The Benefits of Small Cars

Since compact cars have smaller engines, they can save you money on gas. Small cars tend to get better gas mileage, as much as 20 miles per gallon more than a SUV or truck. Some sedans have a mileage rating as high as 40 miles per gallon on the highway. With rising gas prices, this is a smart investment, especially if you commute to work every day.

Overall, small cars are more affordable to purchase than larger vehicles. From a manufacturer's perspective, small cars require fewer materials, making them cheaper to produce. With suggested retail prices starting at just $10,000, small cars are also growing in popularity as a result of the economic slump of the late 2000s. According to the New York Times, sales of SUVs went down more than 25 percent in 2008. Rather than being just a cheap alternative to larger cars, small cars have emerged as a smart, desirable choice of transportation.

With interior volumes starting at just 100 cubic feet, small cars are easier to maneuver than larger vehicles. This makes it simple to get out of a tough spot. Parallel parking becomes easier, as well as driving down narrow one-way streets. This will save you hassles when it comes to busy streets, highways and parking lots. If you live in a city where there is a great deal of traffic and narrow roads, buying a small car makes sense.