Choosing the right car for your family

That’s right, the time has come to admit defeat and choose your first family car. While you might think you can get away with your current vehicle, the chances are that it’s going to be nowhere near big enough for your growing family. Family cars are more practical, they’re often larger and come equipped with various safety features designed to keep your family safe on the road.

Need help making the right decision? Here are some tips for choosing the right car for your family.

FIRSTLY, THERE ISN’T ONE FAMILY CAR FOR ALL

Before you let anybody’s opinion sway you this way or that way, it’s important to remember that there isn’t one single choice of family car that’s right for everyone. Different families have different needs, which can change over time. Keep an open mind over the sort of car you’re open to for your family, as many different car manufacturers will have vehicles that they deem suitable as family cars. Do a bit of research and try not to let anyone sway you one way or the other when choosing the right car for you.

BUDGET SHOULD BE ONE OF YOUR MOST IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

A car is an expensive purchase and one you’ll need to consider carefully before you go ahead. Having a clear budget in mind before you start shopping around will give you a realistic expectation of what you can afford, and stops you looking at dream cars that are way out of your price range. Remember that there are different options for financing a car, so you might have some flexibility in regards to choosing the car you want. A nice, flashy car might be good to have, but is it worth struggling from month to month just to make the repayments?

Who said family cars can’t be stylish?

There’s a common misconception that family cars are boxy, unattractive, and are built for convenience over style. However, cars like the new Honda 7 seat SUV range feature the benefits of a family car, without compromising on style. With enough room for 7 and even 8 seats, there’ll be room for the kids, their cousins, and the dog too!

CHOOSE A FAMILY CAR THAT MAKES LIFE EASIER

After getting a family car, you’ll soon wonder what you ever did without one. Make sure that you choose a car with big rear doors that make helping children in and out of the car (car seat or no car seat) easy to do. It might help to take the car seat and your child with you when browsing cars to give you an idea of how practical it is. Meanwhile, choosing a multi-seater vehicle can be great, providing that it’s simple to reconfigure the seating as required. Make a wish list of all the things you want your family car to do to make it easier for you to find the right car for your family.

IS IT SUITABLE FOR LONG DRIVES?

Family road trips are a fun way to go on vacation, but the wrong car can make the journey a miserable one. While a family car needs to be practical, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be comfortable. When it comes to negotiating to buy your car, see which extras your dealer can include. You might not think they’re worth the money now, but those cup holders and in-car entertainment systems could be just what you need when the ‘are we there yet’ cries start an hour into your journey!

ARE ITS SAFETY FEATURES UP TO SCRATCH?

Choosing a vehicle that is safe should be the most important consideration for you and your family. The in-built safety features that are available with cars today are incredible, and are often worth spending a little more on to give you that assurance. When researching vehicles, check their safety record and features – most high-quality cars will be quick to show off this information in their specifications. Ultimately, the safety of your car rests in your driving and attention to detail, so familiarise yourself with important car safety tips. A fast car may be cool, but it’s not necessarily the best choice for you and your family.

Choosing the right car for your family is an important task, and not one to be entered into lightly. Conduct your research carefully, do test drives and consider all of the options. Once you’ve got your first family car, you’ll come to realize the difference it makes. You won’t miss your old car as much as you might think, and instead, you’ll have a car that the whole family will love making memories in.


Photo Credit: Lexus

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