How to choose the best family car to buy
Content
Whether you want to start a family or have a family of kids who need to be transported every day, families around the world have more car buying options than ever before. From station wagons to SUVs, it seems like more and more cars…
Whether you want to start a family or have a family of kids who need to be transported every day, families around the world have more car buying options than ever before. From station wagons to SUVs, it seems more and more vehicles are offering family-friendly options like extra storage space, rear-seat DVD players, and extra safety features. This article will cover all the options, from safety to capacity, to consider when choosing the best car for your family.
Part 1 of 3: Do your financial homework
Before you set foot in a car dealership, you should make an effort to fully explore what features you want from a family car and which models are best for you. Use the steps below as a guide for your research.
Step 1. Determine your budget. Determining your budget is the most important part of preparing for effective car buying research.
Step 2: Decide on a down payment. Determine how much of a down payment you can afford financially.
You need to seriously consider how long you want to make payments before the car is truly "yours" and what type of auto financing you are eligible for.
- FunctionsA: Use the car payment calculator if you need help deciding what payments you can afford.
Step 3: Set car payment options. Make an informed decision about how much you can really afford to pay monthly for your car.
Be sure to find out how long you would like to be in debt before the car is 100% "your". If you need help making this decision, please contact your accountant or auto finance specialist.
Step 4: Explore "new" and "used" options. Most major car dealerships offer a selection of both "new" and "used" (or "used") models.
If you are not sure which option to choose, conduct an online search for "used" cars for sale according to your budget and compare the results with searching for "new" cars for sale with your budget.
Take a look at the difference in quality between search results and make an informed decision either way.
If you're looking for a specific make or model, it would be wise to consider a used car, especially if you can't afford a new model.
- Attention: If you prefer cars without previous owners, you might want to consider adjusting your budget to afford a newer modern family car.
Part 2 of 3: Prioritize Family Car Features
For some families, the number and quality of seats in the car is the deciding factor. For others, cars with higher safety ratings or consumer reviews are always at the top of the pile. Follow the steps below to explore and prioritize vehicle features that best suit your family's needs.
Step 1. Consider vehicle users. Before you run out and head to the dealership, consider who will be driving and driving your potential new car at the same time.
As a driver, you must consider: Will your spouse be using the car? If you have teenagers, will they use it too?
As for passengers: will you have children who need extra space for the car and extra seats? How many seats do you need to regularly fit your entire family in one car?
- Functions: If you will have children or normal passengers in the back seat, you should make sure your potential new car model is equipped with side airbags, ensuring that children in booster seats or car seats do not sit next to these airbags.
Step 2. Consider the size of the car.
Smaller families of 2-5 may consider a small family car such as a sedan. On the other hand, large families or 5 or more people will want to consider vehicles with appropriate seats, such as an SUV, minivan, or station wagon.
- Functions: If adults or older children will be riding in the back seat, you should take the whole family with you for a test drive at a car dealership to make sure everyone can fit comfortably.
Step 3: Consider the interior of a car**. If you're worried about clutter, then choosing an interior that's right for it is a good idea.
If your family has small children, ease of care is a must. Leather seats, unlike fabric ones, are perfect for cleaning up the mess. Leather and other smooth materials are perfect for the interiors of family cars, as are cleaning wipes on the road.
- Functions: When choosing the color of interior materials and seats, choose darker colors and shades. This will allow the small spots to blend in and not be as noticeable.
Step 4: Take care of security. Search the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, is responsible for issuing comprehensive 5-star ratings for every vehicle in the US market.
To find car model ratings, go to Safercar.gov and click on the "5-Star Safety Rating" tab to start your search. The more stars a car has, the safer it is!
- Functions: Safercar.gov can also provide you with rollover statistics and research on other safety features a vehicle may have, including child safety, airbags, technology, and tires. This is an invaluable statistic, especially if you're choosing between specific models.
Step 5: Consider Additional Vehicle Features. From flowers to coasters, small details can make or break your family's impressions of your future car.
Are you looking for a car that has fun for your kids? Would you like your car to be equipped with a satellite radio or DVD player to keep everyone busy? Think about the features that will allow your family to get the most out of the vehicle.
Step 6: Finalize Your Vehicle Features Prioritization. From safety to size and all the little details, decide which features your family thinks are most important.
Discuss this with other potential car users and make a final list.
Part 3 of 3. Car review and comparison
Step 1. Study car models.. Once you've narrowed down your options by prioritizing yours, you'll want to look into specific car models.
Step 2: Read reviews. Read all the reviews, ratings and comparisons you can find with a simple online search using one of the sites or magazines below:
- Consumer Reports
- Edmunds.com
- Car and driver
- Motor Trend
It is a good idea to gather as much information as possible about each model you are considering before purchasing. This way you can make an informed decision and buy the best car for your family, and the right family car will make your trip perfect for you and your family. Be sure to ask one of our certified mechanics for a pre-purchase inspection to make sure everything is in order with the car you want.
