Determine the Vehicle Size Your Family Needs
The vehicle size you need is perhaps the most critical buying consideration. The best family car has comfortable seating for every member of your family. Sufficient legroom is also a must, especially if you plan on using your new vehicle for long-distance trips.
If you have small children, a mid-size SUV should be sufficient. However, keep in mind that your kids will grow, and you may need a large SUV with a third row of seats in the future.
When determining the vehicle size you need, consider your family’s situation carefully. For example, if one of your children is leaving for college, paying a premium for a larger vehicle may not be necessary.
How Often Will You Use the Vehicle?
Frequency of use is a crucial consideration when it comes to fuel efficiency and general maintenance.
Do you need a city car to drop kids off at school, drive to work, do shopping, and run errands? Consider a vehicle with a relatively small engine and affordable tires, such as a hatchback. You also need a vehicle with a high resale value, as you can expect its mileage to ramp up quickly.
On the other hand, if you need a family car for weekend trips, prioritize comfort, performance, and additional features that meet your family’s needs.
Which Features Do You Need?
The ideal vehicle’s features depend on your family’s needs. Ideally, you don’t want to pay more for useless features such as an outdated infotainment system or soft-close doors.
Some excellent family car features to consider include rear window shades, conversation mirrors, automatic sliding doors, and convenient storage solutions, such as cup holders. Electronic features all family cars need include a built-in GPS, Bluetooth for hands-free phone calls, and an integrated entertainment system, for example, a DVD player.
Comfort features come in handy during long-distance trips and include comfortable seating with lower back support, car sound insulation, and climate control. A long wheelbase with a comfortable suspension will also make long trips more bearable.
To learn more about the various safety, convenience, and performance features you get with the best family car, get in touch with our dealership near Roswell, NM.
Determine the Driving Environment
Where do you plan on driving your new best family car? Considering the driving environment will help you select a vehicle that fits your needs.
Generally speaking, smaller vehicles are best for city driving. However, features such as pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, parking assist, and automatic braking make larger vehicles easier and safer to drive in town.
For off-road conditions, consider a larger vehicle, perhaps with a four-wheel-drive system, all-terrain tires, and modern technologies, such as a drive-by-wire throttle. If you regularly drive in low visibility conditions, you need a family car with features such as swiveling headlights, adaptive cruise control, or a night vision system.
Make Sure You Have Enough Space
Available space is as important as vehicle size and seating. Whether you want to use your car for holiday trips or daily commuting, it might need enough cabin space to accommodate dogs, groceries, diaper bags, bikes, and strollers. You also need sufficient cargo space for baggage, camping gear, or sports accessories.
The average family requires a trunk space of at least 300 liters. Some family cars offer flexible trunk space, but you may have to forgo some seating to increase the baggage space. Compatibility with a trailer or roof rack can also increase your family car’s capacity.
When determining the storage space you need, consider some of the issues you have with your current vehicle.
Check Safety Ratings
Under U.S. law, every car has to meet the safety standards of the federal government. A safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives a scientific indication of how a car’s safety systems hold up during a collision.
To determine a vehicle NHTSA safety rating, it has to undergo extensive crash testing. When evaluating a car, consider its frontal crash, side crash, and rollover safety ratings. A 5-star rating is the highest possible rating for any crash category.
Buying the best family car is a decision that can significantly impact your lifestyle and financial situation. Spending some time determining your needs will ensure that your new vehicle is a worthy long-term investment.
Sierra Blanca Motors is a car dealership in Ruidoso, NM, and we offer a wide range of cars, SUVs, and trucks. Contact us at (575) 315-0145 to find the best vehicle for your family.
