Getting ready to buy a new family car soon? Whether you’re expecting a new arrival, or your kids have grown into teenagers, there are plenty of reasons why you might need the upgrade.
Luckily, the market is teeming with high-quality used and new family cars. From streamlined hatchbacks to spacious SUVs, it’s worth putting a framework in place to help you and your family choose the best suited vehicle.
- Assess your family’s needs
Start by looking at the size of your family and your needs as a group. Your daily travel requirements matter most, especially when it comes to the number of passengers and the type of journeys you’ll take.
Think about seating capacity, boot space, and fuel efficiency too. If you think you’ll be giving lifts to your children and their friends too, choosing a seven-seater car could be a worthy investment.
Check the latest Euro NCAP ratings to find out which vehicles score highest for all-round safety, including in the event of a crash. You need to prioritise durability, efficiency and practicality, which includes safety.
- Budgeting and running costs
Next, you’ll need to set a clear budget that includes the purchase price and ongoing expenses too.
Monthly road tax costs can be a bigger commitment in older vehicles. Similarly, no matter the size or power of your vehicle, taking car insurance into account is crucial when putting together your monthly and annual running costs.
Think about the maintenance demands of the vehicle: would you prefer an all-electric car for fuel-free convenience, or do you prefer the appeal of a workhouse diesel engine? Increasingly, drivers are turning to EVs due to concerns about rising fuel costs and lower availability too.
- Vehicle inspection and history
If you’re planning to buy a second-hand or nearly new vehicle, you should carry out a thorough inspection. Check for external bumps, scratches and dents, which could indicate a history of careless driving or even a collision.
You should be able to check the vehicle category online. If any of the following categories flag up, you should query the previous owner:
- Cat A – a total write-off with severe structural damage that cannot be repaired nor salvaged.
- Cat B – damaged beyond repair but can be stripped for parts to use on other vehicles.
- Cat S –structural damage that can be repaired.
- Cat N – the vehicle suffered non-structural damage at some point in the past, which may not be visible.
Even if you don’t see any obvious red flags when you view the car, it’s worth carrying out a background check when you get home.
- Think about the environment
Finally, there are currently more used EVs on the market than ever before. Even with such great variety and some bargains to be had, don’t discard a new car if you think it’s the best choice for you and your family.
If you live in London or anywhere near the Ultra Low Emission Zone, an emissions-free vehicle is the most sensible choice. Furthermore, new EVs are very often available under workplace car leasing schemes and more.
Consider your home setup and typical commute. If access to charging would be difficult, conventional fuel vehicles might still suit your family better.
When you next visit the showroom, try not to feel pressured to choose one model over another.
Getting a new car is a personal decision, especially when it affects the whole family! If you love it during the test drive and it suits your budget, you’ll drive away happy.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post