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help picking the right family car

If you're in the market for a new family car, it can be tough to know where to start. There are so many different makes and models available, each with its own set of features and benefits. How do you know which one is right for you? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the things you should look for when shopping for a new family car.

SUV vs Car or Mini Van... What Do You Need?

There are a few things to consider when trying to decide between an SUV and car. First, think about how much space you need. If you have a large family or often transport large items, an SUV might be the better option. On the other hand, if you don't need a lot of space and want better gas mileage, a car might be the way to go.

Another thing to consider is off-roading capability. If you plan on doing any off-roading with your new vehicle - even if it's just light trails - an SUV is probably a better choice. Cars simply aren't built for that type of activity.

Finally, think about your budget. SUVs tend to be more expensive than cars, so if you're working with a tight budget, a car might be the better option.

These are just a few things to consider when trying to decide between an SUV and car. Ultimately, the best decision is the one that meets your needs and fits your budget.

Included Safety Features And Ratings

The first thing that many parents look for when choosing a family car is a safe vehicle. At the end of the day, cars can be dangerous, and you’re going to want to make sure that your car is the safest that you can find to transport your children around in. If you’re buying a new car, chances are, you’re going to get something that is up to scratch in terms of general safety. Older cars may need some modifications or work carried out on them. Make sure to do some research. If the vehicle you’re interested in has been recalled a number of times, you may want to consider something else. You can also look into niche safety features that you may value.

Reviews 

Another thing you want to do before making any decisions is read reviews. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you see a car that you like and make an impulse purchase without really knowing anything about the vehicle. This can be a costly mistake. You want to make sure that you read as many reviews as possible from experts in the field and also from regular, everyday drivers. These will give you some insight into how the vehicle that you are considering will actually perform on the road and what people think of it. You may also find some tips and tricks for getting the most out of your new family car.

New vs. Used Cars

You may be unsure as to whether to buy a new or an unused car. Both come with perks and drawbacks. New vehicles have a clean history. You know they’re in the best condition possible and you can get everything you need for the vehicle including things like log books and auto repair manuals. Used cars come a lot cheaper, but you may have difficulty finding out the full history of the car.

How Many Seats Do You Need?

How many seats do you need in order to accommodate your entire family? Make sure to consider any future children you may be planning too. Buying a car that is too big now and that is perfect in a couple of years is much easier than buying something that meets your needs now but will need to be traded in or sold for another option in a couple of years.

Trunk Space And Cargo Room

Make sure your chosen vehicle has enough space for all the gear your family will be lugging around. If you have a baby, you’ll need to accommodate for things like a stroller. If you have young children, there will be sports gear and other items that need to be transported on a regular basis. Consider how much space you really need and make sure your vehicle can accommodate it.

How Well Will The Car Retain Value?

This is something that you may not have considered before, but it’s important nonetheless. All cars lose value over time, but some do so at a faster rate than others. If you think you may want to sell the car or trade it in at some point down the line, you want to make sure that it will still have a good resale value. Do your research and find out how well different models of cars retain their value over time. This will help you make a more informed decision about which vehicle to buy.

Ultimately You Need To Do A Test Drive And Trust Your Gut

Not every car is right for everyone. Buying a new family car is a challenging process for any dad but sometimes you need to just trust your gut feeling after a test drive. For instance, even if the car has great resale value and plenty of space, if it's uncomfortable to drive or something like the positioning of the center console bothers you ... don't buy it! Keep shopping and try something else that fits your needs better.


Written by:
#MenWhoBlog MemberBlog MasterThought Leader

James' passion for exploration and sense of duty to his community extends beyond himself. This means he is dedicated to providing a positive role model for other men and especially younger guys that need support so that they can thrive and be future positive contributors to society. This includes sharing wisdom, ideas, tips, and advice on subjects that all men should be familiar with, including: family travel, men's health, relationships, DIY advice for home and yard, car care, food, drinks, and technology. Additionally, he's a travel advisor and a leading men's travel influencer who has been featured in media ranging from New York Times to the Chicago Tribune, and LA Times. He's also been cited by LA Weekly "Top Travel Bloggers To Watch 2023" and featured by Muck Rack: "Top 10 Outdoor Journalists for 2022".

He and his wife Heather live in St Joseph, Michigan - across the lake from Chicago.