If you’re in the market for a new car, there’s no denying that it’s an exciting time. Yet before you take the plunge and splash out on an impractical sports car full of flashy gadgets, it’s important to think about what car best meets the needs of the whole family.
A family car needs to be able to cope with teenage school runs, ferrying the children to and from various clubs and of course the weekly shop!
If that seems like a lot to remember, don’t panic! To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together some of the things you’ll need to consider when buying a family car.
-
Reliability
There’s nothing more annoying than breaking down on the way back from your weekly shop with a boot full of food, so you’ll want to ensure the car that you choose is reliable and trustworthy. As well as being inconvenient, constantly paying to have your car repaired can wreak havoc on your bank account. And with one in five families making cutbacks as living costs rise, it’s safe to say that’s not a cost that any family needs!
As well as being reliable, you should look for a family car that has low running costs and is economical. With oil and petrol costs rising, it’s important to look for a car that won’t cost you the earth when you’re ferrying your family back and forth.
If you’re looking for a compact family car that comes up trumps in the reliability department, the Ford Focus is a reliable car with tyres that are affordable to replace.
-
Seating
Whether you’ve got a newborn, toddlers or teenagers – it’s important to find a car that has enough space for the whole family. When choosing your car, think about how many people you’ll need it to fit. Can you make do with five seats, or do you need a people carrier?
If you have young children that still use a car seat, it’s a good idea to ensure you can fit each car seat comfortably in the back.
-
Easy access
Although sporty three-door cars may look good, they are a logistical nightmare when you’re loading your children into the car! When choosing your next family vehicle, it’s important to choose a car with five wide opening doors. You’ll also want to consider how high the car is. If you find yourself constantly bending over or reaching up to put the little ones in, you might regret not paying more attention to the car’s height at the showroom.
-
Boot space
Whether you need a boot large enough to fit five suitcases or simply one that’s big enough for the weekly shop, boot space is an important aspect to consider. If you have young children, you’ll also need to ensure the pram fits comfortably in the boot.
-
Easy parking
Although you may be drawn to the biggest, most spacious car on the market, it’s important to make sure that you can park your family car! If you end up with one that’s too big, you might find that it’s a nightmare for both passengers and drivers.
The bottom line…
With so many cars out there, it can be hard making the right decision. However, by using our guide, you’ll be well on your way to choosing a car that’s right for the whole family.
