Looking to purchase a new vehicle. Perhaps you are looking beyond purchasing a car. In fact, there are many people who would benefit from purchasing a motorcycle instead of a car. If you have been looking at both cars and motorcycles, then you will want to consider the pros and the cons of each. Here’s a look at what a car and a motorcycle offers.
Pros of buying a car
Cars are much more popular than motorcycles for a number of reasons. Here’s a look at the pros of purchasing a car as your primary vehicle:
Safer
Perhaps the biggest reason to consider a car over a motorcycle is the fact that they are much safer. Besides the fact that you are surrounded by a cage of steel, your car will have a number of standard safety features including seat belts and multiple airbags.
The ability to carry more passengers
With a car, you will be able to carry multiple passengers. If you have a family or you just find yourself driving more than yourself, then a car will make much more sense.
More cargo space
With a car, you will be able to carry much more cargo than you would with a motorcycle. This will come in handy when you go grocery shopping or if you ever need to carry larger items. Also, the extra cargo space will come in handy during road trips.
Cons of buying a car
Depending on your situation, buying a car may not be the best choice for you. Here’s a look at the cons of buying a car versus a motorcycle.
More expensive than a motorcycle
A car is going to be much more expensive than a motorcycle. If you are on a budget, you may have many better options by opting for a motorcycle.
Higher fuel and maintenance costs
When you drive a car, you will be operating a vehicle that will have many more moving parts than a motorcycle. Also, the cost of repairing a car will be much higher than repairing and maintaining a motorcycle.
Harder to park and store
Finally, parking and storing a car is going to be harder than parking and storing a motorcycle. This is something to seriously consider if you live in a densely populated city or if you live or work in a place where parking is at a premium.
Pros of buying a motorcycle
There are some great reasons to consider purchasing a motorcycle. Here’s a look at how motorcycles may be a better option than purchasing a car.
Less expensive than a car
In general, a motorcycle is going to be less expensive than a car. This will be a major consideration if you have limited funds for transportation.
Less expensive to maintain
Also, a motorcycle is going to be less expensive to maintain. Over the life of owning a motorcycle, you can potentially save thousands of dollars in maintenance costs over owning and maintaining a car.
Easier to move around congested traffic
If you happen to live in a place with lots of standstill traffic, then a motorcycle will be a smart choice. That’s because many jurisdictions will allow you to move between lanes. This can help you get through traffic much faster.
Easier to park
Finally, parking a motorcycle requires much less space than parking a car. This can come in handy if you live in a large city or if you live in a place with limited parking spaces.
Cons of buying a motorcycle
There are also some important reasons why a motorcycle may not be the best option for you. Here are some major reasons why you may want to consider a car instead of a motorcycle.
Less safe
Motorcycles are known for being much less safe than driving in a car. After all, you are completely exposed to traffic and even minor accidents can lead to bodily injury.
Less cargo space
With a motorcycle, you will have less cargo space. This can be a pain if you need to go grocery shopping or if you are planning to go on a road trip.
Less passenger space
Finally, you will have less passenger space on a motorcycle. In fact, you will likely only have space to bring one extra person with you.
Buy a car if…
You are not used to riding a motorcycle
If you have never ridden a motorcycle before, you can always take classes. However, be aware that operating a car is much easier and safer.
You need more passenger and cargo space
If passenger space and cargo space are a must, then you should drive a car.
You don’t want to be exposed to the weather
With a car, you will be insulated from the outside weather. This can be a big deciding factor if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions.
You want to feel safer
Needless to say, driving a car is going to be a lot safer than riding a motorcycle.
Buy a motorcycle if…
You are a budget
Even used cars are getting expensive these days. If you are short on cash, then a motorcycle will make more sense.
You are likely to be the only occupant
If you are single and you don’t usually carry passengers, then a motorcycle will likely make much more sense.
You drive in congested traffic
If you happen to live in a large city or an area with lots of standstill traffic, then a motorcycle will likely be better for you.
You live in a densely popular city where parking is sparse
Finally, if you happen to live in a place where parking spaces are hard to find, then you will want to consider the convenience of owning a motorcycle.
Making the Right Purchasing Decision on Your Next Vehicle
As you can see, there are a number of pros and cons that come with purchasing either a car or a motorcycle. Be sure to do extensive research on both when comparing both types of vehicles. With patient research, you should be able to choose the vehicle that is right for you.
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- About the Author
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John Cunningham is an Automotive Technician and writer on Rustyautos.com. He’s been a mechanic for over twenty-five years and has worked for GM, Volvo, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar dealerships.
John uses his know-how and experience to write fluff-free articles that help fellow gearheads with all aspects of vehicle ownership, including maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting.