Just what size of car is right for you? Should your next car be something big like an SUV or pickup? Or are you better off going for something small and compact? This post explores some of the factors to explore when deciding whether to buy a bigger or smaller car.

Cost

Larger cars are better suited to those with larger budgets. The cheapest new small car on the market is currently the Citroen Ami (only £7,695). Meanwhile, the cheapest brand new SUV is a Dacia Duster (costing £17,295). There are many sites like Edmunds where you can find cheaper deals on used SUVs. But used smaller cars will almost always be more affordable. For those looking to buy a used car without having to pay any finance, a small car is generally likely to be the most feasible option, as used good quality SUVs rarely sell below £5k. 

Space

If you want roomier passenger space and a larger boot, you’re best off buying a big car. Larger cars are ideal for families because of how spacious they are. Of course, a larger car may also benefit you if you have lots of work equipment to lug around or are planning a big road trip where you want to pack lots of stuff. This guide at Cinch lists some of the cars with the biggest boots. 

Comfort

You’ll generally have a more comfortable ride in a larger car, and not just because there’s more room. Larger cars glide over bumps and potholes more easily, and also have more space for accessories like cup holders. Some smaller cars can be cosy, but bigger cars are generally more luxurious. 

Parking

One of the biggest benefits of a smaller car is that they’re much easier to park. If you live in a city, having a small car could help you to get into smaller parking spaces. And being lower allows you to see directly behind you more easily (although many modern cars have parking sensors or reverse cameras). Newer drivers should definitely consider a smaller car due to their ease of parking. 

Fuel Economy

Smaller cars generally consume a lot less fuel than bigger cars. Their fuel economy also means they come under a lower tax bracket. This makes them generally cheaper to run. If you want to reduce day-to-day driving costs, this could be something to consider. Of course, if you decide to buy a hybrid, this could further improve your fuel economy. 

Safety

In a head-on collision between a smaller car and a larger car, the smaller car will almost always come off worse. Even though modern cars of all sizes have good safety features, small cars do not have the weight to compete with larger cars. Larger cars also have the benefit of an increased ride height – making it easier to see further ahead in traffic than a small car, and plan for eventualities. That said, when it comes to crash tests, What Car suggests that actually some of the safest cars are mid-sized.