Choosing a family vehicle can be a fun experience for the whole family. But when you choose that family vehicle, it’s important that you make sure it will be the top family car for accommodating your whole family. There are many different choices when it comes to family vehicles, and each vehicle has different plusses and minuses for your family. The choice of the best family car depends on various factors such as your budget, preferences, and specific needs. If you’re in the market for a new family car, check out these things you should consider when picking out your top family vehicle.
How To Choose The Best Family Car
Consider Vehicle Size
The size of your new family car should be something that’s of upmost importance. Will a sedan work for your family, or will that sedan become too small when your family adds another member in a few years? Do you carpool or can you make do with less seating for better gas mileage? If your family goes camping a lot, or takes vacations by car with lots of baggage, that is something to consider. A great thing to consider as a family car is a minivan or conversion van because it will fit all of your family and have plenty of room for friends and extended family. Some popular options for family cars include:
Minivans
Minivans are a practical vehicle option for busy, active families who need large cargo space for travel and sports activities as well as seating for a larger family. A minivan can make getting in and out for children much easier and lower windows mean kids are more likely to look out the windows than argue with siblings. With their reputable safety standards, minivans provide affordable car insurance over SUV’s and trucks.
Sedans
Sedans and smaller compact vehicles are a great choice if you have a small family and do not have a need for large cargo space. Compact sedans are also easier on the budget as they tend to be cheaper than larger vehicles and have better fuel economy. Some families prefer midsize or large sedans for their fuel efficiency and smooth handling. Models like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are known for reliability.
You may wish to read my review of the compact sedan, Kia Rio.
SUV and Crew Cab Trucks
If storage, hauling and performance are a priority than SUV’s and crew cab trucks may be the way to go. Getting in and out of these larger vehicles are easier for older children. SUV’s and trucks are also a respectable option if you have a short commute and do not have to deal with traffic since fuel economy will not be as forgiving as minivans, compacts, or sedans. SUVs are often a good choice if you have family pets as they can ride in the hatch back part. If you are in the market for an affordable SUV, you may wish to read my review of the Kia Soul.
Crossovers
Crossover vehicles blend the features of SUVs and sedans, providing a comfortable ride with decent cargo space. Popular choices include the Subaru Outback and Honda CR-V.
Consider Safety Features and Rating
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles crashes across the country every day. That’s why it’s absolutely imperative that your next family vehicle is the best in its class in safety.
Make sure that your top family car has airbags all around, including side airbags. Many cars now have additional safety features, like doors that won’t pop off during rollovers and automatic 911 dialing in case of an accident. Child safety locks are also another thing that your family car should have if you’ve got young children. Make sure your next car is the safest it can be, so you and your family never become a statistic.
Luxury Vehicle Features
The features in the family vehicle are important both for the kids and for the adults. Old, outdated cars with no great features will have your kids complaining even on short trips to the grocery store.
For one, a DVD player in the backseat is a great way to keep your kids happy and quiet on a long ride to the grandparent’s house. For the parents, a nice sound system with satellite radio is a great thing to have in the family car, so you can listen to sports, music, or comedy while the kids are plugged in to the TV in the back. Many cars nowadays even have mini-fridges in the center console, minimizing the amount of stops you’ll take when the kids complain about being hungry or thirsty!
Automobile Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency should definitely be something you consider when it comes to picking out the top family car for you, because it means you’ll be spending less on gas. There a lot fuel efficient choices on the market these days ranging from hybrid vehicles to electric and eco-boost.
Towing Capacity
You may want to have a car that can haul a boat or a trailer, in this case you will want to consider that as it will narrow your options.
Family Car Questions
Here are some questions to ask yourself in order to help determine your priorities when choosing a car:
- Do you sit in traffic or have a lengthy commute? Gas mileage will be important in this case.
- Do you have a large family? If you have more than 5 in your family, you will have to opt for a van, minivan or large SUV.
- Do you need a lot of cargo space on a regular basis?
- Is fuel economy a priority? You may want to consider a hybrid vehicle.
- Do you have any other cars or is this your sole vehicle? In which case it must meed all your various needs.
Answer these crucial questions and buying your next family car becomes easier.
Conclusion
Consider factors such as safety ratings, fuel efficiency, interior space, and features like advanced safety technology when making your decision. It’s also helpful to test drive a few options to see which one suits your family’s needs and preferences the best. Buying a new or used vehicle is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult one. The most important car factors to consider are reliability, safety, daily routine, and budget. These are some things to consider to help you chose the best type of car for your family.
Before you purchase a vehicle it is wise to consider Total Cost of Ownership, including cost of the vehicle, fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Check with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for rating reports on any vehicle that interests you. I hope this helps you select the type of car that is best for your family. I hope these family car buying tips help you when you pick out just the right car for your needs. What is the main feature you are looking for in your top family car?
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Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I’m very happy with my Honda CRV, but my sister just got a Honda Fit and it’s awesome. It’s smaller, but I am thinking maybe that would be a good one for when I need a new one.