Which car should I buy? 7 questions to help you choose the right one

Short answer: the best car for you is the one that matches how you actually drive, so start by thinking about that. How many miles do you drive per year, how many people will be able to travel in the car, what is your budget per month and can you charge the car at home or at work? The answers to these questions will help you get closer to your next dream car!

Below we go through seven questions we ask ourselves when a customer comes into the car dealership and says ”I don't really know what I want”. (If you are in a hurry you can also do our car guide – six questions, then you will receive suggestions from the cars we have in stock.)

1. How far do you drive per year?

Mileage, more than anything else, determines which fuel is most beneficial.

• Under 1,000 kilometers per year: A smaller petrol car or an electric car is usually the cheapest. You drive too little for an expensive car with low consumption to have time to pay for itself.
• 1,000–2,000 kilometers per year: A hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric car should suit you best. If you can charge at home or at work, electric and plug-in hybrid cars are often really cheap to run.
• Over 2,000 kilometers per year: An electric car if you can charge at home, otherwise a fuel-efficient diesel or hybrid. Here, low consumption makes a big difference to your wallet.

2. How many people will be traveling with you – and what will you be bringing?

Is it mostly just you who will be traveling in the car, or maybe you and a partner? You will get by with a smaller car, since you will almost only use the front seat. With children, strollers and dogs, of course station wagon or SUV quickly worth the money. If there are more than five of you, you need a 6- or 7-seater car or a minibus. Think about the luggage space in liters, not just the number of seats. A large station wagon often holds more than a mid-sized SUV, and if you usually don't have passengers in the back seat, a small car where the back seat can be folded down can accommodate a lot of cargo.

3. What can you afford per month?

Calculate the total cost per month, not just the price. It consists of:

• Monthly cost of loan or lease
• Fuel or electricity
• Insurance and vehicle tax
• Service, tires and repairs

A cheap car with high consumption and expensive tax may end up costing more than a slightly more expensive car that is frugal and has low tax. You can also count on depreciation, but it can be difficult to know in advance, but usually the value decreases by about 15 % per year. We have calculated some real piggy banks in Cheapest car to own in 2026.

4. Can you charge at home?

If you have access to a charging box or engine heater socket at home or at work, an electric car or plug-in hybrid is often the most economical choice. Even if you don't get as far on a fully charged battery as you do on a full tank of diesel, electricity costs so much less than other fuels that it far outweighs it. If you often need to use fast chargers along the way on longer trips, that advantage is of course reduced.

Without charging capability, a regular hybrid or an economical gasoline or diesel car is more convenient in everyday life. Read more in Hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric car – which one is right for you?

5. Do you drive a lot on winter roads or gravel roads?

Do you live a little out in the country or do you have a cabin a little way away along forest roads or similar? Maybe you have a boat that needs to be towed, or you often want to go to more rugged places to camp or fish? Then four-wheel drive be worth its weight in gold. It provides better accessibility and safety, especially in snow and slippery conditions on half-plowed roads.

If you drive mostly in the city on busy streets, front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive (of course in combination with good tires) will go a long way.

6. New or used car?

A new car loses the most value in the first few years, but can still be worth it in many cases. If you buy a car that is a couple of years old, the biggest decrease in value has already occurred, while many still have new car warranty left.

For most individuals, used cars are the most affordable car purchase, not only because a large part of the depreciation has already occurred, but also because any problems have had time to be discovered and fixed. But new cars have their advantages too, with stronger warranties and promotions, it can often be a sensible choice, especially considering that you get exactly the car you want.

7. Automatic or manual transmission?

Automatic transmissions are now standard on most newer cars, and almost all electric and hybrid cars have automatic transmissions. The advantages are most evident in city traffic, where you otherwise have to change up and down frequently (which not only strains your patience, but also your clutch) and often have better resale value as they are more popular.

Manual transmissions can be a way to get a cheaper car if you're looking at older petrol and diesel cars, and are of course also easier to maintain yourself and less expensive if something breaks. Some people also like to have more control over how the car behaves, so it can be a matter of taste too!

Quick guide: which car suits who?

You are…	Look at
Commuters who can charge at home	Electric car. Alternatively, a plug-in hybrid if you drive long distances.
Family with children and dog/needs a lot of cargo	Estate car or SUV, preferably with a towbar and large luggage compartment
Living in the countryside in the north	Four-wheel drive SUV or station wagon with engine heater
Drive mostly short distances in the city	Electric car, hybrid or petrol car. Smaller cars are best, SUVs may be impractical
Drive over 2,000 kilometers per year without charging	Fuel-efficient diesel or hybrid
Craftsman or entrepreneur	Van or pickup with deductible VAT, diesel or hybrid