Things to consider before buying a micro car

Micro cars are econoboxes on wheels. But some are priced premiumly, it might be better to get a small size sedan.  Here are a few things to keep in mind before Maine Mendoza sways you into buying a Mitsubishi Mirage.

Is the size enough for your lifestyle? There are lots of reasons why people buy big vehicles.  One being that they have lots to fit into them — family, kids, colleagues, sporting equipment, work materials and household supplies.  Are you somewhat using the car like a schoolbus?  Have you given up biking for yoga?  If your lifestyle can handle a smaller vehicle, that’s a first step.

Where do you need to drive it? How much driving are you doing?  Small cars are ideal around the Metro but will show an enclosing feeling if you’re in the road for long periods.  Yes it does have all around better mileage but regular sedans and SUVs are more comfortable and safer during long trips.

Do you have enough parking space where you live and work? People start their motoring lives with small cars while others buy these as extra units for that specialized something. The size and nimbleness are the selling point of these micro cars. You’ll be pleasantly surprised on how much easier it is to park a smaller vehicle as compared to a full-sized SUV.

But if you’re buying  it for a family of four, the school bags will probably be a headache to fit together with the groceries.  I’d say get a small sedan.

Are you budget minded — or comfort minded?  Micro cars now are available with many of the same features as bigger ones, like navigation systems, fully adjustable seats, funky-stylish interiors and top-notch sound systems.  Cars like the Kia Picanto, Honda Brio and the popular Toyota  and Mitsubishi lineup, the  Wigo and the Mirage, can stand up well against their bigger siblings.

But unless you buy entry level models, small cars are not turning out to be bargains. Majority of these cars are priced above half a million and are just less than a 100 thousand pesos from the price of a small sized sedan. With a car loan, with the amount divided into monthly segments, the difference of a small sized sedan will not be felt. So going for that bigger car might be a better choice.

So, keep all these in mind when you buy that first small car. If you’ve made that switch from bigger to smaller,  how did it go? I’d be interested to know.