If you’re someone who has to drive back and forth to work every day, you’re not alone. This happens to a lot of people. It can be especially problematic if you have to drive a very far distance or in a lot of traffic. For your peace of mind (and less stress, to boot) you should buy a car that will help make your commute as easy as possible. The car you buy should also be within your budget, of course.

When you purchase your next car, consider the following features; these should make you much more comfortable on your long commute and provide you with the least expensive form of private transportation possible:

Transmission: What type of transmission do you want? This can be very important as you commute. If you drive long distances or if you have to deal with heavy traffic, having to change gears or worry about clutch maneuvers can be an unnecessary stress for you. With automatic transmission, these problems are no more. With stop and go traffic, you won’t have to change gears continually. Therefore, consider buying a car with automatic transmission when you shop for your next car.

Stereo mounted on your steering wheel: You can have stereo controls mounted directly on your steering wheel these days. When you want to adjust sound or change stations, these can be very handy. You don’t have to take your eyes off the road, so the less distracted when writing and thus are a safer driver. Ask your dealer about having stereo controls mounted in your steering wheel.

Gas mileage: One of the most important things that will impact your daily drive is the price you pay for gas. Therefore, gas mileage on your car is going to make a big impact on how much you’ll spend over time to manage that commute. Since gas prices are on the rise, your gas mileage will be an important factor. You should be able to make your daily commute and still have the amount you spend on gas stay reasonable. Make sure the car you buy has good fuel consumption.

Storage and cup holders: If you’re someone who has a cup of coffee on the way to work in the morning, make sure the car has conveniently installed cupholders. You need to have someplace convenient to put your coffee while you’re driving, so that you don’t spill it and can get out of your hands when you need to. You should also make sure to have room for anything extra, such as spare change, your parking ID, and so on. These types of extra amenities can make all the difference in terms of having a comfortable commute.

Noise reduction and good suspension for an easy ride: If your ride is noisy or very bumpy, this can be very annoying, and it can make long commutes torturous. If your car is able to give you a quiet and smooth ride, this will make your long drive much more comfortable. If your ride is particularly loud or bumpy, this can be a huge problem. When you test drive a new car, make sure you pay attention to the noise and the ride before you buy.

Electrical power points: Like many drivers, you probably have more than one electronic device that you take with you to work. If you need them to be operational while you’re driving, make sure that your car can handle all of this. For example, if you use a phone and perhaps computer while you drive, you’ll want a car that has enough power points to handle these things. Having power for all of your operational devices can make your drive more convenient and also safer.

The seats: Perhaps the most important but least considered feature of a new car are the seats it has. Make sure the seats of the car you’re considering have enough cushioning, and are comfortable to sit in. Make sure you can adjust them comfortably to fit you perfectly. They should also have adequate lumbar support. Some seats also have extra features such as extra heat, which can greatly increase your comfort in cold months. It can also help if you have a bad back so that the heat can provide soothing relief.

When you test drive your vehicle, make sure you take all of these features into account. Features can make all the difference between a car you’ll love and a car you’ll simply tolerate. You may regret it if you don’t take these into consideration before you buy.