Finding the right car for you

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A car is an extension of you. In one way or another, your preferences when it comes to your vehicle’s cost, type, aesthetics or features can speak volumes about your personality. It comes as no surprise, then, that you would want the best you can have. But as exciting as it can be, a big-ticket purchase like a car is done best when level-headed and well-informed. Here are some points to consider as you go looking for the car that best suits you.

Purpose driven ride
As tempting as it is to get the flashiest, most powerful and advanced piece of machinery your money can buy, take it slow first. Ask yourself: Will this car serve my needs and its intended purpose?

Will it be a daily driver? Must the car be able to accommodate the whole family? Will you be driving on rough roads? Must it be able to carry or haul heavy cargo? Cars are essentially tools; you match the right equipment to the right job. You would not want to use a sedan to pull a trailer, and neither would you drive a low-riding sports car off-road, would you?

Choosing the right form factor
The one thing that immediately defines one car from the other is its shape or body style. There’s a wide variety of choices in the market nowadays, but once you figure out what you need it for, narrowing your options should be easier.

When people talk about cars, it’s the sedan they’re probably thinking about. Available in a range of sizes, it typically has four doors and a traditional trunk at the rear. The hatchback also looks like a sedan; except that it has a flip-up hatch door in the rear that provides access to the car’s cargo area instead of a trunk. Hatchback cars are typically smaller, but the design has also made its way to larger car models. Pricing of sedans and hatchbacks are similar, ranging from P500,000 to around P2-million.

If cabin space is your priority, a van is a no-brainer. Its sliding doors and hatch in the rear allow easy access to the inside. Its spacious cabin not only makes it a good pick for a family car, but also as a service vehicle for carrying passengers and some cargo. These are easily in the ballpark of around P1.2-million to P3-million for entry-level vans.

The Sport-utility Vehicle or SUV is the taller and boxier sibling of the sedan. It offers an elevated seating position and has a higher ground clearance, making it a versatile option especially for drivers who traverse rough terrain. SUVs also usually have a sizable cargo area that’s accessible via a hatch door. Sticker prices are typically between P1.5-million to P2.7-million.

Sharing the same versatility of the SUV is the pickup truck. But unlike the former, it has an open cargo bed that’s separate from the passenger cab. This allows the vehicle to haul cargo of varied shapes and sizes. These can be had between P900,000 to P2.3-million.

If the rigidity and comfort of the sedan mixed with the design elements of a SUV is what you seek, look no further than crossovers. Crossovers come in various sizes, ranging from subcompacts all the way to midsize offerings, so it can get as spacious as it can be. Those who want a reasonably practical car with a bit more refinement and ground clearance will find crossovers a good choice. Prices commonly range between P750,000 to P2.6-million.

If it isn’t already apparent, there are a lot of vehicle types available in the market today, with each category having more than one configuration up for sale, further compounding the base prices. That’s why it’s best to do as much research as possible before you make the purchase.

Turn your vision into reality
So you’ve finally decided which one to buy. Well and good if you can pay in straight cash. But should you wish, an auto loan is always a welcome option. With that, BDO has you covered.

BDO Auto Loan finds ways to make the process as seamless as possible. Right on the BDO website, loan applicants have quick access to relevant documents and guides, as well as intuitive tools. BDO’s calculator tool helps applicants keep their budget in check by showing loan packages that best fit their finances. The Auto Finder, on the other hand, comes handy in finding and comparing options available in the market. All these are readily accessible within just a few clicks.

Applicants can start the application process through any BDO branches nationwide or via the website. Should you need to park your application, just make sure to keep the reference number so you can pick up right where you left off.

BDO Auto Loan’s affordable cash out options, low interest rates and fast processing will help you get that brand new car in no time!

Necessary requirements aside, all that’s left is to pay for your chosen ride. And there you have it! With the car you’ve always wanted now in your garage, adventure awaits you. Drive safely and enjoy the ride!