Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash When it comes to picking out a new driver’s first car, most parents have safety and reliability at the top of their list of criteria. On the other hand, the teens are looking for something fun and attractive that they can fit all of their friends into. A ​good starter car​ ideally has something for everyone - but finding the ​right​ one can be tricky.

If you’re looking for a practical car, 2021 just might be the year to find your perfect ride. Whether you’re looking for a small vehicle to commute back and forth to work, or something large enough to carry your children, your dogs, and all of your camping gear, there are several options to choose from. How you define practicality and how other people define practicality may be a little bit different, but in general, we like to think that a “practical” car is roomy, fuel-efficient, and reliable.

$51,700. That is the average price of new trucks sold in America (2019) according to the folks over at J.D. Power. Sure, there are typically some large incentives that bring the average price down to somewhere around $42,000, but this number still represents a staggering amount of money for a new vehicle. If you have spent any time searching for or pricing out today’s modern trucks, you’re keenly aware of this trend and you probably wonder “Why are trucks so expensive?

Buying a used car may seem like a daunting process. After all, what if you wind up with a lemon? Luckily, there are a number of shops and mechanics out there that will take a look at your future vehicle and make sure you’re making a good investment. Here are the best ones you’ll find in the Chicago area. RELATED Find the best Used Audi A8 L in Chicago IL at the best price for sale near you.

2018 Mazda MX-5 by Vauxford - CC-BY-SA-4.0 There are few experiences that are more pure than the feeling of rolling down the road with the wind whipping in your hair and your favorite song blasting on the radio. For those that love to really drive, a convertible is a must. Although they have lost their allure a bit in some recent years, there are still a great handful of convertibles that are designed to get your heart racing.

Sometimes bigger doesn’t mean better. There are a variety of smaller trucks on the market that can do most of the job that the big boys can do - and still fit in a parking space. Although they have waned in popularity, they’ve enjoyed a great resurgence in popularity for buyers looking for a “just big enough” truck for their families. This article will cover the best small trucks ranked based on their reliability, overall capability, and overall value.

2018 Subaru Impreza by EurovisionNim - CC BY-SA 4.0 If you live in a part of the country where winter is a stark reality for you every year, or you frequently go offroad or down dirt trails, an all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle is hard to beat. The good news is that there are a lot of excellent deals on nearly-new SUVs if you know where to look. Whether you are looking for a more basic, compact car or a full-blown luxury machine, there’s an all-wheel-drive vehicle for every buyer.

Some quick statistics that might surprise you: 85.4% of vehicles purchased in America are financed. The average length of a car loan in America is 67 months. These staggering numbers coincide with the ever-rising price of the average new car as more and more Americans struggle to afford everything from higher rents to increased healthcare costs. This means longer loans, lower interest rates, and higher-priced vehicles. Pair that with taxes, fees, and depreciation and you may find yourself owing more on a car than what it’s worth.

The station wagon used to be the backbone of American motoring. Families would pile in, strap some luggage to the roof, and careen off on a vacation to Walley World. OK, maybe that’s the plot of National Lampoon’s Vacation - but still, the station wagon once occupied a coveted space in many American driveways. SUVs have all but killed the station wagon, but believe it or not, there are still plenty of fantastic station wagon options on sale today.

What’s more American than a truck? These “do it all, haul it all” vehicles have become the backbone of getting things done. Although new trucks can easily crest the $70,000 mark, you can find a great truck that will do everything you need it to do and more for far less money. Sure, you’ll give up some modern details, but the core of what a truck is and what it can do are the same regardless of fancy toys.