Having kids changes everything in your life. That includes which types of cars are suitable for you to drive. It’s easy to overlook certain features in pursuit of that dream car. But then, we have kids to think about. Below are just some of the common mistakes to avoid when buying a family car that can help you get your money’s worth. Read more.
Avoid These Mistakes When Buying a Family Car
Nowadays, a family car is no longer for luxury. It is already a necessity because residential areas are getting farther away from the city center and parents need to drop off and pick up their children to school for safety. If you are thinking of this big purchase anytime soon, take time to read some common mistakes when buying a family car.
Skimping on trunk space
It’s useful to have lots of trunk space if you have kids. You’ll find yourself packing more stuff when going away anywhere, plus you’ll be buying more groceries when you go shopping. For day-to-day journeys with young kids, having plenty of trunk space can be useful for transporting prams and push-chairs. Choose a car with a tiny trunk, and you could quickly find it to be a nuisance.
Going over budget
Many families are living on a tight budget. Even if you have something extra, you know that you still have to save for your children’s future and emergency needs. You mustn’t put yourself in financial trouble by choosing a car that you can’t afford.
Dealerships like Edmunds will often offer flexible finance schemes allowing you to fine-tune your monthly instalments. Just remember that the more installments you choose, the greater the amount of interest you’ll pay in the long run. Therefore, you need to set a limit on the overall price of a vehicle you’re willing to pay. Used vehicles will always be so much cheaper, and sedans will often be cheaper than SUVs.
Not researching safety
Some cars have a better safety rating than others. Knowing that you’ve chosen a safe car can provide peace of mind if you get into an accident. What you don’t want to do is buy a car with basic safety features that are notorious for getting into crashes. Modern cars come with all kinds of safety features that are worth researching, such as backup cameras and automatic emergency braking. There are sites where you can compare the safety of different car models. There are also many lists you can look up such as this US News list of the safest SUVS.
Overlooking your future needs
Right now, a small car may be all you need. But what will happen when the kids get older and need more legroom? What if you’re planning on having more kids? This is something to consider if you’re thinking of buying a brand-new vehicle that you hope to drive for a good few years. If your needs change, you’ll have to buy a new vehicle – which may not be ideal if you’re still paying off finance. Plan to make the right purchase for now and in the future.
Buying something practical but boring
Practicality is essential when buying a family car, but you don’t have to completely sacrifice all your personal preferences. You must buy a car that you also enjoy driving. If you’re used to driving something a bit sporty, consider sportier models of SUVs and sedans which have a bit more kick. Look beyond the generic models and try finding more unique cars. Always test-drive cars to make sure they feel right and read reviews to see what other owners make of them.
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