When shopping for a used car, a good starting point is to figure out what vehicle type you are looking for; sports car, minivan, SUV, truck, economy car, etc. To determine this, here are some factors to think about:

Drivability and Comfort

For some people looking for a used car, they want something that accelerates and drives in crisp motions. Most sports cars and many coupes fit the bill, but some make you sacrifice space. Many buyers want something that is both sporty and suitable for a family car. There are a number of sedans and wagons that provide a good balance between the two. Some drivers, on the other hand, place importance on comfort. They like luxurious seats, plenty of convenience features, and isolation from the outside. You can find many used cars that fit these criteria, including family vehicles. Within a given price range there are big differences in reliability, fuel economy, comfort, and overall value. The best way to get a true feel of a used car’s driving experience is to read the reviews and experiences online, and then do a test drive yourself

Passenger Space

Most vehicles will accommodate five people, although the center-rear position uncomfortable in some small sedans. Then there are some sports cars and convertibles that are only two-seaters. If you are in need of seven seats (or more), you need a vehicle with a third-row seat. This includes all minivans, a few wagons, and many SUVs.

Cargo

It is important to recognize how much cargo space you will need in a used car. A truck obviously offers the most room, it is able to carry large loads, and will not dirty the interior. If you carry large items regularly, such as building or nursery supplies, or camping or sports equipment, you may find that a minivan, SUV, or wagon is better suited to your needs, than a sedan with a trunk. If you prefer a smaller car but with maximized cargo-carrying ability, a hatchback is a good option for a used car. They often have more interior space than a similar-sized car with a trunk, and the rear hatch makes it easier to get large items in and out.

Automatic or Manual

Most used car models are available with only an automatic transmission. Yet manual-shift used vehicles can certainly be found. Manuals are more interesting to drive, and offer more control. But working the clutch in stop-and-go traffic can become a chore. Also, if you do not know how to drive a manual, it does take some learning.

Fuel Economy

In this time of high fuel prices, there are not many that would say fuel economy is not a priority. Smaller vehicles and many midsized models provide four-cylinder engines, which typically provide the best fuel economy. Turbocharging allows an engine to produce extra power with only a modest drop in fuel economy. Six-cylinder engines usually provide the best balance between performance and fuel economy, and they are usually quieter and smoother than four-cylinders. V8 engines deliver the most power but the lowest gas mileage. A V8 engine is a good choice if you tow heavier loads. The best used cars for fuel economy are hybrids and diesels. Still, hybrids can cost thousands of dollars more to buy than similar conventional used vehicles.

Two of Four Wheel Drive

How much traction is needed in your used car? Many vehicles use two-wheel drive, where engine power is sent to the front or rear wheels. Front-wheel drive is used in most cars, wagons, minivans, and is better than rear-wheel drive in slippery conditions. Rear-wheel drive places less demand on the front wheels, allowing them to be used primarily for steering. Rear-wheel drive is popular on sports cars and high-performance sedans. All-wheel drive (AWD) feeds power to all four wheels. It provides maximum forward traction and is especially helpful in slippery conditions and when driving over moderate off-road terrain. Modern 4WD systems are either full-time, which means they can stay engaged all the time, or automatic, where the vehicle switches between two- and four-wheel drive depending on the driving conditions. Something to consider is that AWD and 4WD used cars consistently get worse mileage than 2WD used cars.

Quick guide to used car types

Sedans

These are good options for a used family car. They are more roomy and powerful compared with small cars. Large sedans are long and wide, powerful, and equipped. They have plenty of room for five, sometimes six. Their handling is not the best, and parking is more difficult then with smaller used cars. There is also a type of used cars in this category called luxury sedans. The are high priced, have exceptional power, ride, and equipment.

Coupes

These used cars have two doors, a sporty appearance, and usually a good suspension. The downside is that the rear seats are cramped and hard to get into.

Minivans

These are the best choice of used car for family, or big cargo. They are easy to drive ride and fuel economy is generally good, some offer all-wheel drive. Minivans do lack the sporty feel and style, though, that some want in a used car.

Trucks

These are able to carry huge loads, and are good for towing. Four-wheel drive is common for this used vehicle, and an extended cab is available to fit more people. Fuel economy is often poor though, particularly with larger trucks.

Sports cars

These used cars are built for performance, braking, and acceleration. Fuel economy depends on the make, these can be expensive to buy, and their practicality is replaced with the thrill.

SUVs

These are one of the most popular body types of used vehicles, and are easy to find. They are known for their command of the road, their power, rugged qualities, and their ability to still sit five, sometimes seven. They work as family used cars, but also as a work vehicle. They are sometimes costly to buy and maintain, though, and often get poor mileage.

Wagons

A great alternative to other family vehicle types, the wagon offers both cargo and passenger space. It usually handles well, and is in the middle range of fuel economy.

Hatchbacks

These small or medium-sized used cars have a trunk lid that's all one piece with the back window. This vehicle maximizes cargo space and provides a large loading door through the rear. The sloping roofline of some designs can limit head room in the rear. the rear cargo area is not as secure as an enclosed, lockable trunk.

Convertibles

These have a sporty appearance, usually good resale value, and open-air driving in warm, dry weather. There Interior noise is often high even with the top up. Trunk room is often more cramped than in an equivalent sedan. Convertibles are more expensive, more vulnerable to robbery, and costlier to insure.