Collaborative Post¦ When you welcome a baby into the world, you quickly realise that getting around isn’t as swift and easy as it used to be. Even though babies are tiny, they come with a lot of stuff, and many parents find themselves hankering after a new vehicle. If you’re on a mission to find the ultimate family car, here are some tips to help you navigate the showroom seamlessly.
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Safety
Safety is critical when you’ve got precious cargo on board. As a parent, your number one priority when shopping for a car may well be its safety record. You want to make sure that you and your family are as safe and secure as possible every time you head out for the day, or you take on the nursery or school run. When you’re looking for a new car, whether it’s brand new or it’s a few years old, take a moment to read reviews and check safety records. Modern-day vehicles tend to be very safe, and they are often packed with features that reduce the risk of injuries and accidents, but some vehicles perform better than others.
Cost
Most families have a budget when on the hunt for a replacement car. If you’re preparing to replace an existing car, it’s always useful to figure out how much you can afford to spend beforehand. You can buy vehicles outright, in which case, you’ll have a set sum in mind, or you can pay monthly. In this case, you should have a maximum monthly payment to work with. When you go to a dealership, or you browse options online at sites like Carlton Car Centre, you can specify a budget, and see what you can afford within that bracket. If you have a specific model in mind, and you can’t quite afford it, it may be worth considering a slightly older model. If you obtained quotes for a brand new car on personal contract hire, for example, it may be possible to reduce the payments by getting a deal on a car that is 2 or 3 years old, for example. Everyone knows that buying a car is a big investment. Not only do you have to come up with the money for the purchase price, but you also have to pay for insurance, registration, and taxes. And if something goes wrong with the car, you could be facing expensive repairs. That’s why it’s also important to have insurance and a car accident lawyer when buying a car. Insurance will protect you financially if something goes wrong with the car, and a lawyer can help you resolve any legal problems that may arise. So before you head to the dealership, make sure you’re covered.
Space
Buying a car for a family is very different to purchasing or leasing a vehicle for an individual or a couple. Children don’t usually travel light, and you’ll also need to make use of the back seats on a much more regular basis. If you currently have a compact or a hatchback, for example, you might be looking for more space. There’s a vast range of cars that are suitable for family life, including 4x4s, SUVs, MPVs, and estate cars, and it’s worth exploring different makes and models. Take a tour around some dealerships, have a good look at the interior and exterior, and arrange some test drives if there are vehicles that take your fancy.
Added extras
Today’s cars are designed to cater for our modern lives, and many come with features and technical wizardry that enhance the driving experience and improve safety and comfort. For families, features like integrated booster seats, in-car phone and entertainment systems and retractable sun-shades, can all be beneficial for parents on the go.
Being faced with a showroom or a forecourt full of shiny new cars can be daunting. If you’re on a mission to locate a fantastic family car, hopefully, this guide will make finding ‘the one’ stress-free and seamless.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.