Getting ready to buy a new car for your family?
Whether you’re going to be using it just for school runs or need a long-range workhorse, there’s a lot to think about. You’ll need enough space for everyone and their bags, and you’ll also need to find a car that won’t let you down.
Here’s how to start your search with convenience and reliability in mind.
Understand your family’s needs
Think about how many people need to fit in your car.
If you’ve got more than two or three children, you’ll need a car with more than four passenger seats. Certain family cars come with the option of an extra two removable seats in the very back; other people carriers and minibuses offer seven or eight seats with extra luggage space too.
Think about practical features like ISOFIX attachments for child safety seats. Boot space is important, but it’s worth thinking about whether your family might value spacious head height and leg room too.
Prioritise safety features
You should make sure that the car offers all the latest safety features. Peace of mind is incredibly important, especially if you’re going to be driving with young children in the back.
You can check the latest Euro NCAP safety ratings while you’re still choosing between different models. It’s worth bearing in mind that some vehicle models might not have received a rating yet, while older cars might be using outdated features.
Nonetheless, you should try to strike a balance between overall safety and the type of features on the car. Some key contemporary features include automatic braking, lane assist technology, and collision detection.
Save on insurance
Don’t forget to do your research on insurance costs. With each car categorised according to insurance groups, you should think about factors like the size, power, specification and market value.
Typically, higher-powered cars will be in higher insurance groups and therefore cost you more to insure.
If you and your family own more than one car, you might benefit from a multi-car insurance policy to save some money and streamline your paperwork too. It’s always worth comparing policies to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Consider fuel economy
Running costs matter, especially if you’re hoping that your new car will last a few years for your family.
Think about the engine type that best suits you. If you’re going to be driving hundreds of miles on the motorway network, for example, a larger diesel engine could give you more miles per gallon.
Alternatively, electric or hybrid vehicles could be best suited to inner city driving, especially in Low Emission Zones across the country. Consider long-term savings you could make to offset a bigger price upfront.
From stylish saloons to sporty SUVs, choosing a family car involves much more than picking your favourite style of car. With these factors in mind, you’ll be on your way to finding a car that you’ll be thrilled with.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect family car is about more than just style-it’s about finding a reliable, safe, and practical vehicle that fits your family’s unique needs and lifestyle. By carefully considering space, safety features, insurance costs, and fuel economy, you can make a confident decision that will keep your loved ones comfortable and secure for years to come.
With thoughtful planning and research, your next family car will not only serve as a dependable workhorse but also as a source of enjoyment and peace of mind on every journey. Happy car hunting!
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