Choosing a Family Car – How to Make the Right Decision
The cost-of-living crisis has been difficult for families across the country. The inflated cost of groceries alone has seriously impacted monthly expenditure for millions of households, to say nothing of the still-high cost of domestic energy. For many, running a car has become a costly luxury – but if you’re starting a new family, this is a luxury you might find yourself struggling to do without. How might you choose a good family car in difficult economic circumstances?
Budget and Cost
Firstly, it is important to clarify that your choice of family car should never purely come down to cost. If you approach buying a car in this way, you would find yourself in a cycle of buying the cheapest car on the used market and watching it break down within weeks. That your chosen car is fit for purpose should be your biggest priority – but your budget needs to be a key part of that conversation.
It is also important to recognise that, depending on where you buy your family car from, you may have alternative payment options available to you. You could borrow money to make the initial deposit for a car slightly beyond your means, and utilise a finance agreement to offset the total cost of your car over a period of months. With all this in mind, you should have a relatively broad budget range with which to work.
Purpose and Function
Defining the specific purpose of your new car enables you to think more directly about the features it should have – and more immediately reject cars or listings that are not suitable for the purpose. For example, your car’s essential functions might be to take your three children to school and then facilitate your commute to work. Here we have ascertained that your car will need at least five seats, ruling out smaller compacts.
Safety Features and Ratings
A family car is invariably going to be used for family needs on a regular basis, from the school run to visiting relatives and taking family holidays. With your children spending so much time in the car with you, safety becomes an especially important factor to consider. When shortlisting cars to consider, you might also research their NCAP rating to ensure they are safe enough for you and yours.
Fuel Efficiency and Reliability
Running a car is an expensive endeavour, even in times of relative financial stability. But after last year’s hikes in fuel prices, and with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact family budgets, it is harder than ever to keep a personal vehicle running. Fuel costs are often the most expensive running costs associated with driving, making fuel efficiency a key metric to consider when car-hunting.
More fuel-efficient cars are cheaper to run over time, and also tend to be more reliable; there is less wear and tear happening under the bonnet. Reduced maintenance costs can also be a blessing to the tight family budget.
