Best Family Car: Top Features to Consider When Buying
Posted on August 14, 2024
Choosing the best family car is a big decision, which needs a careful balance of safety, comfort, practicality, and budget. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming.
Although your car budget might be smaller, it could still be around 10% of your total expenses. With the cost of living in Canada on the rise, including higher prices for both new and used vehicles, car shopping comes with its own set of challenges today.
But don’t worry, in this blog post, we'll explore the top features to consider when purchasing a family car, which helps you make smart decisions that suit your lifestyle and budget.
Evaluating Top Family Cars Budget
Determining your budget for a family car is crucial before making any decisions.
- Assess your monthly income and expenses to understand how much you can comfortably afford for car payments, insurance, and maintenance.
- Consider any additional costs such as fuel, parking, and potential repairs. Factor in your family's specific needs and priorities when selecting a vehicle to make sure you find a balance between affordability and the features that matter most to you.
By carefully evaluating your budget, you can make a smart and sustainable choice for your family's transportation needs.
Key Features of a Family-Friendly Car
1. Spacious Interior
When choosing a family-friendly car, ample space is important. From accommodating strollers and groceries to keeping comfortable during long drives, prioritize a vehicle with generous interior space.
Consider options with flexible seating arrangements and a roomy trunk to effortlessly handle your family's belongings and activities.
2. Convenient Keyless Entry
Managing children and belongings while juggling keys can be a hassle. Simplify your daily routine with a car equipped with keyless entry. This feature allows for easy access to the vehicle without the need to fumble for keys, which offers convenience and efficiency for busy families on the go.
3. Bluetooth Connectivity and Entertainment Systems
Nowadays, staying connected on the road is essential. Look for a family car with Bluetooth connectivity and entertainment systems to keep passengers entertained and the driver-focused.
With hands-free communication and access to entertainment options, long journeys become more enjoyable and distraction-free.
4. Flexible Fold-Down Seats
Versatility is key in accommodating the varying needs of a family. Choose a car with fold-down seats that seamlessly transition between passenger and cargo space. You can go one better with the Chrysler Pacifica which is the only minivan in its class to offer the available Stow 'n Go® Seating and Storage System 6. It features second-row seats that can be completely stowed within the cabin floor, or removed, to free up the maximum amount of cargo space in the minivan. This flexibility allows you to adapt the car's layout to accommodate passengers, sports gear, or large purchases, enhancing the practicality of your family vehicle.
5. Safety-Assist Features
Safety first, especially when traveling with children. Choose a family car equipped with park assist and a backup camera to enhance maneuverability and visibility in tight spaces.
These features provide an additional layer of safety, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones on every journey.
6. Size and Seating Capacity
Keep your family's comfort and safety by choosing a car with adequate seating space. Whether you have a small or large family, choose vehicles with flexible seating options, such as third-row seating or adjustable configurations, to accommodate varying passenger needs.
7. Financing
Consider your financial options when purchasing a family car. Whether financing through a bank or credit union, make sure you can comfortably afford monthly payments and assess loan terms and interest rates for the best deal.
8. Fuel Efficiency
Save on fuel costs by choosing a fuel-efficient family car. Factors such as engine size, weight, transmission type, and aerodynamics influence fuel efficiency. Explore hybrid or electric options for additional savings and reduced environmental impact.
9. Cargo Space
Prioritize ample cargo space for storing strollers, groceries, and luggage for family outings. Look for additional storage compartments and consider options like roof racks for transporting larger items such as kayaks or bicycles.
10. Visibility
Choose a car with excellent visibility to enhance safety, especially in urban areas with pedestrians and children. Ensure unobstructed views through windows, mirrors, and features like backup cameras for added convenience. Since 2018 all passenger vehicles were required to have backup cameras, but it was optional before that, so if you’re in the market for a used vehicle, inquire about whether or not it has a backup camera. Aftermarket backup cams can be installed.
11. Ease of Cleaning
Simplify maintenance with easy-to-clean car interiors, particularly fabrics in darker colors to hide stains. Choose materials that resist spills and dirt accumulation for hassle-free cleaning.
12. Child Safety Features
Prioritize safety with features like LATCH (lower anchors and tethers for children) for secure child seat installation. Refer to reputable sources for child car seat installation tips and owner manuals to ensure optimal safety for your little ones.
11. Heated and Ventilated Seats
If you’re lucky enough to purchase a higher-end vehicle with heated and ventilated seats, you sure will appreciate it for our Ontario cold winters and hot summers. Stay cozy during cold commutes and enjoy a refreshing breeze on scorching days for a more enjoyable driving experience.
12. Navigation Systems
Stay on course with built-in navigation systems offering real-time updates and traffic alerts. Enjoy touchscreen functionality and user-friendly interfaces for seamless navigation, even in unfamiliar areas. You can also get aftermarket navigation systems or connect your phone to your car for your navigation needs.
13. Smartphone Integration
Stay connected safely with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, enabling hands-free access to your smartphone's features. Easily manage calls, messages, music, and navigation without distractions while on the road.
14. Adaptive Cruise Control
Experience smoother drives with adaptive cruise control systems that automatically adjust speed based on surrounding traffic. Enhance safety and reduce vehicle wear with intelligent cruise control technology.
15. Automatic Emergency Braking
Enhance safety with automatic emergency braking systems that detect potential collisions and apply brakes to prevent accidents. Enjoy peace of mind knowing your vehicle can react swiftly to sudden hazards on the road.
16. Seat Belt Reminders
Prioritize safety for all passengers with seat belt reminders and rear seatbelt monitoring systems. Ensure everyone stays securely belted with audible alerts for unbuckled seat belts, enhancing safety during every journey.
17. Auto Headlights
Enjoy added convenience with auto headlights that automatically switch on/off based on lighting conditions. Forget the hassle of manually adjusting headlights and ensure visibility during night drives and in tunnels.
18. Reverse Cameras and Parking Sensors
Simplify parking maneuvers with reverse cameras providing a clear view of obstacles behind the vehicle. Parking sensors offer audible alerts to assist in navigating tight spaces, which reduces the stress of parking in challenging locations.
19. Automatic Liftgates
Enjoy the convenience of automatic liftgates, activated with a simple gesture or button press, for a hands-free trunk access experience. Whether your arms are full of groceries or luggage, this feature ensures effortless loading and unloading.
20. Airbags
Studies reveal that front airbags alone decrease driver fatalities by 29%, while side airbags in newer cars further enhance safety, reducing driver deaths by 37% in cars and 52% in SUVs. Considering the number and placement of airbags in your new family car could be a life-saving decision.
21. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire pressure monitoring systems save lives and prevent many accidents. Ask if the car you’re interested in features this option.
Should You Lease or Buy?
Deciding whether to lease or buy a car is a big choice. Leasing might be more attractive with lower upfront costs and more frequent upgrades or perhaps buying it makes more sense to you since it means owning the car once you finish payments and giving the option to drive it for many more years after it’s paid off. Think about what works best for your family and finances. Consider your needs and budget before deciding.
Comparing New and Used Car Choices
New cars boast the latest features and warranty, but choosing a used car can save you money. Used vehicles often mean lower insurance costs and slower depreciation. Check out CarHub.ca. Look for mileage, condition, and owner history to find a dependable and family-friendly ride.
Find The Best Family Car That Fits Your Needs and Budget at CarHub
Finding the right used car for your family is an exciting journey and CarHub North York Chrysler is here to help every step of the way. We understand the unique needs of families and offer a wide selection of quality used cars to fit every budget and requirement.
Whether you prioritize space, safety, or affordability, our team is ready to guide you to your ideal family vehicle. Visit us today or talk to one of our experts and take the first step towards your perfect family car.