Gary C. Lee
As a first-time car buyer, understandably, you will not know what terms of “make” and “model” mean. You will not be able to distinguish the two or know how those terms impact a car’s price as well. So, what is the make of a car? We help you understand the term and how it differs from the model below.
Differences between the Make and Model of a Car
The make of a car refers to the brand of a car. Toyota and Honda are examples of the makes of cars. Meanwhile, those cars have models like Avanza and Jazz. But, you have to note that the make of a car does not always represent the parent company.
Toyota Motor Corp., for example, has several car brands that include Toyota, Lexus, and Scion. If you have a Lexus car, it would be inaccurate to say that the make of the car is Toyota. You have to keep in mind that Toyota Motor Corp. is a car manufacturer, although the name sounds like one of its brands that also acts as the cars make.
How to Find Your Car’s make
After learning “what is the make of a car”, it is easy to determine your vehicle’s make. You can see it on the rear exterior of the car; it is indicated by badges, emblems, or decals. If you have trouble determining your car’s make from the rear exterior, check your owner’s manual or vehicle registration certificate.
On the driver’s side dashboard, you can find your vehicle identification number (VIN). Those 17 digits long numbers can help you find information about your car. It includes the model year, factory where it was manufactured, and equipment specifications. Use the VIN tracking tool to help you get the information about your vehicle.
Why Your Car’s Make Matters
Cars that have the same make and body style can have different values. And the car’s model affects the value of a car. You should know this when you plan to sell or buy a new car.
If you are planning to buy a Toyota car, you should also know the model you want. A different model offers a different price. And the price gap between the cheapest and the most expensive car is considerably big.
Besides the model, body style, trim level, and model year also affect a car’s value.
Body Style
Ranges of price are affected by the model. That’s why you will find the cheapest and the most expensive car of the same make. From each model, you will find various body styles like SUV, minivan, coupe, hatchback, sedan, and convertible.
Trim Level
The trim level usually involves styling, looks, and how your car operates. You can see your vehicle’s trim level from the car listings. It comes after the model name under the terms like “Standard,” “Luxury,” and “Sport.”
Standard means the car does not receive any upgrades. Sports can refer to upgrades on engine performance. Meanwhile, luxury means a smoother suspension and luxurious interior.
Model Year
The same car models can have different values due to updates on things, such as trim level. That’s why a particular car model becomes sleeker over the years.
After learning about “what is the make of a car”, you know that it affects your car’s value. And the car’s value affects the car’s insurance rates.
