Buying a car for the family can mean finding a sensible, reliable vehicle that will provide the safety and space your family needs, but it can still be difficult to find a car that suits all.
These are some of the key aspects worth considering:
Runaround or motorway cruiser?
If your car is primarily going to be for the school run and trips to the supermarket, your main requirements are likely to be space and safety, but you may also want something that’s nippy and easy to park.
The Ford B-Max is a small MPV with sliding rear doors to maximise the space inside. The Volkswagen Sharan uses the same trick while the smaller Honda Jazz has some innovative storage solutions such as flip-up rear seats.
If you make regular motorway trips to see the grandparents, however, you might be better going for something like the ever-practical Ford Mondeo or the Volvo XC90.
For young children or for teenagers?
For those with young children, it might be worth looking for a vehicle with wide opening doors and rear seats that are raised up higher than those in the front. This gives a better view for the children, which can reduce travel sickness and is a little kinder to your back when fitting youngsters into car seats.
Teenagers take up more space – so it may be worth considering an SUV like the Nissan Qashqai. Other popular options are the futuristic Peugeot 3008 series and the Skoda Yeti.
Stylish saloon or happy hatchback?
Hatchbacks generally allow more flexibility, meaning it is easier to fit pushchairs and even pets into the back. Saloon cars have narrower openings and high boot lips – but with the added security of a separate, lockable boot and with it, more insulation against road noise.
Petrol, diesel or electric?
If you are still expecting to do a lot of mileage in your vehicle, diesel remains the most economical choice for families. However, with the government pledged to phase out fossil fuels by 2100, both petrol and diesel are likely to become more expensive.
Sadly, electric vehicles still cannot yet manage long journeys and take several hours to recharge.
Hybrids offer the range of fossil fuel cars with the economy of electric. The Toyota Prius remains a favourite, but the Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid costs the same as the conventional diesel with the government’s “plug-in” grant.
Estate or SUV?
SUVs are modern and fashionable, but despite appearing larger, they tend to give less space than an estate car. So if you are likely to be lugging luggage and sports kit around consider something like the Skoda Octavia estate or BMW 5 series estate.
New vs second hand
Most car buying guides recommend getting a “nearly new” car rather than one straight off the production line. Buying a second hand vehicle is undoubtedly cheaper, but also requires care. The AA recommends being cautious when buying privately as you have few legal rights.
To buy or not to buy?
Owning a car is an expensive business with tax, insurance, maintenance and the MOT to pay for. And if you only use your vehicle infrequently it can hardly seem worth it. Joining a car club can provide new flexibility but is currently only really an option for those living in major cities who tend to make short journeys. Many families are now turning to this option instead of keeping a second car.
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