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5 Tips for Choosing a Family Car

Author: Carlos Fox
by Carlos Fox
Posted: Mar 22, 2020

If you're looking to buy a new family car, it can be difficult to parse through what your family's true needs are and what commercials or car dealerships may suggest you need. That's why it's always a good idea to visit a local Subaru dealership in Hadley, MA, or wherever you reside before you actually get serious about shopping for a family car so that you can cross-reference the features they have available on newer models with the actual needs of your family. That being said, here are a few other tips to keep in mind when you're looking for a family car.

Keep your budget in mind

As a family, it's important to consider your budget above almost everything else. This is because, as a family, it's crucial that you can meet the needs of all other bills and responsibilities beyond a car payment. If the purchase of a new car is going to make it harder for you to keep up with your mortgage or groceries each month, then you need to find a less-expensive option. One way to save money on your vehicle purchase is to look into discounted car loan rates online. Using online comparison tools, you can find out what the best way is to save on the purchase of your new vehicle, including locking in a discount on your interest rate by purchasing a car that qualifies as environmentally friendly. Weigh all of your options before making a decision and you'll be on sound financial ground.

Don't rush into a decision

A car is an expensive purchase no matter what sort of budget you're following, and it's important not to make your decision lightly. Too often, shoppers feel pressured into making a purchase before they're ready and wind up regretting their choice. Make sure to do plenty of research before you finalize your purchase, weighing all of the pros and cons before you do so.

Figure out your non-negotiables

One way to make sure that you get a car that fits you and your family's needs is to make a list of non-negotiables. This can help you determine what sort of make or model to look for, as well as a general price range to consider when shopping. For example, if you often go on long road trips as a family, extra cargo space and legroom may be a high priority. Similarly, if you have three children, it may be important that your car can seat a total of five individuals more comfortably than a traditional sedan. Gas mileage estimated maintenance fees, and four-wheel drive is other common factors to consider when shopping for a new vehicle.

Research what safety features matter

Nowadays, advancements in technology offer a host of safety features, but not all features are created equal. For example, if you often drive on the highway or interstate, you may want a car with a blindspot monitor, but if you rarely travel on multiple-lane roads, this feature isn't necessarily as important. Similarly, if you don't find yourself parallel parking often, a rearview camera may be less appealing to you. Different safety features are more important for different kinds of drivers, so make sure to discuss the different options with your car dealership before deciding which features are worth your money.

Take a test drive

Ultimately, a test drive may be the final deciding factor in your search for the perfect family car. If you don't feel comfortable in the car or behind the wheel, this should be a major red flag. You'll want to check on a variety of different things during a test drive, from the layout of the dashboard and radio to how the car handles at higher speeds. Make sure to come prepared with a test drive checklist so that you can make the most of your test drive and truly feel comfortable about your choice.

About the Author

A freelance writer with a BA in English from Sarah Lawrence College.

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Author: Carlos Fox

Carlos Fox

Member since: Oct 11, 2019
Published articles: 15

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