Have you been thinking of changing your car because you’re expecting your first, second, or maybe fourth child? When your family starts to grow, you have big choices to make and one of them is upsizing your vehicle. A small hatchback or sports car might have been convenient for you and your partner, but it becomes less comfortable if you tag along with kids. The obvious choice you have is switching to a family car. According to Allied Market Research, a family car is designed for the transportation needs of a family. Its thoughtful features place wellbeing, adaptability, and convenience of passengers first. If you think of it, when riding with your kid or children, safety, space, and functionality become priorities. Of course, costs and future transportation needs of your loved ones must be factored in when shopping for family cars. Below, we’ll explore tips for changing your car when you have a growing family.
Assess Your Family’s Travel Needs
Who doesn’t want to drive off in the most attractive vehicle at the showroom? This move seems okay until you find out the car has fewer passenger seats. Or the boot is too small to fit a pram. So, before you pick a car, figure out what your family’s transportation needs are. Ask yourself how many kids you have and if you plan to add more soon? Does your family enjoy traveling with pets or transport heavy sports gear when road tripping? Will you need to install car seats or space for carrying prams? How many miles does your family travel daily and how often do you do road trips? When you understand your family’s transport needs, you can narrow down your options and save time shopping for a vehicle. For example, knowing the number of children you plan to have can help determine the perfect car size for your family.
Research Your Vehicle Options
SUVs, station wagons, vans and minivans are designed for family travel. But how do you know which one matches the specific needs of your growing family? Research. The internet is a convenient place to search for cars. In fact, 48% of consumers research vehicles online. The benefit of online research is you get to evaluate specifications of different car models. This includes the number of seats and doors, safety features, fuel economy, and pricing.
For example, say you want to choose between an SUV and minivan. You can check the varying features of each car online on auto websites dedicated to providing valuable info about vehicles. Renowned car websites also offer consumer reviews on top-rated vans and minivans, SUVs, and sedans. Vehicle ratings based on customer experience give you insights into how your desired family car performs on the road. By assessing combined MPG (miles per gallon) ratings, engine power, comfort levels, and safety of various models, you can decide which vehicle suits your family best.
Make A Budget
You know your family’s travel needs and have a list of car models that could be your next ride. It’s time to determine what amount your family can spend on a new car. Many car buyers budget for the purchase price only. Don’t make this mistake because the cost of being a vehicle owner goes beyond the buying fee. There are monthly costs of gas, insurance, maintenance, taxes, and loan repayment if you choose to finance your purchase.
When you add all these monthly expenses, car ownership will cost you $12,182 for a year, based on recent data. Something else you must consider when budgeting for your family car purchase is whether you’re going for a brand new model or a used one (second hand). At this point, you’ll have to play the balancing game. This entails comparing the prices of used and new cars, their reliability, interior space, and other features you need to make family drives comfy and safe.
Explore Car Features
Think carefully about what you want in a car because the elements you prioritize will affect safety and comfort. That said, look for safety features like child lock on windows and doors, 3-point seatbelts, and multiple airbags. It’s also crucial to have advanced safety components, such as an anti-lock braking system, reverse parking cameras and sensors, and electronic stability control. Don’t forget entertainment features to make long-distance drives enjoyable.
For example, having in-built Wi-Fi with entertainment streaming services and rear-seat DVD systems helps keep the kids occupied, thus avoiding the never-ending ‘are we there yet’. Another feature that’s often overlooked is accessibility or easy-open doors. It will be easier for young children, elderly family members, or pets to get in and out of the car when it has sliding or wide-open doors. The boot space should also be spacious to fit a pram and crate for your pet.
You want to change your vehicle to match the growing needs of your family. Any parent will tell you the process is not straightforward. There are lots of questions you need to ask yourself before making a final decision. Think about how your family loves to travel. How many passenger seats do you need? What about the boot space for prams, luggage, or even pet carriers? Safety features, entertainment, and costs are other crucial aspects that affect your choices.
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