When it comes time to purchase a family vehicle, there are many factors to consider. Which one is the safest? The most convenient? The most affordable? And what about features like space and gas mileage? In this guide, we will walk you through everything you should consider when purchasing a family vehicle. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to make the best decision for your family.
Car shoppers should make sure to read the information listed on buyers’ guides and other dealer window stickers. Buyers’ guides list any warranties included with the vehicle including the systems of a particular vehicle are covered and the duration of the coverage. If you are an auto dealer looking to purchase Buyers Guides or other auto dealer supplies, consider MBR Marketing: https://mbrmarketing.com/dealer-supplies/sales-forms/ftc-buyers-guides-and-holders.
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Contents
Number of Car Seats and Space
One of the first things you need to consider is how many car seats the vehicle can accommodate. Depending on the number of people in your home, you’ll want to make sure everyone has a comfortable seat in the car. That is unless someone else in the home has their own vehicle. It’s never a good idea to illegally fit more passengers into a car than it was designed for. Not only is it unsafe, but you could also get pulled over and fined.
Another thing to consider is how much space the vehicle has. If you have a larger family, you’ll want something with enough if not plenty of space for everyone. Having more space also allows you to store more things in the car. For those with pets and infants, having plenty of space can be valuable. On the other hand, if you have a small family or just one child, you may not need as much space. When shopping for cars, sit your family in the vehicle and see if everyone’s comfortable. You’ll find that SUVs are popular for families because they offer plenty of space, seating, and higher ground clearance.
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Safety Features
When it comes to safety, there are many features to consider. One of the most crucial is the vehicle’s crash rating. If you don’t know much about crash ratings, be sure to do your research before buying a vehicle. In short, the better the crash rating, the safer your family will be in the event of an accident. Airbags are just as crucial. Make sure the car you’re considering has enough airbags to protect everyone in the event of an accident. Ideally, every inch of the interior including the sides should be ready to inflate with airbags in a collision.
Some other safety features to consider include anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. These features can help you avoid accidents and keep your family safe while driving. Luckily, they tend to come standard in most family vehicles where safety is a top priority. Beyond all this, you’ll need to decide what’s important to you. Some families might want a vehicle with rear-view cameras or blind-spot monitoring, while others might prefer vehicles with more horsepower for off-road adventures. Remember that you should always prioritize safety.
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Convenience Features
In addition to safety features, you’ll want to consider convenience features as well. Things like a rear-view camera aren’t just for safety but for convenience also. For those who currently own larger vehicles, you know it can be difficult to reverse park. Therefore, a rear-view camera can be incredibly helpful. Other convenience features to consider for a family car include:
- Remote start. This allows you to start your car without ever having to take your keys out of your pocket. This way, you won’t need to ask your kids to turn on the car when you’re busy. However, it’s still a good idea to teach them how. Keyless unlocking is also convenient so you don’t have to take your keys out of your pocket.
- Heated seats and steering wheel. These are perfect for colder climates or if you just want to be extra comfortable while driving.
- Window tinting. This can help keep the sun out of everyone’s eyes and keep your car cooler during the summer. It’s also great for the family dog!
- Foldable seats. Sometimes it’s far more convenient and practical to have foldable seats. This way, you can have more space when you need it and less when you don’t.
- Storage compartments. Try looking for vehicles with storage compartments built into the doors, under the seats, and in the back. This will give you a place to store all of your gear without taking up valuable space in the car.
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Audio and Entertainment
It’s important to find a vehicle with audio and entertainment features that everyone will enjoy. This way, you can keep the peace on long car trips. Consider a vehicle with a DVD player, CD player, and AUX jack. This will give you plenty of options for listening to music and watching movies on long trips. If your family enjoys gaming, look for vehicles that support gaming consoles such as the Xbox or PlayStation. Of course, these vehicles can be quite expensive. However, these features can keep the kids entertained for hours on end. Don’t forget USB charging ports for those long trips!
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Fuel efficiency
Finally, you’ll want to consider the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Gas prices are on the rise and they’re only going to continue to go up. Therefore, you’ll want to find a vehicle that gets good gas mileage. You don’t want to be spending more on gas than you have to. Since you’re looking for a family car, it’s likely that you’ll be driving the kids to soccer practice, piano lessons, get ice cream, and more. All of those extra trips are going to add up, so it’s important to find a vehicle that doesn’t guzzle gas.
There are a lot of factors to consider when purchasing a family vehicle. Think about your family’s specific needs (and then wants) and find a vehicle that meets them all. You’ll be thankful you did when you’re driving your family around in safety, convenience, comfort, and fun.
