Choosing the perfect family car is like walking a tightrope. There’s a very specific set of criteria you need it to meet. We all use our cars to taxi our children back and forth. We pack up the boot at weekends and we drive in and out of town during the week. Our family car has to be spacious, practical and reliable. Most important of all, it has to be safe. After all that, we want it to be cheap!
It’s a very difficult balance to find. Large, but practical. Reliable and safe, but on a budget. The good news is that there is a car out there for you family. With a little bit of searching, you can find the right answer. We’ve made a handy list of all the things to look out for. Remember, never rush into buying a new car. If you test drive it, take the kids with you. As you know, everything you buy needs the children’s seal of approval too!
Safety
There is nothing more important than safety when it comes to the family car. You can be as careful
as possible, but you can never predict the actions of others. Sometimes, the worst can happen. If it does, you need to know that you and your children are protected and safe. All cars now come with a Euro NCAP rating. This is the result of rigorous testing where the cars are put through collisions and crashes. Don’t settle for anything less than four stars. Look for cars with stability control, full airbags and sophisticated seatbelts. This is one area when you absolutely must not compromise.
Size
You’ll know that fitting a children’s car seat is a tricky business at the best of times! A bigger car with wide doors makes this process much easier. Raised ‘stadium seats’ are a good feature to look out for here. It helps you load the kids in and they sit a little higher than usual. That should take care of pesky car sickness! An extra line of seats is always handy if you can afford a 7 seater. Finally, you’ll need plenty of boot space.
Reliability and mileage
Time is precious when you have children. Every single day is hectic and relentless. A breakdown is the last thing you need during a busy day. When you buy your car, you need to know that you’re getting a reliable vehicle. You need to know that it will just keep on going. Good mileage is also a factor to look out for. The higher the miles per gallon, the less you’ll pay for fuel. Every penny counts when you’re looking after a family. You don’t want to spend it all on petrol.
What car?
So, let’s quickly look at some examples. The Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf are spacious, affordable and practical hatchbacks. If you’ve got a bigger family, take a look at the larger Audis at http://www.autohouse.co.uk/new-cars/audi. For some, a people carrier or SUV may be the only option. You can’t go wrong with the new Nissan Qashqai or the dependable Land Rover.
Use this list to narrow down your priorities before you start looking. Find the right balance for your everyday life and your family.
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