Whether you are buying a family car for the first time or just looking to trade up, there are many considerations that need to be thought through before making your purchase.
Here are 5 things you should keep an eye out for when looking for a family car:
1. Power
Do you want high horsepower? If so, then what kind of power source do you prefer? Electric? Gasoline-powered? Diesel? Hybrid electric/gasoline-powered, perhaps? Diesel tends to have more power than conventional gasoline engines, which can be beneficial if you plan on towing heavy loads. Also, consider fuel economy; some cars get better gas mileage than others, while others consume more fuel per mile driven. There are also speed limits to take into consideration. In the United States, most freeways have a maximum speed limit of 70-75 mph (113-121 km/h); which is fine if your car can go that fast or faster (even with passengers and cargo), but not so with smaller cars or even larger ones with fewer horses under the hood; you may end up getting stopped by police for speeding, especially on highways where there are no speed limits posted. It’s also worth considering acceleration; most cars these days will accelerate from 0-60 (0-96 km/h) in 8 seconds or less; most Americans prefer their family car to be able to do this within 10 seconds.
2. Size
Do you need an SUV, a Minivan, a Crossover, or a Sedan? Do you want something small that will easily fit into tight parking spaces, or do you need a car with more interior space to accommodate your growing family and all of their belongings? Also, consider the height of the vehicle; will it fit in your garage, or do you have to park it on the street? And how about turning radius? Some cars are easier to make U-turns in than others.
3. Safety features
Cars these days come packed with all sorts of safety features, from airbags to traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and lane departure warning systems. Make sure that the car you are considering has all of the safety features that will best protect your family, including rear-view cameras and window tint.
4. Motor oil
Make sure to check whether or not your prospective car needs synthetic or semi-synthetic motor oil; if you are buying a high-mileage vehicle (with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer), it is often recommended that you make this change early on in order to avoid engine failure due to lack of lubrication. Also, consider the fuel type required for your car; some vehicles require premium gasoline while others require regular; most modern cars can run on either, but you should check with the manufacturer of your preferred model of car before making any assumptions. As for diesel engines, they require a special type of diesel fuel to run; make sure to check the owner’s manual for this information and to also find out if your preferred car model has a diesel engine option.
5. Research:
It is always good practice to do some research on any car purchase; it doesn’t hurt to know as much about your prospective vehicle before you buy it!
Whether you’re buying a car for the very first time or looking to upgrade to something more family-friendly, there are things that you need to keep an eye out for before you make your purchase. Consider horsepower, safety features, size of the vehicle, fuel economy, and speed limits so that you can safely transport your family!
