This is a collaborative post: Choosing the perfect car for your busy family is key! In the past, your requirements for a new car may have been how fast or sporty it is but a family car requires so much more! It can be hard to know which car is right for the whole family. UK Car Finance have put together a list of the things you should look for when choosing your ideal family car.
Budget friendly
No matter what your budget is for a car, the first thing you should consider is how much you can afford to pay. You may be looking to pay for your next family car in a number of ways. If you’re using cash, it can be the most cost-effective way to fund your next car but make sure you leave some money over for any unexpected repairs! Your car finance budget should be affordable and realistic. You should never borrow more than you can afford to pay back as it can result in serious financial difficulty. Leasing a car is also an option if you want to spread the cost.
Safety features
Safety is ways important in any vehicle but even more so when you’re carrying your most precious cargo! In the last few years, safety technology within cars has become even more advanced and many key features now come as standard! The Euro NCAP safety rating is a rating system which helps consumers identify the safest choice of vehicle. The five-star safety rating applies to all cars in the UK and can help to make your decision a little easier.
Reliability
In general, newer cars will offer you more reliability. Used cars can suffer more wear and tear and can have a number of different owners. Reliability is usually measured on how likely your car is to break down and a car that is constantly getting repairs won’t do much good as a family car! You should also compare competitive extended warranties too, cars such as Kia come with a massive 7-year car warranty for that added peace of mind!
Comfort and practicality
Comfort is a requirement for any family car! Long road trips and family holidays mean that the whole family will want to avoid any discomfort! You should also consider the number of doors you will need and things such as boot size for pushchairs, shopping bags and luggage. Many cars also come with variations in seat layouts so you can free up more space.
Easy to clean
One thing that many families overlook is the ability to clean their vehicle. It’s not just the spillages and wear and tear that comes with having kids but also things like pet hair and general dirt and grime build up. Leather tends to be the easiest to clean but it can be expensive if you don’t have the budget. There are also some types of plastic which are less prone to scratches than others too!
Fuel type
How you use your car will determine which type of fuel is best for you. If you just need a cheap runabout to get the kids to and from school, a petrol hatchback could be best for you. If you often make long journeys on the motorway each day, it may be better to invest in a reliable diesel car. Also, a recent article from This is Money found that electric family cars are cheaper to own than petrol and diesel models. This is due to lower maintenance costs and charging costs, making them around £132 a month less expensive! This may also be a better option for you due to the looming 2030 diesel ban in the UK.