Everything to Consider When Buying a Family Car

All opinions are mine and mine alone.

You might be happy with your little car getting you around town, to the store, and perhaps over to your parents’ place for Sunday dinner, but once you start to build a family, there is no way you’re going to be able to cram everyone inside, plus their luggage. This is something that many new families experience, and while it can be a challenge to say goodbye to your trusty (and rusty) old ride, finding a family car is essential for comfort and convenience. 

But if you’ve never considered a family car before, where do you start? Previously, you’ve focused solely on something that looks good and is mostly reliable. You’ve no idea about safety for toddlers and infants; you’re not even entirely sure how to install a car seat. Still, a family car is the next step in your relationship with adulthood, and to make your decision easier, here is everything to consider when buying a family car. 

Your Budget

The first thing you and your partner should sit down and discuss, even before picking out which make and model would be perfect for cruising along the coastline driving, is your budget. 

You may have an idea of how much you can afford; however, it’s always best to put as much of this budget down on paper to be as detailed as possible. You can also consider how much your current car is worth and whether it makes sense to sell it (if possible) to put you in a better financial position when it comes to getting your new car. 

The budget doesn’t stop with the purchase of the car, though. You’ll need to consider gas, tax, and if you’re purchasing a used car, you may need to think about potential repairs before it is safe to drive. This is vital, as even though you are sure you need a new car, it’s not worth putting the budget in danger to make it happen. 

The Fuel Type

Whether it’s petrol, diesel, or renewable fuel sources, it’s worth considering how you will use your car, as well as the potential impact that it could have on the environment. 

Petrol is the most common fuel type, and this means it’s easy to find should you need it. However, diesel offers more power and mileage, which is ideal for those who are planning to travel far. There are also electric cars to think about, but if you do not already own an electric vehicle, you’ll need to modify your garage or driveway to charge it. 

For smaller journeys, petrol is undoubtedly the best option and suitable for quick school runs and the occasional drive to the airport for vacations. However, everyone has a preference, so this is up to you. 

How Many Seats? How Much Room?

The number of seats will depend on the size of your family and how old your kids are but also how often you spend time with other relatives, especially your parents. 

A spacious car with plenty of seats ensures comfort and the ability to pack it full of luggage for family vacations. Furthermore, you may be able to make adjustments to the car if necessary, as you can find with Motability Cars that help disabled users live a more independent life. 

If you’re planning on growing your family and having more kids, you might want to accommodate for this early on to save you investing in another new car in a few years. Similarly, any pets you have will need somewhere to sit when they take a ride with you. 

Safety First 

When it comes to owning a family car, you must always think about safety. Unfortunately, your days of driving carelessly through the empty streets are over, so now it’s vital to think about how your family car will keep you, your partner, and your family safe and secure. 

Regardless of whether the car is a brand new model or a used but reliable vehicle, make sure to check the safety features, including airbag location and ABS. These are typical in every car, so it’s also worth thinking about maximum speed and steering control. 

More modern cars will have better safety features, but if these are out of your budget, even cars from five or even ten years ago are designed to ensure your safety, and as you’ll be driving with kids in the back, you’re sure to take care when on the road, anyway.

The Financing Sequence

Sometimes, you’re not able to purchase a car outright, which is why financing is a useful tool that allows you to pay off the car across a set amount of time. If your budget won’t allow for you to buy a family car, but you need one for running errands, getting to work, and more, then it’s worth considering the financing sequence to help you out. 

Hire purchases are useful for this, and they often come with manageable monthly payments to secure it for you for the duration. Of course, if even this isn’t possible, then you will need to save up for a few months until you are in a stable financial position to finance the car. At the end of your contract, you can keep or return the car, depending on your needs. 

The Options Available

You may have your eyes on a car already, but doing this might mean you miss excellent deals that other models offer. 

Both you and your partner should do as much research as possible to determine which make and model is perfect for your needs. Doing this can help you truly understand precisely what your family needs in a car, and being able to compare a variety of options will allow you to make an informed and successful decision. 

Much like the type of fuel and safety features, you can decide which kind of car is right for your lifestyle and any other demands your family might have. Yes, doing research might take longer, but it will also make you more confident in your final decision. 

The History and Condition

Even if you find your dream family car, it still may not be ideal for you, especially if it has a history of breaking down or isn’t even in a drivable condition when you come to view it. 

To get a full idea of how the car performs, ask the seller if the servicing is up to date. Most reputable sellers will be happy to share this information with you, but if they seem resistant to giving you the information, consider this a red flag. 

It may also be useful to go about a history check yourself, as this can uncover any problems that may not be clear during a test drive, but will definitely come up when you’re already halfway home. 

How It Looks Inside

You’re going to spend a lot of time in this car, so the interior is, arguably, more important than the exterior. Consider the placement of instruments, the style of the dashboard, and storage space, cup holders, or the size of the glovebox. 

The interior is not too important for individuals, but for family cars, it’s crucial. You need your kids to have something to hold their drinks or store their snacks for long journeys. It would help if you also thought about the trim, as we all know how messy young kids can be. 

If you can envision spilled juice or dropped crumbs (among other things) a fabric interior may not be the best, but it could be better for comfort during both hot and cold months. 

Any Extras?

Extras are not part of the car as standard for a reason. They are extras, luxuries, things that would be nice to have but won’t affect how the car runs. Still, with family cars, some extras are more important than others. 

One key thing for many families (those who can afford it, anyway) is an entertainment system to keep the kids occupied on long drives. The same can be said about roof racks or air conditioning to make the journey more comfortable. 

You’ll find these extras more commonly with new models, but while you may need to pay more upfront, you can at least get a car that meets your needs exactly. 

The Visibility Factor

No considerations for a family car would be complete without thinking about the visibility factor. You need to be able to see all the mirrors and have a minimal number of blind spots. 

These won’t just increase satisfaction when driving, but also comfort and safety, and as you already know, the safety of your family is vital whenever choosing your first family car. 

Room For One More?

As with anything to do with your family, you need to make sacrifices so that they are comfortable and you can give them the experiences that your parents gave you. One of these experiences is things such as family vacations, driving to and from school and sports practice, and making pizza runs when the power has gone out. Without a family car, these things become almost impossible. So, you must find the perfect family car for your needs now, and your needs for the future.