If you look at your driveway only to see a bit of an old banger staring back at you, it might be time for a new set of wheels. While you may have opted for a sporty little number or a torque laden classic in the past, now that you have a young brood, you need something more practical. You may be tempted to go for a brand new car. However, the moment you drive this vehicle away from the forecourt, it will have depreciated dramatically in value. Instead, it’s time to consider a top quality used car. Take a look at this essential guide to family car buying.
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Economy
Now that you are a parent, you need to consider your budget and ability to maintain the running costs of your new car. The more expensive vehicles with larger engines can be more expensive to insure. However, if you go for a slightly smaller hatchback, you will have less of an outlay initially, and you won’t have to fork out too much each month for your insurance. If you are concerned about your tax obligations and the fuel economy of your new motor, you might be better off investigating hybrid vehicles. These cars are electric and require a recharge rather than gas. This means that they cost less to run each week, they are better for the environment and they require no tax.
Safety
As a new parent, you want to make sure that your children are safe and secure on every journey. Check out the Euro NCAP website to look at the safety review of the car you are looking to buy. The vehicles undergo rigorous testing and a final score is calculated. The site will also list the safety features of each car and their efficacy. At the very least, you should be purchasing a car that has blind spot sensors, an advanced braking system and side impact bars. It doesn’t matter what car you buy, you must always remain a defensive driver. You might be a cautious driver, but you cannot account for the actions of other road users.
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Practicalities
While a leather trim might be your dream, it might not be practical. If you do go for a car with a luxury interior, it might pay to whip on some neoprene rubber seat covers to protect your suede or light colored fabric from toddler fingers and spillages. You also need to consider whether there is any point in buying a small hatchback, if you are soon looking to move out into the country or you want to expand your brood. If this is the case, an SUV might be more apt. Consider the long term lifestyle of your family and buy a car that suits. If you do long journeys on the motorway an SUV that does at least forty miles to the gallon is a good shout. For inner city driving you will need a smaller, perkier car that will fit into the tightest of parking spots.
It can be tricky to find your next vehicle. However, follow this guide and you will find your ideal family car.
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