If you’re a mom, car specifications are usually the last thing on your mind. You just need something practical that will make family life easier, not something with lots of bells and whistles.
Choosing a car for the whole family, therefore, can be a challenge. You know that you absolutely need one to make your life more convenient. But actually learning about the market and finding something appropriate is often a steep learning curve. There’s just so much jargon.
In general, you want a car that is:
- Family-oriented
- Reliable
- Economical
- Offers plenty of space in the back
- Priced sensibly
- Practical and flexible
You can get more information about all of these factors by visiting the manufacturer’s website. However, you’ll also want to bear some additional things in mind before you make any purchases.
Safety
As a mom, your number one concern is the safety of your kids. So you’ll want to keep this in mind as you go car shopping.
The level of safety on models tends to vary quite considerably. Some manufacturers put enormous effort into making their vehicles as safe as they possibly can so that they can differentiate their brands. However, others prefer to go down the cheap and cheerful route, enticing customers with low prices.
In general, you’ll want to look for brands that invest heavily in safety. Toyota, Volvo, and Mercedes are all good examples.
Budget
Next, you’ll want to consider your budget. You would think that with all the advances in technology that the price of cars would be coming down. But the opposite is happening. Every year, the cost of motoring goes up in real terms even after accounting for inflation.
For that reason, therefore, you’ll need to prioritize the features that you want from your car. First, you’ll need something that provides all the safety and space that you need for your growing family. Then, after that, you’ll want to consider secondary things that you would like your car to have, but that aren’t strictly necessary. These might include a more powerful engine, air conditioning, or the ability to link the entertainment system to your phone.
Ease of Cleaning
Buying a car with luxury trim is a nice thing to do. But it’s not practical when you plan on using it every day to transport messy kids to school. It’s a good idea, therefore, to pick a car that’s easy to clean. Pet hairs, scratches, and food stains can all accumulate over time, so there’s no point investing in the finest leather upholstery.
Reliability
As a busy mom, the last thing you want is to break down when you have screaming children in the back. That’s why it is so critical to pick a car that offers exceptional reliability.
When it comes to reliability, new cars are the best. But you don’t always have to pay a premium to get a vehicle that will serve you for many years. For instance, second-hand cars are often 40 percent cheaper than new ones, even if they only have a few thousand miles on the clock.
