Your Guide on How to Buy the Perfect Family Car in 2020

Life is a whirlwind, and it’s crazy how fast time goes.

One minute you’re just living your life, thinking about what car fits your budget. And the next moment, you’re having babies and looking for a suitable minivan for your family. We all know that buying a family car isn’t the same as buying any car. You need to put more thought into family vehicles, and you can’t buy a car simply because you like the way it looks.

Fortunately for you, you’ve come across this article that gives you the perfect guide to buying a car. It’s not only ideal for you but the entire family. So, take a moment and read this article to get the guidance you need on how to find the perfect family car.

Think about what you can afford

As much as you or your partner would love to buy a brand new red two-door convertible, now isn’t the time. And as much as it hurts, you have to put those dreams aside and be practical. Firstly, you need to think about what your family needs. Truth be told, for you to get the best value for money car in South Africa, your best alternative will be purchasing a pre-loved vehicle. Luckily enough, there are plenty of second-hand family cars for sale that are in impeccable condition. Pre-owned vehicles aren’t only in good condition; they are affordable, have a wide variety, and you get to avoid the depreciation costs.

Be practical about what your family needs

When you start growing your family, some of your needs will take a backseat, and that’s okay. Especially in this case; your personal needs and wants shouldn’t override the needs and comfortability of your family. So, even if you’ve been interested in a certain vehicle for a while, if it’s not big enough for your family, then it’s a no-go for lifestyle right now.

With the right mindset, you can easily find yourself the right car. We aren’t in the ’90s anymore, nor are there only ancient second-hand cars on the market. No, you can find a suitable, modern family car in South Africa that will make you and your kids look fly every morning when you arrive at the school’s parking lot. And always remember, you’re looking for a vehicle with a boot that can fit groceries, prams and any extramural activities.

Does it have the safety features your family needs?

Although most cars have standard safety features like airbags, it is beneficial for you to have more than the basics. Your safety, as well as your family’s, are important, considering how many reckless drivers are on the road. So, having the latest safety features will give you peace of mind when you’re on the road with your family. The first step when considering safe cars is knowing what each car’s safety ratings are, and which cars are the safest to drive.

Once you have an idea of what car to look out for, you can find out what safety features are available. For example, the basics would include; shatterproof glass, a head restraint, auto emergency brakes, a blind-spot monitor, a lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and reverse parking cameras. Those are the few things you need to look out for to make your daily commute worthwhile. Lastly, if you’re purchasing a second-hand vehicle, make sure you take it out for a test drive and have someone you trust tag along. This will prevent you from purchasing a lemon car; one that will cost you more than it should.

How much will the car cost to run

Apart from the selling price, you need to do your research on how much the car will cost to run. As a parent who has a lot on their plate, finding an affordable car should be at the top of your priority list. So, make sure you check to see if the minivan is fuel-efficient, especially since your kids will need to be driven around for playdates and extramural activities.

Also, remember that repair costs need to be added to your monthly budget. You never know when your vehicle will need to go for repairs or get a replacement. Also, keep in mind that bigger vehicles’ tyres cost more. These “small” amounts can add up quickly, so you need to be aware of the cost. That way, you can tweak your budget accordingly.

How big of a family are you planning on having?

You may not be thinking of growing your family this year, but what about in the future? Just because one or two kids are enough, for now, it doesn’t mean you won’t reconsider another later. So, purchasing a big enough car from the get-go will make things easier for you. Have the discussion with your partner and choose a vehicle that’s a long-term investment.

What will you be using the car for?

Families spend time together differently. Some enjoy going on camping trips while others never leave the city. When buying a new family car, you need to ask yourself what’s the use of this car apart from your day to day activities. Do you need a vehicle that’s able to handle rocky terrain? If you and your family are into exploring, then you need to look for a utility vehicle. But, if you and your family are homebodies, then a standard minivan will suffice.

Is it comfortable and child-friendly?

When travelling with children, comfortability is a key component. This ensures your children are comfortable while you’re running errands; taking them to school or sports practice.

Having a comfortable car helps even the most reckless child sleep, which is a win for you during long drives. But apart from it being comfortable, the car also needs to be child-friendly. So, take a look at the interior designs and see if it’s suitable for children. Children can be messy; spilling and touching things with their sticky fingers, so it’s best you go for leather. It’s easier to clean and will keep your car looking presentable.

Think about financing

Bigger cars are costly investments. Think about how you plan on financing this new purchase. If you want to cut the financing cost, then you need to save up 10 percent of the vehicle cost. That way, when you apply for vehicle finance, you have a smaller amount to pay. Lastly, be practical about your choice; rather opt for a second-hand vehicle to get more bang for your buck. The last thing you need is to find yourself in a bad financial situation.

Final thoughts

Apart from buying a house, a car is the second-largest purchase you will make. That alone is stressful, but, if you follow this guide, it will help lessen the weight of finding the right car. If you’re a busy parent, the internet has made things easier as you can shop around for a vehicle in the comfort of your own home. So, take your time, and decide what is best for you and your family. We know you’ll enjoy creating fresh memories in your new ride.