Family Cars: Top Factors You Should Consider

Posted Sunday, Jun 09, 2024

Family cars play an important role in daily commutes and running errands. This includes driving to work, taking kids to school, swimming lessons, parties, doctor appointments, and everything else in between. However, all these activities can be performed successfully only if you have a reliable and efficient ride. After all, not all family cars are built the same.

So, if you have a growing family and are planning to buy a family car, here are the top factors to consider for an informed car-buying decision. Take a look:

Safety Comes First

Safety is a priority when infants and toddlers ride with you in the back seat. So, before you finalize your purchase decision, always evaluate your options based on their safety rating to ensure the car can protect your family and you in a collision. And that is precisely why organizations like the NHTSA & IIHS thoroughly assess vehicles to gauge their safety features.

Therefore, look for a family car that has basic and advanced safety features like:

Anti-lock brakes
Rearview camera
Blind spot detection
Airbags
Traction control
Electronic stability control

Ask the dealer for the crash-test ratings for the vehicle you wish to buy. Make sure the car has a high safety score so you can chauffeur the young passengers from one point to another with peace of mind and safety.

Size & Seating

Another aspect to consider when shopping for the ultimate family car is evaluating the comfort scale in leg space, seating, and car size. It’s best to buy a car designed for large families, featuring third-row or flexible seating to create extra room for growing families. Settling for a small car with five kids is never a good idea. It is both uncomfortable and unsafe.

Fuel Efficiency

With so many daily errands to run, the last thing you want is to spend all your money at the pump. Hence, fuel efficiency should be on your priority list. Narrow down your choices by looking for cars that are high on safety, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

Fuel efficiency can easily save you money at the gas station and allow you to plan and take long road trips with your family without any worries.

Some aspects that correlate with a car’s fuel efficiency are the transmission system, engine size, aerodynamics, and weight. For example, a vehicle with a more aerodynamic design uses less fuel. Similarly, an automatic transmission vehicle consumes more fuel than a manual one.

Moreover, you can also consider shopping for electric and hybrid family cars for extra fuel efficiency and better performance.

Modern Infotainment System

If you’re buying a family car also because you plan to take your little ones on outdoor adventures and long-distance road trips, then make sure your ride is a 10/10 on entertainment & connectivity. We say this because keeping toddlers hooked and busy for long hours is not easy. Besides this, if they don’t have their favorite gadgets connected to the WIFI during a long ride, they’ll probably throw tantrums, scream, and shout, eventually getting the best of you.

Hence, to avoid such scenarios, it’s best to invest in a ride that keeps your family entertained throughout. So, when shopping for the ride, check for entertainment features that you know your kids will love, like built-in USB Ports, DVDs, a WIFI hotspot, rear seat monitors, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Driving Comfort

Family road trips mean driving around for hours- back and forth. This can take a toll on your back and feet if the vehicle doesn’t offer driving comfort. Therefore, along with focusing on your family's needs, evaluate your potential ride for driving comfort.

Needless to say, you definitely don’t want to drive a car that makes you book an appointment the next day with the chiropractor because of intense back pain. Hence, consider buying a family car with plushy seats, headroom, shoulder room, and leg room.

Additionally, ensure it has ergonomic features for the entire family, like adjustable seats and climate control. The car's suspension system should be smooth and not bouncy. This will ensure that you ride pleasantly.

Performance

While not as critical as safety or space, the performance of your family car is still an important factor. So, evaluate your potential ride on:

Handling: A car that offers a smooth ride and responsive handling can make daily commutes and long drives more enjoyable.
Power: Depending on your needs, consider whether the car’s engine provides enough power for your driving conditions, especially if you plan on carrying heavy loads or driving in hilly areas.

Cargo Space

When selecting a family car, cargo space is a critical consideration. Adequate trunk space ensures you can comfortably transport all necessary items, such as strollers, sports equipment, groceries, and luggage, making everyday errands and family trips much more convenient.

Vehicles with generous cargo capacity are essential for families juggling numerous belongings. A spacious trunk can accommodate bulky items like strollers and sports gear without compromising passenger comfort. Additionally, having enough room for groceries and luggage is vital, especially for longer trips or vacations.

One key feature to look for is split-folding rear seats. This feature allows you to fold down a portion of the rear seats while accommodating passengers. It provides enhanced versatility for carrying larger or oddly shaped items. It maximizes the use of space, enabling a flexible arrangement of cargo and seating to suit various needs, from transporting furniture to packing for a family getaway.

Brownie Points - Tips for Family Car Buyers

Here are some additional tips to help you make an informed car-buying decision:

Budget Wisely: Balance initial cost with long-term value and resale potential.

Test Drive: Evaluate comfort, handling, and ease of access.

Child-Friendly: Ensure easy installation of car seats and plenty of storage solutions.

Wrapping Up

To sum up, among the factors discussed above, create a checklist of the factors that matter to you the most. This will help you shortlist your options and find a family car within your budget that meets your requirements. For more information or assistance buying top-quality family cars, visit our dealership.

Cars of Kentucky, Inc. is a reliable, reputed, and trusted car dealer. We can help you find the perfect ride for your family within your budget.