Things to Consider When Choosing a Family Car
Buying a car is an important decision – more so when you have a family to drive around with. There are various factors to consider when choosing a family car. From size and price to fuel economy and space, all things should be according to the specific needs of your family. Not to mention, one needs to keep in mind how needs change as the family grows.
In the UAE, you can find a plethora of good family car options, which can be a bit confusing if you are not sure what to look for. This guide covers all the major considerations you need to take into account when choosing a car for your family.
1. Car Type
Everyone dreams of a two-door convertible sports car, but the cars most sold remain the ones that can easily accommodate a family of four or more. The car types that are commonly popular with families include sedans, MPVs, SUVs and crossovers.
Sedan
Sedans are perfect for a small family of 3 to 4 members. The car type offers a range of affordable options – another family-friendly feature. Moreover, sedans are easy to handle on the road. However, compared to SUVs, they offer a more compact trunk space. From high-end to more budget-friendly, sedans come in various options.
Check out these listings for affordable sedans:
Here are a few high-end family friendly sedan options for you:
SUV
SUVs or sports utility vehicles make for an ideal family car. They come in different sizes with seats from 5 to 9 or even more. This car type offers ample legroom and has a spacious trunk. Furthermore, the larger SUVs come with 3 rows of seats that are usually foldable. This creates more cargo space.
Finally, most of these are all wheel drives and are suitable for both on-road and off-road rides. This makes them an ideal choice for families who enjoy going on longer road trips on weekends or vacations.
Have a look at these listings of second-hand, affordable AWD SUVs:
You can buy used luxury SUVs for a good price:
- Buy used Lexus LX series
- Second hand Land Rover Range Rover for sale
- Buy second hand Toyota Land Cruiser
MPV
MPVs or minivans have a reputation for being mom-friendly vehicles. They are easy to drive around and can carry up to 8 passengers – making them a great vehicle for large families. Minivans also offer ample trunk storage space. Although once considered boring, popular minivans are going through some major changes from the manufacturer. While some are getting a facelift, others are going hybrid such as Hybrid Toyota Sienna and Lexus LM-300.
Check out these budget-friendly used MPVs listed on dubizzle:
2. Car Capacity
One of the most important things you will consider when buying a family car is its size. Plan to buy a car according to the number of your family members. If you plan a bigger family in the future, then you should consider the best car for a family of 5 or more.
In addition to seating space, a good family car should have sufficient cargo space. This means a spacious trunk. It becomes an essential requirement for families that go for long inter emirate trips. Check the storage volume of the car you are planning to buy and choose as per your requirements.
As per dubizzle’s annual report 2020 for used cars, SUVs stand out for their ample cargo space. Check out these used spacious SUVs:
3. Car Safety
Car safety features are always important but children can be the most vulnerable passengers. Therefore, you must look for the must-have car features to see what it offers to ensure the safety of your entire family. Aside from basic safety features like airbags, seatbelts, and ABS, look for smarter ones like collision detection, blind-spot monitoring, cruise control and more. Find out the safety rating of the models you have your eyes on and buy the one with a good rating.
If you are looking for cars that have stood out for their impressive safety feature, consider these options:
4. Car Efficiency
Fuel-efficient cars are not only good for the environment, they are also a boon to your pocket. Less fuel consumption by a car means less fuel cost and hence saving more money for your family. Keep in mind that a budget-friendly car is one that is not only cheaper to buy but also cheaper to maintain and drive. That is why fuel efficiency should be a point of consideration.
Furthermore, fuel-efficient cars mean lower carbon footprint – better for the next generation. That is one of the best things parents can do for their kids.
If fuel-efficiency is a priority for you, here are a few second hand options at suitable rates:
5. Car Technology
When it comes to driving with family, you need a plethora of gadgets to keep everyone entertained. USB ports, DVD screens, radio, speaker, bluetooth are some of the features that ensure your kids won’t be disturbing you during the journey. These gadgets are also helpful for kids who suffer from motion sickness.
However, technology is not just for entertainment. Simpler devices like GPS and phone charger are also very useful on family trips.
The more the tech features, the more will be the price tag. However, you can opt for second hand cars to avail these features without breaking your pocket. Have a look at this used cars listing for vehicles to have outshined the other in terms of tech features:
6. Car Prices
Another deciding factor when choosing a family car is the price. The rates for cars depend on a number of factors such as the brand, car type, model year, variant, new or used and others. If you have the budget, buying a new family car is a great option as you don’t have to worry about the car conditions and performance. However, if you are on a budget, various good used cars are available for sale at affordable rates.
Check out these listings for some of the best used family cars:
- Used Nissan Pathfinders for sale
- Second hand Honda Civic for sale
- Buy second hand Mitsubishi Outlander
Knowing what to look for in a family car will help you find the right one for yours. If an SUV or sedan most suitable for your family is out of your budget, consider finding that vehcile among used cars for sale on dubizzle.
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