How To Choose A Car Fit For The Whole Family

Whether your family is just starting out or it’s growing, it’s a smart idea to put plenty of thought into choosing your new car. Vehicles available today have hundreds of different features that you’re going to want to pay attention to when browsing for a new or used car.

Unique features of the vehicle you choose may benefit your family for many years to come. There are a few things to consider when looking for a car that will be perfect for your family’s needs.

What Makes Your Family Unique?

(1) Family Members

Think about each member of your family. They all have specific needs and places to get to. Your spouse needs to get to work, your kids might need to get to their sporting events with all of their equipment, and you might need room in the car for your antique-hunting or woodworking hobby. When considering a new vehicle, consider also the responsibilities and hobbies of your family members and take notes.

(2) Activities And Plans

Do you have any plans for your family to use this vehicle for vacations? Road trips? Visits to relatives or to your child in college? Perhaps you and your family have been wanting to go camping, or you’ve volunteered to be the designated carpool driver. Alternatively, perhaps you plan on keeping a small family and do not need extra trunk space. These are all things to take into consideration when hunting for the ideal vehicle.

(3) Area You Live In

What kind of area do you live in? Perhaps you live in a large city where public transportation is sufficient for most activities. If you live in a rural area, you will certainly need a reliable vehicle to get around.

Vehicles To Consider For Your Family

(1) Minivans

The quintessential minivan is going to give you the best value when it comes to families with many members who have places to be. Most minivans are equipped with safety features and convenient electronic mechanisms and will seat up to eight people. Seats can be folded into the floor or removed for extra hauling room. Some of the best picks are the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, and Chrysler Pacifica.

(2) Sedans

For families who do not need a large load-carrying capacity, sedans can be a practical option. In general, sedans also offer better fuel economy and a quieter ride experience. Sedans include a separate, lockable trunk to keep valuable items safe and seats that fold down in the back in order to haul long items.

Sedans come in a few different sizes: small, midsize, and large. Midsize is considered best for families due to easy handling, versatility, and budget consideration. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are popular contenders for midsize sedans due to their long-standing safety and reliability records.

(3) Trucks

If you’re looking for plenty of hauling room and endless customization, a pickup truck could be the best fit for your family. Trucks also offer towing and cargo capabilities. Trucks nowadays can also come with all the luxury options, such as navigation, leather seats, and backseat screens for entertainment.

Choose from diesel or gas, two-door or four-door, and large or small cargo bed sizes. The best picks for trucks right now are the Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, Ram 1500, or GMC Sierra 1500.

(4) SUVs

SUVs are another great pick for large families with busy schedules. SUVs tend to come in small, midsize, and large sizes. Small and midsize SUVs will fit 5 passengers, but midsize will offer more comfort and a larger interior.

Since SUVs are taller than sedans, it’s easier to install car seats and buckle your children into them. Some midsize models even offer a third row of seats that can be folded down into the floor when not in use. A few of these include the Buick Enclave, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new or used car, be sure to consider all the needs of your family members. A vehicle is a large investment, and all families will have different wants when it comes to features. Additional considerations for your family might include budget, fuel efficiency, and safety ratings.

Always be sure to test drive the vehicle before making your final purchase, preferably with all of your family members present for feedback.
Select the car that checks off the boxes for all of your family members and you’ll be satisfied for years to come.