1) What kind of road trip car?
Are you planning to drive mostly on highways? Are you planning to drive through the wilderness? Each road trip requires a different type of car. While driving through wilderness requires an off-road car or SUV car, driving on paved roads requires nothing special.
2) What time of year are you planning to do a road trip?
Are you planning to go during the summer? Winter? If you plan to do a road trip during winter you probably need a car that performs well on snow. You will also need a piece of special equipment like snow chains. If you plan to drive during summer, you need a car with a quality air conditioning system.
3) Are you planning to sleep in the car?
Sleeping in a car is a cheap, easy and fun way how to travel. Of course, if you plan to sleep in the car, you need to look for a specific car like campervan or motorhome. Station wagons are also great for road trips. For example, we like to combine sleeping in a car and in a tent when road tripping. If that is what you like to do, don´t forget to bring essentials like pillows and blankets.
4) Road trip car - own or rented?
Not every car is probably suitable for long road trips. Even if you already own a car, be reasonable and think over if that is the car you want to spend several hours a day. If your car is not suitable, you should start looking for a car rental. Also, never forget about car insurance.
5) How many days are you planning to be on the road?
Now you should have a clear idea about what type of road trip car you need. Also, when selecting the best road trip car, make sure to look for the following. . .
Gas mileage
Gas mileage is an important thing to consider. Even though your goal might not be to travel on a budget, why throwing away hundreds of dollars in vain? Gas prices fluctuate often and if you are going on a long trip, you want to make sure, that your road trip car has the best average consumption possible. If you want to travel on a budget, look for a car with the lowest average gas miles per gallon/litre.
Storage space
Storage space is important when it comes to a road trip car. Especially if you plan to be on the road for more than a few days. Longer road trips require more space for clothes, personal items or food.
GPS and dashboard camera
Comfort
Long road trip equals sitting in a car a lot. Thus you should look for a car that is comfortable. It is not just about comfortable seats, other essentials matter too. Sound system, air conditioning, cruise control and other stuff help you make the journey more pleasant.
Air conditioning
Don´t fight it, you need it. Even though you think you don´t, trust us, you do. End of story.
Those are our best tips on how to choose the best road trip car. Have you ever did a road trip? Where? Tell us how was your experience? Do you have other tips on how to choose the best road trip car? And if you like our post, we would love if you could share it with your friends.
