Best Cars for City Driving

While some city dwellers may opt for public transportation to get around, others need their own car to get from point A to point B. City driving is a different experience from others, and the key to mastering that experience is having the right car. 

Here’s what to consider when buying a car for city driving, the best car options for city driving, and how to shop for the car you choose. 

7 things to consider when choosing a city car 

City driving requires different considerations from suburban and country driving. Below are the top considerations to make when choosing a car for city life.  

1. Size and agility

City life is all about being as efficient with space as possible. Whether it’s high rise buildings or rooftop gardens, city dwellers understand the importance of maximizing space. The style of driving is also quite tight. The rule of leaving a car length between you and the next car goes out the window. That’s why the smaller and more agile your car, the easier it is to navigate the city streets. You will feel awkward and bulky driving something like a Chevrolet Tahoe in the city. 

2. Safety features 

Because cars tend to be right next to each other in tight spaces when driving and parking, it is best to invest in a car that has safety features like blind spot warnings, surround view camera, and forward collision warnings. These safety features can be a life saver. 

3. Fuel Efficiency

In order to be both eco conscious and economical, zero in on a car that has good fuel efficiency. The miles per gallon you get on a car differs from city driving versus highway driving. Make sure you are aware of what the city miles per gallon are on a car. 25 city mpg is considered good fuel economy. Of course, you can also consider getting a hybrid or electric car to really make an impact. 

4. Ease of Parking

Parallel parking is usually king in cities, and often the spots aren’t delineated. So if you see a spot that’s tiny, it’s up to the driver to evaluate if it’s even worth an attempt. The smaller your car is, the easier this feat is going to be. If parking is intimidating to you, you’ll be happy to learn that technologies have come to include park assist and all you have to do is sit back and relax as the car steers, breaks, and shifts gears into a parking spot. 

5. Weather

If you live in a warmer climate that does not experience all four seasons, a smaller car is going to be especially easy to choose. However, if you live in a climate that experiences harsh winters, you may also want to consider cars that have four-wheel-drive with better traction and are a little higher up off the ground like an SUV. 

6. Visibility 

In cities there is a higher population density which means more people in small spaces. These people may also be driving, but they are also bicycling, roller blading, running and more. Because of all these extra pedestrians, it’s important to get a car that has high visibility. This includes the front, back and blind areas. 

7. Strong GPS signal

There’s nothing worse than driving in the thick of rush hour in an area you are not as familiar with, and then your GPS connection disconnects. Make sure your car has a strong GPS signal so you are not stuck panicking and no longer driving with conviction because you are waiting for your signal to reconnect. 

5 best cars for city driving

Below are some great options for city driving that incorporate the previous considerations. 

How to shop for your first city car 

When shopping for your car in the city, include the following in your process:

• Create a budget - Decide what you can feasibly pay each month and create a range. What is realistic? What is a dealbreaker and too much? Make sure you stick to that range. 
• Determine and save money for a down payment - If you already own a car, will you use it as a trade in? Will you sell it yourself, trade it with a dealer, or a third party? What additional money will you use to go towards your down payment? Remember that in order to bring your monthly payments down, the more you need to put down up front.
• Comparison shop - Start shopping based on your priorities: the type of car you want, what features you need, safety, etc. Compare similar cars with different manufacturers. Once you decide which car you want to go with, compare with various dealers or online dealers. 
• Decide how you will finance the car and what loan you will get - Determine if you will utilize the dealer financing or get a loan through a bank. Also look into special programs such as those for veterans to get special financing.
• Determine the cost of insurance and when it goes into effect - Depending on what car you get, your insurance may go up or down. Be sure to contact your insurance agent and get a quote and also let them know when the new insurance should go into effect.

Also, consider alternatives to purchasing a new car such as buying a used car or opting for a car subscription with FINN.

Final thoughts

A car subscription from FINN is a great alternative to purchasing a new car. Subscribe to a car on 6-12 month terms with insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance included. 

If you plan on living in the city for only a period of time, a car subscription will allow you flexibility and ease to change cars based on your location at the time. Additionally, city driving requires specific considerations, and FINN provides options to fit those needs.