Finding the Right Car for You and Your Family

If you’re in the market for a new family car, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. This is an incredibly competitive niche with just about every major motor manufacturer having something to offer. If this is the first family car you’re buying, then it’s easy to overlook some features that might later prove crucial. Let’s take a look at the factors you’ll want to consider.

Practicality

A family car should be practical above all things. It should provide enough space for everyone. If yours is a large family, then you’ll need an accordingly large vehicle. A family of four might be able to comfortably get by in a hatchback, but if you’re pushing further than that, you may look into an SUV. 

If you’ve got a family dog to transport, then having a dedicated space in the rear will help you to keep muddy pawprints away from the rest of the car.

Price

Your budget will play a huge role in determining what you can buy, and which aren’t feasible. But you shouldn’t be fatalistic about it. If you’re willing to shop around for a good deal, it might be that you can uncover a bargain. The used market tends to offer superior value for money. Just make sure that you’re inspecting the vehicle thoroughly and taking note of any minor defects that might give you grounds to push the price down.

Buying Options

For many families, buying outright isn’t an option. If you’re in this situation, then taking out a specialised loan for a car, or a long-term lease, might be tempting. For those whose income depends on a reliable vehicle, the financial benefits of getting a new family car sooner might be outweighed by the benefits of waiting and saving up.

Safety

Obviously, if you’re entrusting the safety of your family to this new purchase, then you’ll want to make sure that it’s up to the job. Modern cars are subject to a whole range of stringent safety tests. The standard for these tests is set by the Euro NCAP, whose safety ratings you can navigate. You might find some of the results surprising!

Fuel Economy

We’ve already mentioned price. But the up-front cost of a car doesn’t represent the entire cost of ownership. You’ll also have to think about things like tax, insurance and fuel economy. Look for the highest possible mpg rating, and make sure that you consider the distance that you’ll be driving every year. It might be that a more economical vehicle is worth paying a little more for.

Of course, there’s always the option of going for an electric car, and thereby enjoying far lower running costs. You’ll have an entirely new range of considerations to pore through if you go down this route, however.