*What to keep in mind when buying a car in a busy city is a collaborative post

There’s a common belief that any car works in a city. Just the idea alone seems to take the stress out of buying a car. If it’s road-legal, it’s fine, right? Except… no. Cities weren’t designed for massive trucks with the turning circle of a cruise ship, yet somehow, they’re appearing more and more, like someone forgot to mention that roads, lanes, and parking spaces haven’t grown to match.

For anyone who’s ever squeezed between two parked cars, fought for space in a multi-storey car park, or held their breath while inching past a cyclist and a bus at the same time, the reality is obvious: bigger isn’t always better. Honestly, the wrong car can turn everyday driving into an unnecessary struggle, so choosing wisely makes a massive difference.

Does It Feel Big in the Showroom?

While sure, a spacious SUV might feel like a dream when sitting in it for the first time, but fast forward to Monday morning traffic when that same car barely fits in the lane and suddenly, it’s not so great. A lot of people seem to forget that city street prioritise compact spaces, and if a car is too wide, too long, or just too awkward, every drive turns into a test of patience.

Then there’s the fact that some roads are downright claustrophobic. Yes, this might actually be the biggest of them all. For example, a delivery van stops in the middle of the street? A big car is stuck. A tight corner appears out of nowhere. Well, these are all super common.

Parking is the True Test of Patience

Yes, seriously, finding a parking space is hard enough in a busy city, but finding one that actually fits a big car? Even worse. Some parking bays are so small that even a mid-sized car sticks out into the road, making every attempt at parallel parking feel like solving a puzzle with zero margin for error. Actually, the same can be said for multi-storey car parks.

Manoeuvrability Can’t Be Overlooked

Anyone who’s driven in a city knows for a fact that it’s the further thing from relaxing, it’s just full-on chaos. For example, pedestrians stepping out without looking, cyclists appearing out of nowhere, and impatient drivers making reckless moves, so yeah, quick reflexes are needed. Like it or not, you’re probably going to need to look into a compact car.

Basically, you’re going to need something that can be easy to park and can squeeze just about into any space such as the SEAT Mii. This is just one example, but when you live in a busy city, at least a city that’s expanding, you really do need something compact. You’re basically asking for trouble if you buy anything that’s the opposite of compact.

Fuel Isn’t Cheap, and Cities Aren’t Fuel-Friendly

Believe it or not, city driving burns through fuel faster than expected. There’s things like stop-and-go traffic, constant braking, waiting behind buses, it all adds up. And for larger vehicles, those extra litres of fuel drain the wallet fast. When you have a smaller car, it’s not as bad, well, cost-wise.