Whether it’s getting to and from work or thinking of family trips to take with your teens, a car is essential for getting around and making life easier for everyone. This is why choosing a family car is so important, especially if your kids are getting old enough to drive.
With so many cars on the market today, it can feel a little too overwhelming to pick the perfect vehicle, so where do you begin? You probably don’t need a Tesla or Mercedes (at least not until your kids move out), so here are a few ideas and questions to consider when choosing a car that works for everyone.
Is There Enough Space for Everyone?
You should remember that you’ll need plenty of room for the whole family, and as your kids aren’t kids anymore, it is useful to get a vehicle that accommodates any growth spurts they and their friends have experienced over the past few years.
You can click here to find a larger car that is suitable for taller teens and adults, and it will make it easier for everyone to squeeze in. If you’ve got pets, they should also feel comfortable in the trunk, and it’s best to leave this open so they can join in on the fun.
Will Your Kids be Able to Drive it?
Most parents are happy to let their children drive their cars once they’re old enough, as it not only gives them some independence but also teaches them responsibility. But before you add your teen to the insurance, you’ll need to consider whether they’re able to drive it.
Most first cars for teens are small, older vehicles that are functional and easy to control. A family car is often a little different. It will boast more power and may be a little overwhelming for them. To avoid any issues, it’s better to pick a car with your child in mind, and they can even join you at the lot to see which style they prefer.
Does it Suit Your Living Situation?
When choosing the perfect family car, you should consider where you live. Whether it’s the city or the suburbs, you’ll need to select a vehicle based on this environment. You don’t need a huge, bulky car for city living, especially as most places are easy to get to via public transport.
However, if you’re living in the suburbs, it’s much more convenient to have a large car that offers a range of functions. This will make it easier to run errands, pick the kids up from high school or a friend’s house, and even help out other parents in dropping them off at practice or other activities.
Look for Plenty of Storage Space
Besides squeezing your kids and pets into the car, it’s also good to consider the storage potential. Larger cars always offer more space to put suitcases and sports equipment, and you might even find a car that comes with rooftop storage to improve the storage potential without cramming everything inside.
On the other hand, you’ll also need to look at your driveway, if you have one, that is. Your car might have plenty of space to keep everything you might need when out and about, but it can also be tricky to find a\ parking space, especially if you’re not the most confident parallel parker in the world. If you’re used to smaller cars, a larger vehicle can take some adjusting to.
Does it Offer Enough Flexibility?
A flexible car is much more appealing than one that you can only use for certain situations. If you and your family want to downsize your vehicles, you’ll need something that can do as much as you need without requiring an additional vehicle.
This means it should be as suitable for the school run as it is for groceries and going on vacation. The more the car can do, the more appealing it will be to all types of families that are looking for something functional. You may need to spend a little more initially, but it will eventually save you plenty of money in the long run.
What About Safety Features and Ratings?
You should never purchase a car without first considering the car’s safety ratings and any safety features. Modern vehicles come with a range of features that enhance safety for you and your family, and most include alerts and signaling that protect other cars, as well.
Do not ignore these features and ratings during your research as this could be the difference between finding the perfect car and one that doesn’t suit all of your needs. It will also keep your kids safe if they are driving it themselves, which will ensure the peace of mind you need when letting them go out on their own.
Is it Affordable?
Affordability is always an issue to consider when looking for an investment like a new car. Hopefully, you will have some money left over from selling your previous vehicle, which will put some cash towards it, but it isn’t the initial investment you should worry about.
You’ll also need to consider how cheap the car is to run and understand how easy repairs are. A recently developed used car is more appealing than a brand new one, as the repairs may not cost as much. However, you shouldn’t look for a car that’s too old, as this often comes with more repairs than you’d like to afford.
It’s also worth looking at the fuel efficiency, even if you’re only using it to drive to and from the store or work. The more fuel-efficient your car is, the less you’ll spend in the long run, but you’ll need to remind your kids not to overdo it on the gas pedal.
Take a Ride
A good quality car is crucial for getting your family from A to B, helping in emergencies, and even giving your teens a little freedom once they prove themselves. This is why it’s so crucial to choose a car that works for everyone and offers everything you and your family need from a vehicle whether you’re going to the store or planning a road trip that you’ll remember forever.
