There is no such thing as an ideal car
'Due to my line of work, I'm often asked which car to purchase.'
There’s no such thing as the ideal car.
Due to my line of work, I’m often asked which car to purchase.
The question usually follows with an abundance of figures and specifications from different models. If it’s a 4×4 vehicle the figures include approach and departure angles; if it’s a performance car the conversation sways to acceleration times and max G-forces obtained on cornering, all which is totally meaningless to 99 percent of consumers.
Car manufacturers resort to selling a lifestyle, with the vehicle being the gateway to that lifestyle. If you are in the market for a 4×4 then the sales process involves convincing you that you can always transverse the Sahara desert with your chosen model, and a lifestyle based on Indiana Jones is used to sway any doubts you may have about your chosen purchase. Performance models focus on meaningless acceleration times and vehicle dynamics measured in milliseconds and G-forces, both of no real value in a country with speed limits and roads full of potholes. Destroy an expensive rim and tyre that is designed to perform at 250kmh on a pothole and you will definitely feel the regret and financial pain.
For most of our needs there is no ideal purchase. Modern vehicles do nothing exceptional but everything well, a balance to cater for the needs of a broad market. Most will sail through the first 100 000km with little more than basic maintenance. Possibly the only thing to concern the prospective buyer is to investigate the security of the brand regarding physical footprint, and after-sales ability/ availability.
The final choice comes down to what fits your needs and budget. Don’t be fooled by marketing hype.
— Matthew Ellis
