So, you’re about to buy a car for your growing family. How exciting! Shopping for a new vehicle is probably one of the most memorable things you’ll ever experience. It’s hard to resist that intoxicating smell of a brand new car. It gets even more exciting when you start making travel plans with your family.
After all the hard work you’ve put in doing research on things like the model and make of your future family vehicle and searching diligently where to apply for car loans in Melbourne, you’re finally ready to take the next step.
Now before you get carried away with all the excitement, remember that buying a family car is a huge commitment and investment that should not be taken lightly. So, to help ensure you don’t overlook the crucial aspects of buying the right family vehicle, check out these quick tips listed below.
Vehicle safety.
Back in the day when you were single, it’s okay to be a bit selfish when it comes to choosing a car. But now that you’re a parent and will be driving around with children in tow, nothing is more important than your family’s safety.
The good news is most modern cars are relatively safe. But it’s still a good idea to check the car’s safety ratings. Fortunately, that’s easy and quick to do some research online. Just visit sites like safercar.gov and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash safety ratings.
Moreover, you should also research about the various vehicle safety features available in today’s modern vehicles, such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, among others.
Vehicle size.
While it’s hard to predict the future, you should at least try to anticipate how many passengers you’re likely to have. If you plan to have a big family, then you should buy a car that can accommodate every member of your family.
This may also include having some relatives dropping by occasionally, and if you intend to have pets, like large dogs, you should also consider them as well.
Babies are small and, naturally, don’t require much space. However, you should also have a clear idea of how much space you’ll need for things like strollers, diaper bags, and other items for your baby.
Vehicle type.
Most car buyers with children will look at minivans, SUVs, or similar types that some might refer to as a mum van. While those people mover type cars may not be as cool as the car you used to drive back in the day, choosing the right type of vehicle is crucial. So, think carefully about how you’re planning to use your new ride.
Are you planning to go on road trips often and go camping? Then a big SUV may be more suitable for you. Do you need a reliable set of wheels to drive your kids to school and yourself to the office? Then maybe a zippy family sedan will be enough for your lifestyle.
Car seat.
While this tip may seem counter intuitive, buying a car seat first will save you a lot of trouble. Most car owners, unfortunately, overlook the installation of a car seat.
So, if you want to make sure how easy or hard it is to install a car seat, bring it along with you. Also, be sure to check the vehicle’s LATCH system.
Another tip is to bring your children with you to the dealership. Have them sit in the car and see how comfortable they are.
Test drive.
Make the most out of test driving your car. Ask the car salesperson if you can take it at home. It’s within reason to see if the car will fit nicely inside your garage. And if the dealership is intent to sell you the car, it’s more likely that they will allow you to test drive the car as much as you want.
Don’t rush.
Buying a car is a huge purchase. So, make sure you take your time. Determine if the car you’re eyeing will accommodate all your family’s needs. And lastly, enjoy the entire car buying experience with your family. With these tips, we hope they help you find the best family car, and you enjoy driving it for many years to come.
Did you buy a family car recently? If so, what things did you consider before making the purchase? We’d love to hear them. Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment.