Points to Consider When Selecting a Family Car
Buying a car for your family is an important decision. Most importantly, the safety of your loved ones could depend on the kind of vehicle you choose. Additionally, selecting an applicable vehicle could save you money on fuel and repairs. Before you make a decision about which car to purchase, you may want to consider a few factors.
Family Size
One of the first variables you might want to consider is the size of your family. If you’ve recently married and don’t plan on having children for a few years, now might be the best time to purchase that little two-seater sports car. Once you have children, however, that Corvette Stingray you’ve been dreaming about may spend more time in your garage than on the road.
If you currently have a child or two and/or plan to have more, you might consider a minivan, such as a Nissan Quest. A minivan will provide plenty of room for the entire family, and the Quest has a modern look that may appeal to you. Another option is the Buick Enclave, which is a crossover/sports utility vehicle (SUV), a body style that some find more appealing than the minivan, and it offers three rows of seats.
Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
A top priority for many families is being as economical/eco-friendly as possible. According to DealFinder, a company that specializes in dealership marketing, one way to accomplish that goal is to select a car that is fuel-efficient. A hybrid vehicle, such as a Toyota Prius, runs on both electricity and gasoline, offsetting your carbon footprint and your costs at the pump. The Prius provides great fuel economy, and you can buy it for a competitive price. Other fuel-efficient vehicles include the Chevrolet Volt (another hybrid), the Ford Fiesta, and the Honda Civic.
Safety Features
Another major consideration when you have children is the safety features that a vehicle offers. This factor is very important, not only for the baby in the car seat but also for the teenager getting behind the wheel. When you’re shopping for a new family car, be sure to do some research on vehicles that have recently rated high in overall safety. The Honda Accord received at least one safety award in 2014, so it could be a viable option. This mid-size sedan was designed to reduce the impact of a crash from the front, and it also comes with traction control.
Another vehicle that has been awarded for safety is the Subaru Outback. According to DealFinder, a company that provides auto dealers with software solutions, this model of Subaru is equipped with multiple airbags, and it features cameras that monitor immediate traffic conditions. The Outback is also an all-wheel drive vehicle to ensure maximum safety.
Cargo Room
When you have a family, you carry a wide range of objects in your vehicle. From sports equipment to school projects to groceries to pet supplies, you’ll require plenty of cargo room, and that space should be easily accessed. The Toyota Highlander has a seat in the third row that can fold flat, so changing storage needs may be accommodated. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also provides an abundance of storage space, including several small compartments that can hold items like bottles, small toys, and schoolbooks.
Shopping for a new car should be fun, but choosing a family vehicle is also a serious responsibility. If you want to get the most from your family car, you’ll need to consider an assortment of factors. Fortunately, you can choose from a broad array of vehicles’ makes and models. One of them will perfectly suit your family’s lifestyle.