What makes a good family car?

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Whether you’re buying your first family car or looking to upgrade, you’ll know it’s a major investment. As well as being a significant expenditure, it’s also an investment in how your family functions. You’ll need something that can handle everything from running the kids to their after-school sports practice to taking on the M1 for a staycation.

To make sure you are choosing the car that ticks all the boxes, here are some top buying tips.

Look ahead

Before you start looking at makes and models, you’ll need to know what size car you’re after. Are you a one-child family or do you hope to have more kids in the future? Are you likely to be keeping local or do you need a motor that’s robust enough to go cross-country to visit family in other parts of the UK? Having an idea of these points can have a clear idea of the car you’d like.  

The points to consider

Once you know what car you need, you can look at the key points to consider. What makes a dependable family car?

• Safety

What are the car’s safety features? Look out for details like assisted parking and intuitive braking systems that are dedicated to added security for passengers whilst on the road.  

It is also worth investigating the car’s Euro NCAP safety rating which can be provided by the car dealer or simply researched online. If security for your family is one of your main priorities, this could be a significant deciding factor for you.

• Child-friendly features

Part of the safety features you’ll look out for will include what’s in place for children. Are there rear-door child locks in place, for example? Other things to be aware of include ISOFIX points for child seats and built-in window shades or tinted windows that can protect little eyes from direct sunlight.

Look out for motors that are built with families in mind. Many models such as approved Vauxhall cars are often built to accommodate those with children.

• Space

Everyone benefits from a roomier car, but families travelling with children are particularly likely to need extra boot space and legroom. Can the boot fit the buggy comfortably? Is there enough space for any shopping too? Take the time to research cars that have the space you need for your family.

• Fuel efficiency

Opting for a car that is economical with fuel is a major consideration for many reasons. As well as being better for the environment, a motor that doesn’t consume as much petrol as others can be hugely cost-effective in the long run.

Take the time to shop around for a family car that meets your needs. Try to do as much research as possible and be sure to ask questions at the dealership before you go ahead and buy. This is a big decision and you want to make sure that you’re buying something that will last for years to come.