For families, cars are an essential part of life. With school, activities, social events and any other number of outings, being able to get from one place to another is very important. It’s also well-known that both kids and cars aren’t exactly cheap, so it’s helpful when you can find ways to cut back on expenses wherever possible. One place you can easily save is on your vehicle purchase. Used cars often have a reduced price, and when you find the right one, also have the reliability and longevity you need.
What to Look for in a Used Car
There are a few things to look for when buying a used car. Remember it has a history, so it is worthwhile to make sure that history doesn’t compromise your potential ride’s future. A few things you want to take into consideration before signing the contract are:
- How it looks, feels and drives. A test drive is going to be your first line of defense. Don’t just take a quick spin around the block, but drive in several situations. This means in situations you can stop and go, try a higher speed limit and maneuver around a few corners. Turn off radios and listen. You should jot down any noises, creaks, groans or squeals. Also, look over the interior and exterior thoroughly. You’ll want to note any damage or poorly done repairs. Go with your gut—if there is too many “odd” things, it’s probably not a good used car.
- Look for leaks. Does the car leave a puddle anywhere you leave it? When you come back from your test drive, park it in a clean spot and make sure it doesn’t leak anywhere.
- Get a history. Any service records or a vehicle history is crucial. If the background isn’t being offered, you have to wonder why. You can run it yourself too, just get the VIN.
- Do some quick research. Once you’ve found a vehicle you like, do some quick research on make, model and price. You’ll be able to see if it’s selling at a reasonable cost and whether it has good or bad reviews. If your search reveals high repair cars or a tendency to need excessive repairs at a certain mileage, decide if it’s worth the risk.
Traits of a Good Family Car
What is a family car? Well, technically, it’s any car that has features that will benefit your family. For example, if your family is on the road a lot, a car with excellent MPG may be exactly what you need. And although traits will vary by family (like a car that seats 8 for large families), there are a few basic traits most families enjoy. They include:
- Good mileage – No matter what size of vehicle you need, looking for the best MPG in your category can go a long way in saving money. If you’re only getting 12 MPG, chances are you’ll be spending a lot of money on gas.
- Backup camera – When you have little ones running around, or are frequently at schools or other places with kids (and their unpredictability), a backup camera can be a life saver—literally.
- Tech features – Today’s kids are pretty tech savvy, as are their parents. Any tech features are excellent for keeping the kids entertained during long days on the road.
- Cargo space – With families, it’s not just the people. It’s often groceries, gear and many other things as well. The more cargo space you have, the better.
- Any safety feature – Your most precious cargo is your kids, so the more safety features your car possesses the better. You want to look for vehicles with high crash test ratings, and that warn you to prevent accidents and incidents.
Top Picks for Your Family
Before you head to the used car dealership, it’s helpful to have a few makes and models in mind. Good family cars need to be balanced. They should be rated with good marks for longevity, low repair costs and safety. Here are a few vehicles that make the grade:
Mazda CX-5 – The CX-5 has had consistent ratings over the years and has proven itself an excellent choice for families. This crossover has the room and the seating.
Toyota Camry – It may not be the most exciting ride, but the Camry has great mileage, size, comfort and safety. Look for the most current models to get a real deal.
Kia Soul – The Kia Soul may be a boxy standout, but it has the room, MPG, reliability and fun features at incredible prices. It’s a true money saver.
Chevy Tahoe – This is a good pick for bigger families, especially 2014 and newer.
There are many excellent used cars for families. The key is to research before you buy.