So, it’s time to put the days of impractical, two-seater convertibles behind you. When it comes to shopping for a family car, there are many considerations you need to take into account. Whether you’re doing the school run, embarking on a family camping trip or you simply want to make everyday life that little bit easier, having the right car can make all the difference. But with so much choice on offer, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you narrow down your options and find the perfect vehicle to suit your family’s needs, take a look at this simple guide.
Cost
As most cash-strapped parents will know, raising a family can leave you out of pocket, so getting a good deal on your new motor is likely to be at the top of your agenda. As well as the overall price of the car, you’ll want to make sure that it is economical to run by taking into account the cost of fuel, tax, maintenance and insurance. Luckily, there are now a range of family cars that are fuel efficient and fall into low tax bands, helping you to keep running costs down. Meanwhile, when searching for a car insurance company, you may benefit from enlisting the help of a broker to compare different quotes and help you find the most affordable policies.
Space
Space is another consideration that should be high on your checklist. If you have more than two kids, or you’re planning on having a large family in the future, you may want to think about getting a larger car with more room, such as a people carrier or 4×4. You’ll also need to check that the car has enough room to fit car and booster seats, as well as plenty of storage to house food, drinks and toys. Of course, boot space is another important factor to consider, especially if you regularly transport bulky items such as pushchairs, bikes, luggage and grocery shopping. Having back seats that can fold down or slide forward can be a lifesaver when you need to increase boot space.
Ease of access
To make life go a little bit smoother, make ease of access a top priority when purchasing a family car. Wide opening doors can make loading in your youngsters and their car seats much simpler. They can also come in useful if you regularly drive with members of family who are elderly or have limited mobility. Sliding doors, such as those found on mini vans and MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles), offer even more ease of access and can be particularly handy when getting everyone in and out of cramped spaces. You can also get raised rear seating in some models, which can make buckling in your kids less of a chore.
Child-friendly features
Then there’s a range of kid-friendly features to think about. Cup holders, power sockets, built-in sunblinds, UV-blocking rear windows and built-in entertainments systems can all come in useful for long journeys with your family. To protect your little ones, don’t forget child safety locks on rear doors either. When it comes to the upholstery, it’s a good idea to opt for a dark coloured interior as this will be much better at hiding the inevitable wear and tear. Leather is also a practical choice as spills can be cleaned easily.
By bearing points like these in mind, you should find the search for your ideal family car to be a straightforward and hassle-free process.
This is a collaborative post.
