Just like families, cars come in different shapes and sizes. If you’re looking to buy a new car, you probably know that there are hundreds of cars to choose from. Are you a looking to buy something lean and mean like a sedan or are you looking for something more intimidating and brutish like an SUV? Here are some things to consider when looking to buy a new ‘family’ car.
Space & Utility
The single biggest factor when buying a car is how many people do you intend to carry in your car on a regular basis? Young families with no kids coming along in the near future can look at a coupe. But if you have a family of four or more people then you should consider looking at a mid-sized sedan as they offer better space and comfort for all passengers while being safer too. If you plan on getting your workmates to try out the new car pooling craze then you’d probably be better off with a 7-seater MPV or SUV.
Price & Residual Value
The price of the same car usually varies from dealer to dealer as every one of them offers different types of finance schemes or different offers. European and Japanese cars usually tend to hold a higher resale value than their Korean and American counterparts. Colors such as silver, white or grey tend to hold higher resale value than other colors.
Insurance
It is crucial that you get an insurance policy as it will be very helpful in the long run. Make sure that the policy covers a wide range of damages. It is preferred to have agency cover when compared to having a third-party garage service your car, as an agency maintained car is proven to be more reliable.
Power & Fuel Efficiency
Power and mileage go hand in hand. The more powerful a vehicle, the less fuel efficient it will be. Look for a car that has a balance of both power and fuel efficiency so that you can enjoy your new car while it doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Safety Features
When you know that you’ve invested in a safe car your mind has one less thing to worry about while you’re driving. Since you’ll have family and friends traveling in your car, it should be noted that safety features such as ABS, airbags, rear camera, parking sensors, EBD, blind-spot monitoring should be present in the car. If you have young kids, it’s worth noting that most cars nowadays come with ISOFIX points which help to secure the child seat.
Infotainment
In the era where everything is becoming ‘smart’, it’s worth noting that car manufacturers have also joined the bandwagon. Nowadays car manufacturers offer touch screen systems, USB ports, card readers and many more gizmos to make sure that you and your family are entertained while driving.
Cargo Capacity
No matter which car you choose, make sure that you can accommodate at least one full-size suitcase and a couple of handbags. Also, make sure that the car you purchase has split folding rear seats as these can come in handy while carrying larger items.
Warranty
A three-year warranty is a norm among most car manufacturers. But the warranty can be extended by a further year or two while purchasing the vehicle if you plan on keeping the vehicle around for more than four years. This helps in making sure that you don’t have to shell out extra on parts once your car gets older.
Service Plans
Service costs play a very critical role when looking to buy a new car. Since cars have become more reliable over the years, the intervals between services have dramatically increased. Modern cars require servicing once in 10,000 km. This helps in reducing the frequency of visits to the garage. Also, make note of cost of spare parts when buying a new car.
Identity & Conclusion
Ultimately, try and find a good balance between all of the above points. Happy motoring and enjoy your new car!
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