Driving in a Big City: How to Choose a Car

A big USA city with its narrow streets and constant lack of parking places forces drivers to change their habits. It’s hard to stay loyal to manual transmission in endless traffic jams or keep driving a pickup truck when the city center sometimes doesn’t have enough space for two large cars on the road. So what are the main criteria for the best city car?

Dimensions

A small car is more convenient to maneuver in a limited space. The flip side of the coin is roominess: the more compact the car, the less space it has for passengers and cargo. Therefore, the choice is always based on the balance of the ability to take more luggage and the real need for it. If there is a necessity in transporting cargo, it is better to consider a sedan with a spacious trunk.

For those who do not see themselves driving a small car, a compact SUV will be an excellent option. Such vehicles are ideal for the city – they can expand the internal cargo space due to folding seats. Compact SUVs are best sellers distinguished by fuel economy while maintaining high cross-country ability. With small sizes, they develop good speed, demonstrating fast acceleration. In addition, they have maneuverability, which ensures ease of control.

Maneuverability

Contrary to the opinion of many motorists, the maneuverability of a vehicle is ensured not only by its size – the limiting angles of rotation of the front wheels are no less important. Maneuverability, the main characteristic of which is the turning radius, depends mainly on the combination of these parameters. To guarantee the vehicle’s sufficient resourcefulness for urban driving, this radius should be in the range of 177 – 220 inches.

Engine Capacity

When choosing a city car, the main thing is the engine. The best options for big cities like Indianapolis are small cars with an engine capacity of up to 1.6 liters. This determines their efficiency: the smaller the volume, the more modest fuel consumption. Although, the final fuel economy depends on the driving style and on the conditions in which the car has to drive. Turbocharged engines with a large margin of power can have a good appetite.

Motors up to 150 hp are quite enough to keep up with the traffic and go for a safe overtaking. Acceleration dynamics is in second place here. 

Fuel Type

Electric or hybrid? Diesel or gasoline? There is no correct answer. The common opinion that diesel engines are more fuel-efficient than gasoline ones is increasingly not true. Modern gasoline engines set records for efficiency, while diesel cars are known for vibrations, a specific smell, and problems with frozen fuel in winter. However, the absence of a specific type of power unit should not become an obstacle to buying a car. 

Transmission

In a big city with traffic jams, an automatic transmission is preferable. Slow lines of cars during rush hour and start-stop driving are extremely uncomfortable. Such journeys are exhausting, the hand gets tired of sorting through the gears, and the leg becomes numb. Of course, the choice of transmission is mostly a matter of habit. 

Every day, people wind tens of miles around Indianapolis, striving to always be on time everywhere. The main goal of a car is to help carry out the busy schedule of the city dweller who bought it. Therefore, when choosing a vehicle, whether it be a city hatchback or even a charged coupe, it is crucial to find the best used car dealer, like Indy Auto Man, Indianapolis. At their car lot, customers will find a wide range of reliable used cars for any purpose that will not let their owners down.