If you’re considering a new family-friendly car, there are some things to consider. Parenthood means navigating several stages of childhood – you’ll need to consider baby seats, having a big enough boot for a pram and ensuring the car is comfortable for when they get older. Your new car mustn’t hinder you from going about your day-to-day.
A growing family means you’ll need a car that offers plenty of space but that doesn’t mean you’ll always need to opt for a giant people carrier. So long as you box off certain criteria, including a spacious cabin, a sizeable boot and all the key safety features, you won’t regret your purchase. It’s all about making it work for both the parents and the little ones while staying within your preferred budget.
Here’s what you might want to consider when choosing a family-friendly vehicle.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is undoubtedly a big priority when choosing a family car. Airbags, anti-lock brake systems and other features are a must. Ask the dealership or seller to confirm whether the vehicle has all the essential safety features.
Other, more modern features you might want to look out for include a lane departure warning system, which alerts you if you’ve shifted into another lane without realising, as well as rear-view cameras and blind-spot detection technology. There are lots of modern used cars on the market with sophisticated safety features like these. You should also look into crash ratings set by the European New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP).
Seating and Interior Space
Space is key when you have a growing family. Without it, you simply won’t be comfortable. There is an array of seating options, including layouts where you can pull up seating in the boot without compromising the space when these aren’t needed. Ergonomic designs are what you’re looking for. You might want to prioritise comfortable seats that can ideally be wiped clean easily too.
Family-Friendly Features and Amenities
Cars aren’t generally the most fun environments for kids, so you might benefit from looking into additional entertainment features when choosing a car. This could look like an entertainment system where the little ones can watch films and shows on a screen.
Additionally, USB charging points and Wi-Fi hotspots mean your kids won’t be deprived of their favourite games and technology on longer journeys. If the kids are entertained, this will make the driver’s life easier.
Reliability, Maintenance, and Resale Value
As with any car, maintenance costs are an important thing to consider. However, raising a family is an expensive venture, so it’s worth seriously considering maintenance costs in these circumstances.
Another simple element to consider – make sure you buy a vehicle made by a reputable manufacturer. Alongside this, you’ll want to consider warranty coverage and an indication of re-sale value to get the most out of your investment.
