The Lost Art Of Parallel Parking?

Remember gripping the steering wheel with sweaty palms during your driver’s test, trying to pull off the perfect parallel park? You weren’t alone — it’s been one of the most dreaded parts of the test for decades. And now, with so many cars that can park themselves, you might be thinking: do I even need to know how to do that anymore?

Fair question. But here’s the truth: even in a world of smart sensors and auto-assist features, knowing how to parallel park is still a skill that matters — a lot.

Why We Still Care About Parallel Parking

Let’s start with the basics. Parallel parking is more than just a rite of passage — it’s something you’ll probably have to do eventually, especially if you drive in cities, visit older neighborhoods, or ever need to squeeze into a street spot during a big event. Not every space will be wide open. And not every car — or situation — will support auto-park technology.

Also, let’s not forget the legal stuff. In many states, if you park more than 12 inches from the curb, you can actually get a ticket. Minnesota, for example, enforces this rule pretty strictly. Even with a valid handicapped placard, drivers have been cited for parking just a few inches too far from the curb. It’s not just about looks — it’s about safety and traffic flow.

A Quick Look Back: Where Parallel Parking Came From

Parallel parking became a thing back in the 1920s and 30s, as more people started driving and cities needed ways to organize curb space. It was way more efficient than angled parking, especially on narrow streets. By the mid-1900s, it was baked into driver’s tests across the country.

Fast forward to today, and parking tech has changed the game. Sensors, backup cameras, and full-on automatic parking systems are now available in everything from compact cars to luxury SUVs. But even with all that, the skill hasn’t disappeared completely — and it’s still being taught (and tested) in many states.

What If Your Car Could Park Itself?

Here’s where it gets cool. Lots of cars — both new and used — now offer some form of automatic or assisted parking. That means the car does most (or all) of the work, and you get a stress-free parking experience, even in tight spots.

New Cars with Self-Parking Features (2024–2025)

Used Cars with Parallel Parking Tech (2015–2023)

If you’re shopping for a pre-owned ride, good news — this feature has been around for a while. Here are just a few options that may include it (depending on trim level):

Note: These features are typically available on higher trim levels or as part of optional packages. Always check the vehicle’s specific equipment list.

Just Like Learning to Ride a Bike

Parallel parking might not be something you do every day — especially if your car can do it for you — but it's still a skill worth having in your back pocket. Like learning to ride a bike, it might take practice at first, but once you've got it, it sticks.

You may go months without needing it. Then suddenly you're downtown, traffic’s heavy, and the only open space is a tight one between two cars. That’s when the muscle memory kicks in — and you’re glad you learned it the old-school way.

Master it once, and it’ll stick with you for life — whether your next car parks itself or not.

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When it comes to purchasing a vehicle, there are several ways to secure financing. Great lending options can be available from either a Credit Union, Bank, or through the car dealership itself. At F&M Auto, we can work with any bank or credit union and provide them with the paperwork you need to get the best deal on the vehicle you want from our selection. Each lender has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s explore these common finance solutions so you can make an informed decision when the time is right.

Credit Union Auto Loan

Credit Unions are non-profit financial institutions that are owned by their members. One of the significant benefits of getting a credit union loan is the flexibility and personalized service they offer. Credit unions are known to have more lenient lending policies, which means it is easier to get approved for a loan, even if you have less-than-perfect credit. Additionally, credit unions offer more flexible loan terms, so you can customize your loan to fit your specific needs. F&M Auto has the ability to collaborate with any credit union. We can easily supply them with the necessary documents to help you secure the best offer on the vehicle of your choice from us.

Another significant advantage of financing your vehicle through a credit union is the lower interest rates offered compared to traditional banks. This means you'll end up paying less interest over the life of the loan. That can save you a notable amount of money! 

Bank Lending

Banks are for-profit financial institutions that offer a range of financial services, which includes automotive loans. Banks are known to have stricter lending policies. This means that getting approved for a loan may be more challenging, especially if you have less-than-perfect credit. However, if you have good credit, you may receive an even lower interest rate than you would with a credit union! F&M Auto is able to partner with any bank. We can easily provide them with all the necessary paperwork required to ensure you receive the best deal on your desired vehicle from F&M Auto Sales.

One of the main advantages of choosing a bank for your loan is the extensive range of options. Banks offer a variety of loan products that you can choose from, including secured and unsecured loans. Additionally, banks tend to offer higher loan limits, meaning you can borrow a larger amount of money to purchase your vehicle of choice. Browse affordable, reliable used vehicles from our extensive inventory.

Dealer Finance

Dealer finance is a type of financing that is offered directly by independent and franchise car dealerships alike. Financing your vehicle at the dealership is the most convenient as everything is done all in one place. It can be in-house financing or through a quality relationship the dealership has developed over the years with various local and/or online lenders. 

One significant advantage of a dealer car loan is how much easier it is for them to get you approved. How? Because car dealerships usually work with a network of lenders, and they can often find one that will approve your loan despite short time on job, lower income, bad credit, prior repos, collections, divorce - even bankruptcies! At F&M Auto Sales in Detroit, we’ve partnered with Capital One to get you Pre-Qualified without impacting your credit score! Once they’ve pre-qualified you, your real rate and real monthly payment will show on each qualifying car as you shop our website!

Additionally, dealerships may offer incentives such as zero percent financing or cashback offers, which can help you save money on your car purchase.

When it comes to buying a car, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The financing option that is best for you depends on your individual needs and financial situation. A bank loan may be your best option if you have good credit and want a lower interest rate. If you have less-than-perfect credit or want more personalized service, credit union financing may be the right choice. But if you're looking for convenience or have bad credit, dealer finance may be the best way for you to go.

F&M Auto Sales has helped thousands of people get financed quickly and get driving the same day! We have solid relationships with a network of lenders, including Credit Unions and Banks, to help our customers secure the best financing options for their needs. Most importantly, any bank or credit union can be collaborated with. Come to our dealership to speak with our finance team and find the desired financing solution for you.

F&M Auto Sales understands that purchasing a vehicle can be a daunting task, and that's why we're here to help you make an informed decision. Learn all about the differences between leasing a vehicle, buying a vehicle with a car loan, and buying a vehicle with cash.

Leasing A Vehicle

Leasing a vehicle is an excellent option for those who want access to a new vehicle every few years without the commitment of ownership. When you lease a car, you essentially rent it for a set amount of time, typically two to three years. During that time, you'll make monthly payments that cover the depreciation of the vehicle, plus interest and fees. A drawback is that you'll be limited to only new models and allowed only a certain amount of mileage per year, typically around 10,000 to 12,000 miles. If you exceed that limit, you'll be charged a fee for each additional mile. At the end of the lease term, you'll have the option to buy the car if you don’t want to purchase it, you must return it and lease a new one.

Car Loans

Purchasing a vehicle with a car loan is an excellent option for individuals who plan on owning their vehicle for an extended period. When you buy and finance a new or used car, you essentially borrow money from a lender to purchase the vehicle outright. The loan term can vary from three to seven years, depending on the lender and your credit score. You can borrow from a credit union or bank, but many find it more convenient to finance at the dealership itself. F&M Auto in Detroit makes it easy to apply online and offers packages for first-time buyers, bad credit, prior repos or collections, medical debt, and more! Sometimes a down payment is required, typically around 10% of the vehicle's cost, but generally, the down payment is a smart way to reduce the overall cost of the loan and related interest. Once all the payments have been made, you will fully own the vehicle and can keep it as long as you like.

Paying Cash

Buying a vehicle with cash is an excellent option for individuals who have the money on hand to purchase a vehicle in full. When you buy a vehicle with cash, you are essentially fully paying for the car upfront and do not have to worry about making monthly payments or interest on a loan. This is not the same as a down payment, down payments are a smaller upfront cash payment of the vehicle, usually 10-20% of the vehicle’s cost. Buying a vehicle with cash tends to have more negotiating power when it comes to the final price of the vehicle.

Key Differences

Let's look at some of the key benefits of why people choose between leasing a car, buying a car with a car loan, and buying a vehicle with cash.

1. Monthly Payments:

Leasing a vehicle usually has lower monthly payments than buying a vehicle with a car loan. This is because you are only paying for the car's depreciation and the number of miles you drive during the lease term. On the other hand, a car loan’s monthly payments are usually higher because you are paying for the car's full price, plus interest, over a more extended period. Buying a vehicle with cash means that you do not have to worry about making monthly payments.

2. Ownership:

When you lease, you do not own the car, and you have to return it to the dealership at the end of the lease term. You do not have the freedom to modify the car or keep it for an extended period. When you purchase a vehicle with a car loan, you own the car and are free to modify and/or keep it for as long as you like. Buying a vehicle with cash means that you own the car outright and can keep the car for as long as you like.

3. Flexibility:

Leasing a car provides more flexibility in terms of switching to a new car every few years. Buying a car with a car loan provides flexibility in terms of ownership and the freedom to modify the car. Buying a vehicle with cash provides flexibility in terms of ownership and no need for monthly payments.

At F&M Auto Sales of Detroit, we're here to help you make the right decision for your unique situation and find a vehicle that meets your needs and budget. Whether you're looking to take out a car loan or buy a vehicle with cash, we're here to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our extensive inventory and financing options. 

There are a handful of ways to get a new-to-you vehicle. Some people choose to pay cash, others will lease a car, and specific dealers allow buyers to charge on a credit card. Each way of getting yourself in a vehicle has its pros and cons, but the best option by far is financing. F&M Auto Sales is connected with over 30 lenders to ensure everyone gets 100% fast and easy auto financing to fit their needs. We work with everyone from Self-Employment, Fixed Income, Repos, Medical Bills, etc. F&M Auto Sales is proud to help people in all credit situations. 

Paying Cash

Buying a vehicle with your own money has its benefits. You don’t have to worry about any monthly payments. There’s no loan, so you won’t have to pay interest and won’t add to any existing debt you might have. With that being said, vehicles are a big purchase. It’s not a good idea to deplete your savings that you need for current expenses or emergency use. Financing a car can be a great way to start or re-establish your credit history. If you pay with cash, you can’t boost your credit - but a loan you properly manage will.

If you're waiting and saving up cash because you think less-than-perfect credit won't qualify you for a loan, let us assure you that financing is still an option at F&M Auto Sales. Many dealerships work with only one or two lenders. We have more lenders than most dealerships in the area, which means that we offer more financing options for our customers. Go to our Auto Loan Calculator to start calculating what your monthly payments could be.

Leasing

Leasing can seem like an excellent option for some. You can get a newer car and have a fixed monthly payment. Many people forget leases can include a host of fees and penalties. You are often constricted to a limited number of miles you can put on the vehicle. You also are usually required to have full coverage insurance. This easily can lead to a higher ultimate cost - especially if you keep the vehicle after the lease is up - than if you were to buy the car in the first place. 

Credit Card

A third option for purchasing a new-to-you car, truck or SUV some may consider is using a charge card. You can find some dealers that allow buyers to put the down payment or the entire cost of the vehicle on credit cards. While this method may have some upsides, such as minor minimum monthly payment and rewards like cash back or points, the downsides are highly significant. Credit card interest rates tend to be very high compared to car financing rates. This difference in interest will significantly increase the total you will end up paying for the vehicle.

F&M Auto Sales works with several top-of-the-line prime credit lenders in Detroit. We will even directly deal with your lender if you’ve gotten pre-approved by your bank or credit union, for example. Qualified buyers with decent credit can enjoy competitive rates as low as 2.9%. That’s right there with new car dealers, but at F&M Auto you won’t see a new car mark-up on the sticker price! 

There’s no reason financing should make you anxious. Don’t regret paying cash, leasing, or using a credit car. F&M Auto Sales is here to help you get easily financed and driving today. You won’t be overwhelmed with large payments - we work with your situation so everything is reasonable and affordable. Check out our inventory and apply online hassle-free.

Best SUV Buying Guide: Compact, Midsize, and Large | F&M Auto

With so many different SUV makes and models, it can be hard to pick the one that best suits your specific needs. Is safety your top priority? Will you be driving the family around; or are you looking to off-road or tow? No matter the need, F&M Auto is here to help! Compact and midsize SUVs tend to be the top-selling vehicles. City drivers find extra appeal in Subcompact SUVs. And there are buyers who still need that classic SUV muscle with strong towing capabilities for weekend escapes. There is also the consideration of upgrading to a luxury model, although the mainstream vehicles are all nicely equipped.

Compact SUVs

These are the most sought after SUVs for sale in today's vehicle market. All prominent automakers offer some sort of compact SUV, and they've largely replaced midsize sedans as the go-to car for small families and commuters. Most compact SUVs offer generous cargo capacity and ample room for rear passengers, compared to a sedan. The Chevrolet Equinox has long reigned supreme thanks to its well-designed interior with huge cargo space, while the Jeep Compass is prized for its sportier handling. Another great option is the Ford Escape, which gets great gas mileage for an SUV. This class of SUV also has some great off-roading options like the Jeep Wrangler, which has been an off-roader favorite for decades. Take advantage of the market and trade for top dollar right now. Use our easy online Trade-In Value form and quickly get the trade-in value on your vehicle.

Midsize / 3rd Row SUVs 

Midsize SUVs take the best components of compact SUVs and add additional cargo room and more space for passengers to stretch their legs. Most 3 row SUVs for families start with a turbo four-cylinder, but at the midsize level you can get a V6 engine. These more powerful engines give the driver extra towing strength for small toys and trailers. Many midsize SUVs also offer a modest off-road ability. The Dodge Durango is tough to top given its smooth ride, immense interior room, and go-anywhere nature, while the Chevrolet Traverse pairs a good price with quality tech features. The Ford Explorer is a great option with third-row seating.

Large SUVs 

Last, but not least, are the traditional SUVs that dominated American roads from the ‘90s up into the 2000’s when gas prices were less of a worry. It's easy to see the draw to these remarkable vehicles with their powerful towing capabilities and enormous interiors. Large SUVs can typically seat eight or nine passengers. With all those perks, don’t forget that a large SUV is relatively bulky once you get behind the wheel. The interiors are compromised by truck-like platforms that can affect available space. The Ford Expedition is one of the most highly rated Large SUVs since it can tow more than 9,000 pounds and be upgraded to impressive levels of luxury. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet Suburban are great options for large third-row SUVs and an expansive cargo area. Their corporate cousin, the GMC Yukon, is a great option if you’re looking for a more luxurious SUV. There’s so many benefits to applying directly with us, such as convenience, quickness, security, and approval for all. F&M Auto makes car buying easy and hassle free especially with our easy to use Online Application Form.

There are lots of great options for SUVs out there. If you’re looking for a quality used SUV, F&M Auto has more experience and more vehicle options than most dealerships in the area. There are always hundreds of vehicles in stock ready to go, many of those being compact and mid-SUVs. Contact our friendly team to get any car-buying questions answered and professional advice regarding auto finance options for your specific situation. We have lots of lenders; even low as 2.9% in Detroit for well-qualified buyers. Browse our full selection of used Chevy, Ford, Jeep, and more now. Located at 13000 E. 8 Mile Rd Detroit, MI 48205

test Bearing the full financial responsibility for unexpected vehicle damage or problems that may or may not occur to your vehicle can certainly feel terrifying. When you're financing a used vehicle, make sure your investment is protected. That’s why so many buyers choose to add a warranty to their purchase.

A quality used car warranty provides peace of mind knowing that if your vehicle has an unexpected breakdown or issues, it will be covered under your purchased warranty. Many buyers combine this payment with their initial car loan to simplify their payments. Plus it’s an easy way to make sure you can afford both the auto loan monthly payments along with warranty payments. Apply online today with F&M Auto Sales in Detroit and we’ll help you figure out all the financing options for your vehicle and service contract.

F&M Auto Sales offers four levels of coverage so you can choose the best vehicle service contract for your needs. We realize there can be many questions, but don’t be confused by warranties. Our vehicle service contracts are offered through the reputable Endurance Warranty Services. Let’s break down the options and benefits to see what level of coverage makes the most sense for your situation.

Level 1

F&M Auto’s vehicle service contract’s first level of coverage offers our buyers an option for affordable protection on the most important and expensive parts of your vehicle. This includes the engine, automatic/manual transmission, engine cooling system, and more! 

Level 2

The second level available is a great mid-level for older vehicles. Get solid piece-of-mind protection with service contract coverage that includes everything from level one, plus the brakes, steering, electrical, air conditioning/heating, and more!

Level 3

This is our top-level vehicle service contract and gives you secure confidence for the road ahead. You get all the benefits of the previous levels with the addition of coverage for your drive axle, fuel system, suspension, and more!

Level 4

Ready for the ultimate worry-free driving experience? Our top-of-the-line coverage is one of the most comprehensive vehicle service contracts in the industry. F&M Auto’s Level 4 exclusionary coverage is so comprehensive it covers nearly EVERY mechanical, electrical, and high-tech component in your vehicle. You can check out everything that these levels cover in the image below!

Other Great Benefits

F&M Auto Sales is committed to the best customer service experience. All plans that are 12 months or longer include 24/7 access to personal concierge services for the life of your contract. The vehicle service contract pays the mechanic directly for your auto repairs, including all parts and labor. You’ll never have to pay upfront and wait to get reimbursed! The service contracts are also accepted everywhere by all licensed repair facilities nationwide.

One of the best features of financing a vehicle with a service contract at F&M Auto Sales is how they work with you and your budget. After selecting a great vehicle from our large inventory, get your vehicle covered for 3 months up to 5 years;  for 1,000 miles a month or unlimited. Options start from $499 and up a year. Because of this flexibility, it’s easy to keep your overall payment right in your ideal budget range. Feel free to contact us at 313-488-2191 for any other questions and personalized pricing options.

It’s the time of year to file taxes. If you’re anticipating a refund, you should look into using it to help with a used vehicle purchase. This is a smart way to use your refund because you’ll find that auto dealerships, like F&M Auto Sales, offer plenty of refund-specific incentives around this time.

Your tax refund can become a solid down payment for a used vehicle. The average down payment for a used vehicle is usually 10% of that vehicle’s value. Most used car dealerships will accept $500 as a down payment and maybe you already have that amount saved and set aside for your down payment. Putting even more down can benefit you in more ways than you think! Here are just five major ways a larger down payment can help in the long run.

1. Down payments let lenders see how committed a car buyer you are. A large amount down tells them you’re serious so they are more likely to complete the loan. 

2. When you use your refund to bulk up your down payment, it can help you get accepted with low or poor credit. Requirements vary by situation so put in your online application here. It’s quick and easy to get started.

3. Making a down payment of at least 10-20% of the vehicle's selling price can reduce the amount of time you have negative equity. 

4. The amount you have to borrow is also reduced the larger the down payment is, which leads to lower monthly payments and/or being able to sign a shorter loan term.

5. On top of all of that, you’ll pay less money in interest charges over time when you apply a large down payment upfront. 

The average tax refund for 2020 was $2,827, according to an independent report from the National Taxpayer Advocate (NTA). Even if you don’t receive a refund in that range, $1,500 would allow you to put 10-20% down on a used vehicle that is $15,000 or under! Check out our selection of vehicles in the $15K or under price range here.

This tax season, if you are looking to put your refund towards upgrading your vehicle, come visit F&M Auto Sales. We are currently running tax time savings! Contact our friendly team to get any car-buying questions answered and professional advice regarding auto finance options for your specific situation. Choose from over 150 affordable, reliable used vehicles. But they won’t last long! Browse our full selection of used Chevy, Ford, Jeep, and more now. Located at 13000 E. 8 Mile RD Detroit, MI 48205

Are you in the market for a used vehicle? Most car buyers need an auto loan to finance the large purchase of a car. Before deciding to schedule an appointment with your local bank or lending office you should take a look into applying for an auto loan with us here at F&M Auto Sales. There’s so many benefits to applying directly with us, such as convenience, quickness, security, and approval for all. F&M Auto makes car buying easy and hassle free especially with our easy to use Online Application Form.

Why Apply with F&M Auto

At F&M Auto, we are connected with over 30 lenders. This helps us make sure everyone gets 100% fast and easy auto financing to fit their specific needs. Because of this it doesn’t matter if you are self-employed, on a fixed income, have had repossessions in the past, or have medical debt. If you were to go to most banks or lending offices you have a higher chance of getting turned down or offered a loan with extremely high interest rates. But when you apply through F&M, none of these financial issues will stop you from being able to get a fair loan with a decent rate. We are proud to help people in all credit situations: good credit, bad credit, no credit, bankruptcy, divorce, and more! 

Safe & Secure

It is completely understandable to be wary of applying for a credit loan online. You might be worried about the security and safety of your personal financial information. Our Dealership is serious about keeping your personal information private and secure. When you fill out an online credit application it truly shortens the amount of time that you have to spend at our dealership itself. Our Online Credit Application is secure and can be done on any device. You can fill it out safely from your phone or on your laptop. Security is our number one priority when it comes to our online application. We understand your concerns over your personal information and because of that we maintain physical, administrative, procedural and technical safeguards to protect this personal information from unauthorized access. We guarantee that your information is protected when you fill out a credit application through our website. F&M Auto Sales is a reputable car dealership. We work with hundreds of people every year and have online applications consistently coming in with no issues.

Quickness & Convenience

Last, but not least, the process of applying online with us is quick and simple. You can do it anytime of the day when you have a free moment, instead of having to come in during our store hours. There’s no waiting in line. You can also research and compare our rates against other loans you might be qualified for. The form is easy to fill out and can be done in minutes. You don’t have to schedule an appointment with a loan officer or financial lender. We carry tons of inventory from all makes and models so you could even Browse Our Inventory first and wait to apply until you find the right car for you!

So don’t waste your time with other lenders, don’t get your credit score run over and over again. Make the quick, easy, and smart choice by using the secure credit application at F&M Auto Sales to get an easy auto loan with reasonable rates. For any questions about our auto loan credit application, call us today 313-488-2191.

Are you thinking about upgrading your vehicle? Everyone needs a reliable vehicle to get around. Cars help us get to important places like work, the grocery store, and family’s houses. If yours has been breaking down and becoming a money pit you know it’s time to get something different. Or maybe you want some cool new features and better gas mileage. Whatever reason you’re looking to upgrade, a used vehicle is always a great option! You might be thinking of buying a brand new vehicle or leasing, but there are many more benefits to buying used.

Pricing

It’s pretty obvious that a used vehicle would be cheaper than a new one, but there are other ways that a used vehicle ends up costing you less in the long run. For example, Automobile Insurance. When you finance a new vehicle or lease, full coverage insurance is required by the lender. The lower the price of a vehicle, the lower it costs to insure with collision and comprehensive coverage. Used cars afford you the option to decline collision and comprehensive coverage and will reduce your monthly commitment even more. 

Because used vehicles are cheaper than new ones, this can be a great option for people who find themselves in a bad credit situation. It’s hard to get financial acceptance for a new vehicle. With F&M Auto, you can be accepted for financing with a used vehicle no matter your credit and your monthly payments will be more reasonable than payments for a new vehicle. Get our Online Credit App process started today and quickly see all the affordable finance options available for you at F&M Auto Sales!

There’s also the car’s depreciation value to think about. When you buy a car new, right when you drive it off the lot, it generally deprecates by 20%. So if you were to buy a vehicle worth $25,000 you’d immediately lose $5,000 worth of value. This can be very intimidating for a car buyer and the last thing you want is buyer's remorse when upgrading to a newer vehicle. As the years go by, that deprecation gets even larger. The average depreciation for a new vehicle is around 50% after just three years! When you buy a used vehicle, the largest portion of the depreciation on the vehicle has already happened. You won’t be throwing away as much value.

Availability & Features

Right now due to the chip shortage, new vehicles are taking longer to make and deliver to car lots. Some customers are waiting months for a new vehicle! If you’re needing a vehicle soon, then buying used is the smarter way to go. Don’t wait an unknown period of time for the dealer to have new cars available when you can buy a used car and drive away today. 

Another major factor with the new car shortage is the technology features that can be offered. These microchips help run all the special features in new vehicles. Due to the limited amount of chips, some car manufacturers and dealerships are limiting the available features. Shop used vehicles from 2018 and later for many of the same great features like remote start, backup camera, and Android Auto/Apple Carplay. You can browse our quality selection of 2018 and later models here.

One of the biggest hesitations people have when buying a used vehicle is the quality. Buyers are worried about their purchase having issues or breaking down faster than new. The Certified Service Center at F&M Auto Sales has licensed mechanics on-site. We thoroughly inspect every vehicle before it's sold to ensure we’re selling you a quality vehicle that won’t break down soon after you buy it. Warranties and extended warranties are available for all the used cars we sell. You can bring your vehicle here for professional service, maintenance, or any future repairs. We are here for you!

After considering the many benefits of owning a used vehicle vs. purchasing brand new, it’s an easy choice. Browse the top-quality pre-owned selection full of modern technology and safety features at F&M Auto Sales in Detroit, where you can buy confidently, save money, and enjoy excellent service after the sale.

In many ways, vehicles are one of the most important and expensive purchases an average American will make, other than the buying of a home. Most will have to take out a loan that takes 5-7 years to pay off. Making sure you have a vehicle that will fit your specific needs is very important. There are three specific types of vehicles an average person looks at to buy: Sedans, SUVs, and Trucks. On top of those three, we also carry cargo vans for business or personal use. We’re going to break down the pros and cons of each one to help you decide the vehicle that’s right for you! 

Sedans

Sedans, or cars, are the smallest body type of vehicle. Because of this, they tend to cost the least to purchase. These are a good choice when you’re on a tight budget. Also, due to their smaller size, they are lighter and more aerodynamic, leading to better fuel efficiency. Sedans are also easier to drive and park. Because they aren’t as top-heavy as SUVs and trucks, you have far less of a chance of rollover when maneuvering through tight turns. Another aspect is the trunk. A sedan has the advantage of closed trunks. You can store valuables there out of sight, adding extra security to your cargo. 

But a smaller size also means you can’t fit as many passengers. You’ll also find yourself having less cargo space and no way to tow trailers or anything heavy. Sedans are the perfect vehicle for someone who is on a budget, needs good gas mileage, but doesn’t have to worry about the space in their vehicle. If this sounds like the body style for you you can check out F&M’s Sedan Inventory here! Choose from Chevy Impala and Malibu; Ford Fusion; Chrysler 300 and more.

SUVs

The popularity of SUVs has exploded over the years. The most obvious benefit is the sheer size. SUVs are great for families since you can fit more passengers and have up to three rows of seating in these vehicles. They also come with entertainment features like TVs to keep your passengers amused during long car rides. Because of their larger size, they usually have better crash-safety ratings to keep your precious cargo safe, whether that’s your young ones in the back or a four-legged friend you took for a ride. If you struggle with driving through severe weather and/or have to face it often, such as heavy snow, an SUV is better equipped than a sedan to handle these hazardous conditions. Most SUVs are even able to tow, unlike sedans. Finally, the driver enjoys greater visibility in an SUV because of its higher driving position and larger passenger windows and back windshield! 

The drawback to SUVs is that they tend to have a bigger price tag than your average sedan due to the larger size and optional features like a TV. They also don’t have as good of fuel efficiency as a sedan. These are great vehicles for parents who have to transport their kids around or someone who needs a little extra room for all the cargo they haul around. Does an SUV sound like the right body style fit for you? If so take a look at the used selection of SUV, Wagon & Utility Body vehicles at F&M Auto Sales. You can’t go wrong with models like Chevy Equinox, GMC Acadia, Dodge Durango, Chevy Suburban and more.

Trucks

Next, we have the vehicle type Trucks. Trucks are the most capable vehicles when it comes to towing and cargo. If you have to haul a lot of heavy things constantly, from lumber to furniture, this is the vehicle for you. They generally have the most powerful engines you can find in commercial vehicles. Trucks can tow boats, trailers, campers, and even other vehicles with no issues. 

But if you don’t plan to use the truck bed or use its towing features, it might not be right for you. Trucks tend to be the hardest vehicle to drive due to the size and weight. Simple things such as parking can become a hassle. They also get the worst gas mileage of all three body types. They have less seating than SUVs but usually have the same as a Sedan. Trucks can be the best option for a working person that has to tow cargo consistently. If you need a good, durable, reliable truck, browse F&M’s Truck Inventory here! Browse Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade, and more!

Cargo Vans

Last, but not least, are cargo vans. Full-size cargo vans offer the best solution for a variety of businesses. Regardless of what industry you might be in, cargo vans like the Ford Transit or RAM ProMaster offer fuel efficiency, reliability, space, and comfort. Cargo vans can be more fuel-efficient than box trucks and RVs that are used for business needs. Depending on the needs of your business, these can be better than traditional trucks as well because they are about equal in fuel economy but all your items are inside the vehicle and can be better protected from weather and temperatures. Someone such as a florist would want a cargo van over a truck for their transportation needs.

Even with all that being said, sometimes the right vehicle really depends on who you are. Some like to make a statement with their cars and will choose something sporty, luxurious, or eco-friendly. There are those that like go for something with more horsepower and a loud engine. In these instances, the practicality of your vehicle choice tends to take a back seat to how the car makes you feel. For those that need an everyday vehicle, functionality should be more influential than the flash. Whatever you’re looking for, F&M Auto Sales can help you get behind the wheel. Get credit approval today with our secure, online Credit App.