Are you looking to invest in a new car? One that’s suited to the needs of your growing family? Whether you’re looking for a large, fully-featured vehicle that will be able to cope with mud-blighted wildernesses (and the school run), or something more compact and economical, it makes sense to consider your family’s circumstances, and to weigh your options carefully.
But how, exactly, can you judge which car best matches the needs of your family?
Assess your current vehicle usage
It’s worth first obtaining a complete understanding of what you’re currently using the vehicle for. How many miles are you travelling each week, and under what conditions? It’s also worth flagging up any problems or annoyances that you’re experiencing with your current vehicle. If you struggle to get the kids in and out of the car on your existing three-door, then upgrading to a five-door might be worthwhile.
Consider your family size and lifestyle needs
How many people will the vehicle need to accommodate? How much space will you need in the boot? The size of your family will make a massive difference to your needs, but so too will the activities you’re doing. If you need to regularly transport a collection of surfboards, or a canoe, then you’ll need a vehicle that can be comfortably fitted with a roof rack. Similarly, if you have small children, you’ll need a vehicle that can accommodate your preferred seats for them.
It’s worth considering not just your present needs, but any future ones, too. Your children will grow in the future, and their needs and tastes may change over time. You might even decide to have more children – or, you might adopt a dog or two, instead. It’s often a good idea to anticipate these changes, and invest in a vehicle that can cope with them.
Evaluate financial and alternative options
Before you invest, you’ll want to weigh up the full financial impact of your decision. That means considering not just the amount you’ll pay for the vehicle itself, but the ongoing costs associated with fuelling, maintaining, insuring, and paying tax on, the vehicle. The second-hand market can be an amazing source of value. Look at reputable used dealers near you. If you’re based in Yorkshire, for example, you might start by looking for used cars in Leeds.
Of course, you might also look at solutions to your transport needs that go beyond car ownership. Public transport might allow you to go for a family day out, or to travel a long distance. Walking, cycling, or carpooling with the help of your existing car might equally help with your commute. These measures will leave you with more funds free to tackle the needs of your family in other ways.