People always seem to be facing one expense or another, whether it’s when they up-style their home or book a holiday. Choosing the perfect family car can be a daunting and costly task too. There are so many different vehicles out there that it’s hard to know where to start, especially when they all have different features and advantages.
The good news is that with a little bit of research and these four helpful tips, your search will be over in no time. Before you know it, you’ll be driving the car off the forecourt and heading off into the sunset. If this appeals to you, follow this guide right now to find the best car for your family.
1. Research The Internet
This is always a great place to start. You can access a host of different websites and read in-depth information about each model from the comfort of your home. If you are interested in a Mercedes E200 for example, you could access helpful information on the exterior and interior, the engine and the safety features. Once you’ve read the car specifications, you may even be able to book a test drive using the same webpage.
There are lots of sites where you can search according to the price range, making it easier to stay within budget. You can learn about such things as fuel efficiency and safety ratings, and discover whether there are any known issues with the particular models. It’s also beneficial to read reviews, whether they come from car specialists or customers. Having made plenty of online research, you will then be better placed to make an informed decision on your purchase.
2. Consider Your Lifestyle
Before you choose a car, you need to think about your family’s lifestyle. This would include such things as how often you travel, what your family does for fun and how many people will be in the car. Whilst a car that comfortably seats four people may seem ideal, you need to consider whether you plan on having any more children. Baby seats and child seats can take up a lot of room, and you won’t want your kids complaining they feel squashed. Don’t forget there will be times when you give other children and adults a lift, too. You may need something that’s great for school runs and easy to park, or something larger to transport music equipment and more.
If your lifestyle is more sedentary you could go for a car with a smaller engine and better fuel efficiency. Because you have a family, however, this option may be less appropriate and you may need a larger, more robust model. You may even end up needing a minivan if there will be lots of trips to sports games, outdoor pursuits and extended holidays. If most days will involve long commutes into work then something like an SUV might make sense as they can handle rougher roads well and offering both front and back seating for the family.
3. Involve A Professional
One of the cheapest ways to get a secondhand car is to buy it from a private person rather than a professional car dealer. Having said that, it can be a risky business to buy a car if you don’t know anything about mechanics and bodywork. Some people change the mileage and paint over rust, and there are more tricks besides. The best course of action is to take someone with you who knows more about cars. They can open up the bonnet and listen to the sound of the engine, and join you on the test drive.
While it will probably cost you more to buy directly from a car dealer, there can be greater peace of mind. For a start, the car will have been checked and serviced by a qualified professional. Cars that come from dealerships also tend to be newer, so if you are looking for something more reliable this may be the route to go down.
Warranties
Besides the purchase price, you also need to think about warranties – something you won’t get if you buy privately! Car warranties often cover the cost of repairs, so it’s a good idea to factor that in when you’re comparing prices. It’s best to buy from a dealership that offers warranties covering both parts and labor costs should anything go wrong within the time frame. Remember, this is about your family’s safety as well as your finances.
4. Stay Within Budget
You need to know how much money you have available before you begin your search. Don’t be tempted to buy something that appeals to you or that a car salesman is pushing in your direction. The running costs are as important as the buying price so you need to factor this into your monthly spending allowance. Having a family, the last thing you will want is to be unable to afford the services, repairs or fuel bills. If you will be dependent on your car for work as well as school trips, it will be crucial that your car remains operative.
The cheaper options may have less room for passengers and smaller storage space. The trade-off is the money you will save on fuel, and being more basic there may be fewer things to go wrong. You get what you pay for, so you’ll need to up your game if you want more advanced features! They may include things like added safety and security equipment, heated seats or Bluetooth capabilities.
Hopefully, things have now become clearer for you, and you’ll be ready to calculate your current savings and monthly car budget. You’ll be prepared to trawl the internet for new or used cars in order to find the best deal. You’ll also be bearing in mind the needs of your whole family, and seeking the advice of a professional car dealer. In return for all your hard work, you may end up with something that is fit for purpose. It can then serve your whole family during the years that lay ahead.