In North America today, so many of us drive an SUV. There must be something about being so high off the ground that appeals to people buying cars, but is it really safer? Is driving a big vehicle worth the money? I’d like to remind you why buying a bigger car isn’t necessarily better when compact cars have so much going for them.
Gas Prices
How much does it cost you to fill your SUV? Probably close to $100 and gas prices are continuing to rise. In Toronto, at the time of this writing, gas prices have been $1.25/litre and that means a big price tag at the tanks for people who drive gas-guzzlers.
Compact cars are cheaper on gas because they’re smaller and lighter. Although their tanks will not be as big as an SUV, you’ll fill your car up either as often as your big beast (for less,) or you’ll fill up less often. So that’s around $30/week vs. $80 plus; now that’s math I can get around.
Think of all the things you can do with your weekly gas savings. Vacation anyone?
Environmental Impact
We all know that driving our cars around town causes damage to the environment and everyone is becoming more and more aware of their own personal carbon footprint. Compact cars can help reduce our impact in several ways.
First off, you’re burning less gasoline, which in turn releases less carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals into the air. You’re reducing your carbon footprint and saving money. That’s a bonus. If you can drive a compact car and drive less, that’s even better.
Smaller cars leave less room for junk, which means you won’t be paying to drag around all your hockey gear, three different tool boxes, your kid’s bikes, etc. While there is room for groceries, your compact car will help you cut down on junk and save money on gas!
Parking And Overall Convenience
Ever tried to park your beast on a busy downtown street? It’s a hassle for sure. With a compact car, spots that were formerly too narrow or too small fit like a dream.
Parking is easier in a smaller vehicle since you can better see the boundaries of your car. Compact cars also hug closer to the curb, so if you have to park on the street, there’s less of a chance of your car getting scratched as someone in a big SUV drives by!
In the long run, your compact will cost you less. The initial price tag will be lower, your monthly payments and possibly your insurance rates will drop. You’ll save money at the pump and your car has enough space for you and your friends, but not too much, so that you’re not dragging around extra weight.
You can fit all your gear into a compact car just as easily (albeit, sometimes more creatively) as into your SUV. I always manage to get four snowboards into my tiny Toyota and there’s still room for snacks, winter gear and all of us for the long drive to the hill.
Safety
Are SUVs really safer? People think, because they sit higher up than regular traffic, they are, in fact, safer.
Because of their added weight, stopping on icy roads or in snowy conditions can be much harder in an SUV. Smaller cars tend to stop quicker and with more ease because they don’t weight as much. Of course, this also depends on the skill of the driver, but what kind of car you drive is factored into your driving abilities.
One study finds that children in SUVs are less safe than children restrained properly in a regular or compact car because in accidents SUVs have a higher chance of rolling over than regular or compact cars.
Rollovers can be extremely dangerous to all occupants of the vehicle. SUVs have a higher chance of being involved in a rollover because of their height and weight, which creates a higher centre of gravity. Compact cars have a lower centre of gravity and are therefore much harder to rollover. This is just one example of how driving a compact car is better for you and your family.
Style
Compact cars have it going on with style, as well as safety. I know that, for some, looking good in your car is as important as how it drives. Look for a compact car on the market today that satisfies your style factor and will be the right car for you. If you don’t routinely drive yourself and seven other adults around, you don’t need a Cadillac Escalade, no matter how much you like the rims.
Consider, instead, styling your compact. Just because it’s smaller, doesn’t mean that it can’t look good with accessories.
Smaller Is Better
Save money and the environment by trading in your SUV for a compact car. With increased interest in the market, more and more compact cars are joining the line-up at every major car company. Get out there and explore the world of compact cars!
