Not everyone relies on their car on a daily basis. Maybe you aren’t the type that deals with a daily commute, and running from here to there constantly. If that’s the case, you may be looking for a car meant for occasional drivers. Here’s a list of things to consider when shopping, and some cars that might fit the bill.
Must-haves
- The car must be reliable when it comes to starting, even if it has sat for a few days
- The car must hold up well over time since you won’t be putting much mileage on it
- The car should be “user-friendly” so you don’t need to refer to the user’s manual just to work the bells and whistles
- It should be budget-friendly
- Affordable when it comes to car insurance
- Excellent fuel economy
Top five list
Here’s a list of cars that either meets some or all of the above mentioned criteria:
Mazda3: The Mazda3 has gotten attention over the years due to its sports like look, superior handling and performance, and its compact design. This particular model is Mazda's best-selling model in their entire lineup, according to Kelley Blue Book. Expect fuel economy that is above average, and enough cargo space for all your shopping.
Pontiac Vibe: This one was only available until 2010 in a four and five door hatchback. When it was first released it was heralded for its fuel economy, although you can find better nowadays. During its time, it sold well and created quite the buzz. It should be noted there have been recalls on this model over the years.
Subaru Forester: The Forester rates high in a number of areas including exterior design, comfort, reliability, performance, and interior design. These are all factors worth considering if you’re an occasional driver. There is the option of manual or automatic, it comes with standard AWD, and offers the four-cylinder turbocharged or regular engine.
Acura MDX: Kelley Blue Book has plenty of positives to point out with this model, such as its good use of space, smooth handling, and the fact it's highly responsive on the road. This midsize SUV is ideal for anyone that is looking for a vehicle that is reliable and consistent.
Hyundai Sonata: Since you are an occasional driver you likely don't want to replace your vehicle every couple of years. The Hyundai Sonata is in it for the long haul, and depending on the year you look at, you may still have warranty left on it. This one is comparable to the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in quality, yet it is a more affordable option.
Final thoughts
Being an occasional driver doesn’t mean you should sacrifice quality, looks, or performance as the cars on this list have proven.