10 Things to Consider When Buying a Family Car

One minute you’re cool, the next minute you’re driving a minivan.

When you have a family, there are several “sacrifices” to make, and most of the time, it includes foregoing a stylish automobile in favour of something more “practical.” While some of you might still cringe at the sound of this word, the reality remains that you need to consider the needs of your entire family now.

Fear not – a family car can be a cool car! And time will come that you will enjoy being a “taxi mum” and a “taxi dad.” Well, hopefully sooner rather than later… Now let’s focus on getting the right family car!

1. Will the pram fit in the boot?

Before anything else, make sure that your car is baby-friendly and consider that a pram is something you are bound to bring with you every day. Make sure it fits safely into your car, and still allows room for shopping bags and nappy bags!

2. Does it have five doors?

Safety is the utmost priority when buying a family car, and you would want to make sure that everyone, from front to back, is able to get outside of the car with ease.  Hell on earth is a two or three door car with a baby!

3. Will three car seats fit in the back seat?

This is especially true for young families. Even if you don’t have three kids at the moment, consider the possibility of needing three car seats for each child.

4. Is the car a practical height?

The car’s height might be low on our priority list, but it shouldn’t. For starters, is the car a practical height for putting heavy sleeping babies inside? Spending more on a car that is the right height is easier than spending that money on a chiropracter!

5. Will the kids be safe in an accident?

In the case of an accident, how safe will your entire family be? Rather than looking at what makes the car cool-looking, make sure that your car has ALL the safety features that will protect your kids.  What protection does the vehicle offer for the most important little passengers?

6. Does it really need to be… black?

Don’t take this personally, but please don’t buy a black car! Apart from the fact that it seems to attract more dirt (is it just me?), it is more high-maintenance and can trap in more heat. Plus it could be less visible than other cars when it’s dark. And the scratches!  You will have scratches in your paintwork before you leave the car yard!

7. How much will it cost to run?

You’re going to use your family car…a lot. Each kid will have their own schedules and places to go, and you, the taxi parent, will have to drive them around until they can get their licence. Consider the cost of petrol and maintenance.

Take into account the following when buying a new vehicle:

• Check the sticker on the windscreen to see how efficient the fuel usage of the vehicle is!

• SUV’s need bigger tyres which are more expensive to buy.

• How much are replacement parts?  More expensive vehicles have higher cost replacement parts.

8. Do you really need a brand spanking new car?

Little people are not best known for protecting the integrity of a car, and even the most well-behaved kids can accidentally spill milk onto your leather seats. My suggestion? Buy a secondhand car!

9. Will you be comfortable during long trips?

This family car is also bound to be your everywhere-car, which means you’re going to use it for holidays and road trips. Make sure every single person inside the car will be comfortable during these times!

10. Are there cup holders and climate controls in the back?

Your children are people also (yes, they are) with hydration and ventilation needs. Get them somemuch-needed climate control in the back for their sake and especially your sake. Plus cup holders are a MUST for kids!

What do you think is the most important thing to consider when buying a family car?