Purchasing a new or used family car is an exciting, though sometimes daunting, task. Whatever vehicle you choose, you want all family members to be happy with the decision. And you need to make sure it fits within your budget and meets all of your requirements.
As you begin the process of shopping for your first or next family car, there are five questions to ask yourself to ensure you purchase a vehicle that suits your whole family’s wants and needs.
Whether you’re a family of three or 10, budgeting is an important part of family life. The same goes for car shopping. Before you even begin looking for new or used vehicles, figuring out how much you can spend can save you from heartbreak down the road. When considering your budget, determine how much you can afford up front if you plan to make a downpayment and how much you can afford each month for your finance or lease payments. Once you know these numbers, it’s easier to use search parameters to find a vehicle you like that you can afford.
The minivan is the quintessential family car for good reason, but it’s not the only option. Smaller families may prefer a sedan, hatchback, or compact crossover SUV. Larger families will want to consider midsize or full-size SUVs and minivans.
In addition to sedans, hatchbacks, and 2 row SUVs, Jeep and Mazda both have 3 row SUVs in their lineups to accommodate larger families. Chrysler offers two minivans, and the Pacifica comes as a standard gas model or a hybrid.
Another consideration when choosing a body type is how easy it is for everyone to get in and out. Minivan sliding doors provide easy access. If you’re considering a 3 row SUV, find out if the second-row seats tilt, slide, or fold to provide third-row access.
There are certainly pros and cons to all body types, and it ultimately will come down to personal preference and needs. The best way to find out which body style works best for your family is to take everyone for test drives in different makes and models.
When family car shopping, finding a vehicle that comfortably seats everyone is important. Whether you’re driving short commutes to and from school or heading out for a family road trip, no one wants to feel cramped or on top of each other.
Dealerships and automaker websites will have the cargo capacities listed, but it can be hard to know for sure that it’s enough space. Before visiting your local Mazda dealership or CDJR dealership, measure your backpacks, luggage, stroller, sports equipment, and anything else you travel with to ensure a proper fit. For additional storage, many family cars, vans, and SUVs have split rear-folding seats. Three row SUVs and vans may also have foldable second-row seats as well.
The Chrysler Pacifica, for example, is the only minivan with Stow ‘n Go seating. When you need more cargo space, the seats easily fold into the floor. When the seats are upright, the in-floor bins provide additional storage.
If you have a baby or kids in car seats, a vehicle with a LATCH system is a must. For families that need to install multiple car seats, you’ll need to find a vehicle that can accommodate two or three across to ensure all kids are riding safely.
A rearview camera helps make driving in reverse easier, and some vehicles offer surround-view cameras. Some family cars have interior cameras that help you keep an eye on the second (and third) rows, including rear-facing car seats.
While cloth seating is standard in many vehicles, families on the go may want to opt for leatherette or leather seats that are easier to wipe and clean.
Some family cars, SUVs, and minivans have hands-free power liftgates, making it easier to load and unload items from the trunk. This can be especially helpful when you have your hands full with a car seat or groceries.
A user-friendly infotainment system keeps you and your kids entertained while on the road, whether you’re using Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.
Keeping a family car clean can feel like a full-time job, so be sure to choose a vehicle that’s easy to maintain. The Chrysler Pacifica has a convenient built-in vacuum for quick cleanups.
One of the best things you can do when family car shopping is to review the vehicle safety ratings for any car, SUV, or van you’re considering.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a nonprofit dedicated to vehicle safety, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a federal government agency focused on vehicle safety regulations. Visit the IIHS and the NHTSA websites to learn about the safety ratings for a specific vehicle.
Family cars that have earned the Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA are among the safest vehicles to purchase for your family.
Now that you’ve answered these five important questions, the next step to successful family car shopping is the test drive. This gives you and your family an opportunity to experience the car, van, or SUV in person and find it if it really works for you. It can be helpful to bring the whole family for a test drive, if possible. During the drive, keep the following in mind:
Once you’ve answered these five questions, you’re ready to take the next step in the process of buying a family car! Whitten Brothers Automotive is a popular new and used car dealership with showrooms in Richmond, VA, and Ashland, VA. We offer a great selection of new Mazda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM vehicles, as well as used cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans from other popular automakers. We’re here to help you find the best fit for your next family car. One of our Sales Advocates will be happy to show you around our inventory and take you for a test drive. Contact us to schedule your visit!