle well and are known for their dependability, so they’ll never let you down.
You’ll also want to consider the fact that the cost of insurance, ongoing for the lifetime of your vehicle, will vary depending on your choices. Understandably, a fast sportscar with a statistically greater risk of accident will cost you noticeably more than a less flashy vehicle. Reach out to your trusted insurance provider for costs for the various vehicle categories.
Dealership experience
74% of women say that they feel misunderstood when shopping for a car at a dealership. Many report being shown non-essential items such as the stereo system rather than crucial safety components, while others will be steered towards ‘female-friendly’ cars despite said vehicle not being suitable for their needs. Dealership experience is an essential part of car shopping and you should feel comfortable enough to ask suitable questions and be reassured that the information you’re getting back is reliable. If the dealer doesn’t give you this impression, walk away and find one that does.
Fuel type
Canada is behind other countries when it comes to green modes of transport. But as British Columbia has pledged that by 2025, 10% of cars and trucks sold will have zero emissions. By 2040, all gas-powered car sales will be banned, and it won’t be long before the rest of the country follows suit. With this in mind, it’s worth going green now and purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle before they become overly popular and you have to sit on a waiting list for one. By owning such a vehicle, you’ll also benefit from lower maintenance and running costs, so your bank balance will also benefit.
There are lots of things to think about when shopping for a new car. But so long as you do your homework, carefully consider your requirements, and find a reputable dealer that appreciates what you want, you won’t go wrong.
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