How to choose a car for the family

Choosing the right car for your family can be a daunting task. With so many models and options available, it’s important to consider your family’s needs and budget. Follow these tips to find the best family car for you.

Determine the priorities

Before shopping, make a list of your must-haves. How much cargo and passenger space do you require? What fuel economy or performance features are important? Rank these factors from most to least essential. Your top priorities will help guide your search.

For families, key factors often include roominess, comfort, safety ratings, and family-friendly features like automatic sliding doors. High mpg and low running costs are also appealing. Don’t forget about tech features that provide entertainment and convenience.

Consider new vs used

One of the first decisions is whether to buy new or used. Each option has pros and cons.

New cars offer the latest styles, tech, and safety advances. You can often customise features and colours. Warranties and incentives like 0% financing sweeten the deal. However, new cars depreciate quickly and carry higher monthly payments.

For buyers on a budget, used cars can make more financial sense. In fact, many dealerships, such as Bob Davies Car Sales, provide value and reliability at a fraction of the original price.

These dealerships often have a wide selection of well-maintained vehicles to choose from. Bob Davies provides a variety of used cars in Wales, including used cars in Newport as well as surrounding areas such as Cwmbran, Cardiff, and Tredegar.

The major drawback of buying used is the uncertainty around how the previous owner maintained the vehicle. To mitigate this risk, be sure to get a thorough inspection and history report, which reputable used car dealerships in Newport should be able to provide.

Define the budget

Set a comfortable monthly payment limit before visiting dealers. Get pre-approved for financing so you know what price range is affordable.

New cars often require higher monthly payments. With used cars, you may pay outright or finance a smaller amount. Just remember to budget for insurance, fuel, maintenance, and taxes.

Test drive top contenders

Once you’ve narrowed down your options on paper, it’s time to hit the road. Test drive your top three vehicles, paying attention to comfort, visibility, tech interfaces, and how the car handles. Bring the entire family so you can gauge passenger and cargo space.

Don’t feel pressured by salespeople. Take your time assessing each vehicle during lengthy test drives. Rushing this step could mean being stuck with a car that disappoints.

Compare safety ratings

Safety is paramount when transporting precious cargo like children. Compare crash test ratings from sources like Euro NCAP. Avoid models that score less than 4 out of 5 stars.

Key safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability/traction control, air bags, and high-strength steel construction. Driver assistance tech like backup cameras and proximity sensors also boost safety.

Ask about family perks

Many automakers offer incentives to make buying and owning a car more affordable for families. Ask dealers about family discounts, bonus cash for college graduates, and attractive financing rates for buyers with children.

After purchase, enquire about complimentary maintenance plans, roadside assistance programmes, and extras like free car washes. Taking advantage of these family perks can save you money down the road.

Finding the right wheels for your crew takes time and research. Focus on your family’s needs, weigh all options, and take test drives. Considering used car dealer offers can maximise value. With the tips above, you’ll be cruising in your perfect family vehicle in no time.

The editorial unit