What type of car should I buy?
Answer six quick questions about who rides with you, what you carry, your roads and your budget, and see which type of vehicle fits best, with the trade-offs for each. Skip any question that does not matter to you.
Six quick questions
Answer any of the questions above and your best matches appear here. You can skip ones that do not matter to you.
Keep going with Uobo
Uobo is your personal car agent. Text it what you need and it does the research and the checks, asks dealerships about availability, condition and price for you, and helps you decide. This is the text you would send:
On a computer? Text (289) 819-4586 from your phone and paste what you copied. Standard message rates apply. Reply STOP any time to stop.
How it works
Each type of vehicle, from compact cars to pickup trucks, has a plain rating for seating, cargo space, towing, winter ability, fuel efficiency, price, ease of parking and comfort. These are general traits of each body style, not of any particular model.
Your answers set what you need and what you prefer. A type that falls short of a need, such as seating for five, is marked down. A type that is strong where you prefer, such as low running costs, is marked up. The best three are shown with why they fit and what to watch out for.
It is a starting point, not a verdict. Once you have a body style in mind, the next step is comparing specific models.
What this does not cover
- It ranks body styles, not models. A fuel-efficient SUV and a thirsty one can both be compact SUVs.
- It does not consider your exact budget. Use the affordability tool for that.
- Electric and hybrid choices cut across all body styles, so they are not a separate answer here.
Common questions
How do I decide between a sedan and an SUV?
Think about who rides, what you carry and your roads. An SUV gives more cargo space and easier AWD, a sedan usually costs less to buy and run and is comfortable on the highway. The quiz weighs these against your answers.
Do I need AWD in Canada?
Not always. In snow, winter tires help far more than drivetrain with stopping and turning. AWD helps with getting going on deep snow or unplowed roads. If you drive rural or unplowed roads, it is worth considering.
Is a minivan better than a three-row SUV for a family?
For space and ease of use with kids, a minivan usually wins: sliding doors and a bigger, easier-to-use interior. A three-row SUV is better if you want AWD choice, more ground clearance or towing.
What is the cheapest type of car to own?
Compact cars and small hatchbacks usually cost the least to buy, fuel and insure. A particular model's reliability and insurance record can change that.