What To Consider When Buying Your First Family Car

So the day has come when you have to accept that your sporty little 2-seater isn’t going to suffice your new (growing) family situation. Not to worry, you new family focused car doesn’t have to lack style, speed, or reliability; but, there are some things to consider when purchasing your first “sensible” family vehicle. The following are some suggestions; you might want to tick off your list.

Size

Even though you don’t have a crystal ball that will tell you the exact number of family members you’ll have in the future; you may have a rough idea of what you hope to expect in the next five years or so. Think about the room you’ll need for baby seats, child seats, and then there’s all the equipment that children come with; strollers, and huge bags of, well, “stuff.” Also, think about your beloved dog; they’re not going to be able to just sit in the front or backseat anymore, you may have to consider a car with enough trunk space for a crate. You don’t have to go and get a Hummer, or a tour bus; but, you will probably have to increase the size of your car quite a bit to ensure it suits your family.

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Location

Think about where you live, and the terrain you’re going to be driving on the most frequently when it comes to things like the school run, and a huge weekly shop at the supermarket. You want to ensure your car is sturdy enough to withstand a variety of weather and road conditions, so bear in mind where you’ll be with your car the most often. Once you’ve chosen what car or cars, you like the look of; consider the accessibility you have to get it. Therefore, instead of searching for the most awesome, monster-truck-style car in the world, you might want to go with looking for the best Volkswagen dealership, as you’re more likely to find something suitable, and your partner will be more inclined to approve.

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Price

You don’t want to break the bank when buying your first family car, as children will do that for you. If you’re able to put down a bigger deposit, then do so, as it will save your cash in the long run. However, if that’s not feasible, then you must ensure that your monthly repayments leave you with plenty leftover to pay the mortgage, bills, and all the other added expenses of family life. Remember that you’re not buying a “status” car; this vehicle is to take care of the most important people in your life, so forget about all the bells and whistles.

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Delivery

When you’ve made your choice (congrats), and you’re off to pick the car up, or are having it delivered; take some time to ask questions, and get to know your new vehicle as much as you can. The person dropping your car off will, more than likely, know a great deal about the car, and will be full of tips and suggestions on how best to drive and maintain it. Take advantage of the time you have with an industry expert, and you and your car will be best buds before you know it. For more tips on what to look for in a family car, take a look here: http://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyle/career-and-money/budgeting/5-things-to-know-about-buying-a-family-car.

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