Whether you have recently moved to Grenada or have been living here for a while and are looking for the best set of wheels for getting around, it’s important to prioritize a few different factors. What should you be looking for in cars when shopping with Island Motors, and what’s likely to endure the years to come on Grenada’s roads?
We’ve put together a quick guide to what you should prioritize when buying used with us, and why – and some of these tips may well surprise you!
SUVs
Sports Utility Vehicles, or SUVs, are classic island motoring choices. They’ve got great ground clearance for Grenada’s varied off-road terrain, meaning even if you’re cruising on the flat or heading up hills, you’re always going to feel comfortable driving on uneven ground.
SUVs are great for space if you’re taking a ton of luggage with you (if, say, you’re on a trip here and are renting), or if you’re raising or moving the family on the island. Choosing an SUV also means you’re investing in a versatile car that’s built to withstand wild weather and usually fitted with high-end on-board air conditioning for when things get really humid.
Traditionally, SUVs do have larger engines than many vehicles, which can mean they’re more expensive to run. That said, you’ll find plenty of hybrid SUVs that reduce this cost and get you up and down rough terrain without giving you financial headaches.
We’d recommend SUVs for the safety and comfort aspects while driving the island, and you normally won’t be too strapped for spare parts.
Hatchbacks
Roomy in the back and boasting solid centers of gravity (meaning they’re pretty easy to handle even if you’re new to island driving), hatchbacks are solid choices if you’re prioritizing maneuverability above all else.
They are much lower to the ground than SUVs, and on the whole, they’re quite a bit smaller – but on the positive side, that can make them more cost-effective to run. They’re also impressively versatile – don’t just write them off as everyday runarounds – but do be aware that they won’t be as adept as a 4WD if you want to take your motoring off Grenada’s beaten track.
Like SUVs, they’re also built with safety as a key priority, and on the whole, a good manufacturer and model will offer you a reliable aircon system to beat the heat. If comfort in the climate matters most to you and you want the safety and reliability of a hatchback, prioritize models offering HVAC or easy-maintenance on-board cooling.
Given that hatchbacks are fairly common, you’re unlikely to get stuck for spare parts, either.
Pickups
Pickups are among the best choices out there if you really want to take things off-road. They’re immensely powerful and have tons of ground clearance, meaning they’re perfectly suited for rugged routes and island motoring. And, like SUVs and hatchbacks, you’ll never have to worry too much about space. If anything, that’s the common factor among the three vehicle types we’re looking at.
The cons of running pickups in Grenada start arising when it comes to fuel efficiency and maintenance. These vehicles need a lot of love and attention, and unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean you’re going to find spare parts easily, either. Pickups can run well in the heat, but you’ll need to consider whether the cost of fuel is worth the ruggedness and space.
For many motorists out here, it is! Like SUVs, pickups can also be great status symbols and make you feel like you’re heading out on an adventure. But, they’re not always the most practical. For example, you’ll need to think carefully about how you’re going to park and reverse!
So… Is There a Winner?
If you ask the Island Motors team’s objective average opinion, SUVs generally give you the best all-around balance of fuel efficiency, ground clearance, space, terrain handling, and spare parts availability. That said, you probably have a few personal preferences, meaning it’s worth considering the pros and cons of all three options before you settle on a model.
Hatchbacks are great for comfort and fuel economy, but they have the lowest clearance of the three, while pickups have fantastic clearance but are expensive to run. All three, depending on the model, offer varying aircon capabilities.
Now you’re a little clearer on some of the best vehicles to buy for island motoring, take a look at our latest uploads and find yourself your next Grenada runaround!