How to Choose a Large Family Vehicle
- 1). Safety should be your first consideration. You want to protect your family as much as you can when they’re in the car and on the road. Check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to learn how your choices fare in a crash or rollover scenario.
- 2). Take a look at your budget and decide in advance what you’re willing to spend on the vehicle. Name your bottom line and stick to it. Bear in mind that the cost of the car is more than just the purchase price. If you need financing to purchase the car, remember to include interest in the overall cost of the car. Ask your insurance agent about the annual cost to insure the thing. Pay close attention to the vehicle’s gas mileage, and try to figure the relationship between sales price and gas price. It’s not hugely important, but give some thought to the car’s resale value.
- 3). Test drive every one of your top choices. Don’t be satisfied with a trip around the block; get every car out on the road and test it in every possible way. See how the driver’s seat fits you. Evaluate all the controls to make certain you can reach everything easily.
- 4). Evaluate all the convenience and comfort features of every car on your list. Pack the whole gang in the vehicle and take a look at elbow room. Pay attention to how kid seats fit in the vehicle. Think about how you’ll load groceries. Look for fold-down seats and extra storage space for hauling cargo and kid gear. Find all the cupholders and 12v plugs. Check out the entertainment options.
- 5). Consider the style factor. You may love the convenience of a minivan, but you just can’t see yourself driving one to the gym. If that’s the case, check out an SUV or crossover vehicle, instead.