Buying a family car is a long-term decision. Determining which features are most important for your family will save time and effort as you shop. Here are a few questions to help you get started.
How many passengers will you carry?
For a family with one or two children, a four-door sedan or wagon will probably suffice. You’ll also gain the advantages of a lower price tag and better fuel economy. The center rear seat is often awkward and may be better left for accommodating the occasional friend. Some cars contain a bench seat in the front to carry six passengers, but it’s a tight fit.
A roomier option is a minivan or SUV that can carry 7 or 8 people. Many times, the third row seats can be removed or folded out of the way when not needed. Check how much space is available in the third row; in some vehicles, that last row is small and best left for children.
How old are your kids?
Small children don’t need much room now, but as they grow, so will your need for space. Plan ahead, taking into account how long you will keep the car. Also consider whether you will have more children in the coming years.
In addition, if you have infants or toddlers now, test whether you can easily lift the child in and out of the car. Sedans and wagons generally ride lower to the ground and are easier to deal with; minivans and SUVs ride higher, and lifting children could become more difficult.
How much cargo will you carry?
A sedan’s trunk probably has enough space for a smaller family. Families who travel often, are involved with outdoor activities, or have more than two children will likely need the extra room of an extended-length minivan or large SUV.
When comparing a car’s cargo hold to your family’s needs, consider whether the rear seat folds down or removes easily. When it’s folded, is the cargo floor flat? Is the seat split to accommodate cargo on one side and a passenger on the other?
What safety features do you want?
Most new vehicles today automatically come with features such as anti-lock brakes and front airbags, but you may prefer additional options such as traction control, side curtain airbags, or electronic brake distribution. All new vehicles include the LATCH restraint system for children’s car seats by default.
How much do you value environmentally friendly features?
Traditionally, larger vehicles have given lower fuel economy. Today, however, there are several large SUVs with hybrid engine or flex fuel options that raise the fuel economy to that of a smaller vehicle.
What type of weather will you drive in?
If you live in an area which gets mainly rain and light snow, then a two-wheel-drive vehicle with traction control would probably work well. Moderate snow conditions or dirt roads generally calls for all-wheel-drive. And more severe weather or rural areas that don’t clear snow quickly would likely require four-wheel-drive.
A final note: when you test-drive a vehicle, bring the kids along. Make sure that they can ride comfortably in the car and that their car seats fit, if applicable. And with a different vantage point, children may notice details that parents miss.