Every car owner dreams of having a luxurious and fast sports car, at one point or another. Some are even lucky to own high-end sports cars, while others choose the more economical ones. However, as your family grows, you will start noticing that the sports car is not practical anymore for your family. You will then have to start looking for a family car, considering your family’s needs, and keeping in mind the essential amenities.
Must-have Features for a Family Car
Picking the right car for your family is all about the available features. It can be hard enough to keep track of all the standard features of a vehicle. However, the real puzzle happens when you get the catalogue option, accessories, and packages. Unfortunately, the more features you need, the pricier the car becomes. The following are some features that are a must for your next family car:
Storage space
It is incredible just thinking of the many things that a family has. When kids are young, you think about the nappy bags, and as they grow older, you switch to school bags and sports bags, sometimes even bicycles and scooters. This means that you have to go for a car that has ample storage space.
Safety
If you are searching for a family car, the safety feature must be on top of your list. Before visiting used car sales, search through the customer reviews on trustworthy internet sites for kids. The features to look for might include ABS brakes, Traction control, Curtain airbags, seat belts with pretensions, and reinforced frames.
Speaking of safety, If you ever do get into a car accident, the first thing you should do is call a lawyer. Even if the accident was minor and there is no visible damage to your car, you still need legal representation. The other driver may try to say that the accident was your fault, or that the damage to their car is more extensive than it actually is. An experienced car crash lawyer will be able to protect your interests and ensure that you receive fair compensation for any damages. If you don’t have a lawyer, you may end up paying for repairs yourself or receiving much less money than you deserve.
Gas mileage
When looking for a family car, you might want to ask about the gas mileage. This feature is essential to you since petrol prices have been unexpectedly high over the past years. The future cost of gas usage will allow you to determine if you can afford a car.
Power sliding doors
This feature allows for the easy entry of your kids into the car. While dropping them off at school, all you need to do is slow down, and the kids will get out with ease. Having power doors means that you can close the doors even after you have settled behind the wheel.
Bluetooth connectivity
Using your phone while driving is unsafe. As a parent, you ought to know the significance of having the capability to pay attention to your phone without necessarily having to look at it while driving. You can take calls, choose music, navigate and have text messages read out loud for you.
Back up cameras
A backup camera can save you from really embarrassing situations and protect you against accidents. It also allows you to keep an eye on what’s happening behind you using a dashboard screen. Parking is made easy, and no more backing out on shopping carts. You will also be able to know if there are any kids or pets in the driveway.
Bottom Line
With the many features available today, choosing a family car can be an overwhelming task. Take time to evaluate the diverse models and makes as you shop for a family car. Search through dealerships and ask questions keeping your family’s needs in mind. Try out each car and choose the one that is best for your family. It must have the combination of features that you need.
Therese has completed the ‘Advanced Child Car Seat Training Course’ at TRL (Transport Research Lab) and is a CPD accredited car seat expert. She blogs about in-car safety, car seats, tips, reviews, giveaways and advice. She’s a mum on a mission to change the law and raise awareness. She is also a breastfeeding advocate and gentle parenting promoter who loves cloth nappies, baby-wearing, BLW and co-sleeping/bed-sharing.