Choosing the Perfect Family Car
*a guest post
Whether it’s dirty soccer kits in the trunk, backseat snacks or a family vacation, there’s no denying your car has a lot to deal with! In this guide we take a look at everything you should look for in your next vehicle. From fuel economy to practicality and safety ratings, there are many things to consider before handing any money over.
The team at PassSmart.com have come up with a few simple pointers to help you make the best decision on your next family vehicle.
Fuel economy
It may not be the first thing you think about when shopping for a new car, but fuel economy is a really important factor. Choosing a car with good fuel economy not only helps you to save money at the pumps, but it will also reduce your carbon footprint. In the age of the electric car, many car engines are now being built with eco-friendly technology, so you might want to weigh up the pros and cons of going for an eco-friendly vehicle.
Reliability
No one wants to be stranded at the side of the road with the kids in tow, so make sure the car you go for has a reputation for being reliable. Read reviews online and ask friends and family for recommendations. It might be worth spending a little extra on buying your car from a dealer to make sure it comes with a warranty, as you don’t want to be shelling out extra if something goes wrong.
photo attributed to Satish Krishnamurthy at Flickr
Space
The size of your car depends on the size of your brood, but having enough space to accommodate the kids, their friends, the groceries, plus everything else is essential. Don’t just look under the bonnet when car buying; take a look inside too. You might even want to get the kids to jump in the back to test it out!
Take a look at the size of the trunk and think about how much space you really need. Try not to compromise space for price because it might make things more stressful in the long run. It’s also, of course, important to think about whether any new arrivals will be joining your family in the future!
Safety
Safety is very important when it comes to choosing a car, so check out safety ratings for the make, model and year of any car you consider buying. You should also check everything is in order with the specific vehicle you’re thinking about buying, so ask someone who knows their way around an engine to take a look.
It’s also worth doing a quick vehicle history check online to see whether the car has ever been in an accident or been recalled. This will cost you a few extra dollars, but it’s better to be on the safe side when making such an important purchase.
The team at PassSmart wish you safe and stress-free family travels!
*thank you for this guest post. I agree with it all!