Need a New Work Car? Here’s How To Choose | Buying a new car can be stressful, especially if you need a new car for work. Your new vehicle suddenly becomes a tool for your financial success, and that can be pretty intimidating. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your car if you travel for work, so it’s important to choose the right one. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your choices.
Budget
Deciding on a budget may be tricky if you’re going to be using the vehicle during work hours. Some companies may buy or lease cars for their employees, or will reimburse employees for costs related to using their personal cars at work. If your employer is willing to help, you can factor that money into your monthly costs. You should also decide whether you want to buy or lease your car. There are pros and cons to each option, so make sure you do your research. You should also research auto loan rates before you go shopping.
Gas Mileage
If you need a car to travel for work, chances are you’re going to be putting a lot of miles on your new vehicle in a short amount of time. Even if your place of work is willing to pay for gas, it’s still important to pick a car with decent gas mileage. Your boss probably won’t be excited to foot the gas bill for a big truck, for example. Plus, going through gas faster means more stops to fill up, and less time actually doing your job!
Cargo Space
Some people who drive a lot for work don’t need to worry about cargo space, but if your job requires you to transport products or displays, a smaller car may feel a bit cramped. It’s also important to consider whether any of your coworkers will need to ride with you. Plus, if you spend months on the road at a time, you’re more likely to bring more luggage than if you were going on a quick weekend trip.
Sound System
Spending hours at a time alone on the road can get pretty boring, so an innovative sound system may be high on your list of priorities. Most new cars can easily connect to your phone, and some cars may even come with free memberships to streaming services.
Safety
More time spent on the road means more opportunities for accidents. Some makes and models of cars get better safety scores than others, so it’s important to see how any cars on your list score before you take it on the road.
Comfort
Many people working in an office sit for far too long in front of screens, but chances are you have a slightly different problem. In an office, you can stand up and stretch, or walk, or even switch out your chair if it isn’t comfortable. This is much harder to do when you sit in a car for long periods of time. Before you make a final decision, check out reviews of the seats, or even ask friends and family who have the car you’re looking at. There are things you can do to make the seats more comfortable, but it’s better if you have a comfortable seat to begin with.
Hotspot Capabilities
Working from the road can be a hassle if you struggle to find a decent internet connection. Restaurants and cafes with free internet won’t always be conveniently located, and sometimes your boss needs a report sooner than you can realistically complete it. With a car hotspot, you can simply pull over to a safe location and work whenever you need to.
Buying a new car can be exciting, but finding the perfect car to also use at your job can add a whole new level of stress. By communicating with your employer, listing your priorities, and doing your research, you can buy a car that perfectly suits your traveling needs.
