Having a family car is beneficial when it comes to running the kids to various activities, doing the weekly food shop and heading on road trips in the school holidays. However, it can be difficult knowing which one to choose – there is so much choice, and each family has different needs. This can make choosing a family car a really hard thing to do! With that said, today I’m sharing a quick guide to choosing a family car to help you with your family car shopping!
Choosing a family car & considering your needs
Before you even think about ditching your old car or stepping into a showroom, you should consider your needs. Make a checklist and run yourself through it:
- Seats – Is four or five seats enough, or would you be better with seven? Some cars even have eight or nine seats.
- Boot space vs extra seats – If you’re not going to be using seven seats very often and you choose to buy a seven seat model, you could be compromising on the space of your boot.
- How often will you use the car? – If you only need it at weekends, you can compromise on running costs for extra space. If you are using the car during the week for the school run, you’ll want something with lower running costs, and maybe extras to help you such as parking sensors.
- Boot space – How much will you need? Estate hatchbacks tend to have more space, as do SUVs, but the awkward shape of SUVs may make the boot harder to pack.
- Extras – Do you need to carry items on your roof like camping equipment or a bike? If so, you’ll need a car with roof rails. If you regularly go on road trips, you might want to invest in a car with a built-in sat nav.
- Replacements – Consider how much replacements cost for the upkeep of the car. Tyres are a good example, as they need replacing regularly and costs can vary quite a bit. It is worth shopping around and comparing prices through local providers such as Corby Tyres before committing to a purchase..
Best Family Cars 2019
As there is so much choice with family cars, it’s impossible to say which one is the best. However, here are some of the standout vehicles to keep in mind when choosing a family car.
Skoda Superb
The Skoda Superb shares much of its features with the more popular Octavia model, but the Superb is better for families. It has plenty of space inside, with the boots and the back seat not compromised. The car itself is a sporty hatchback, with a luxurious interior. The boot has a 625 litre capacity, perfect for lots of luggage on a road trip.
Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is an economical choice for a family car. The Passat is well-built and spacious, and you can choose between the saloon or estate style to suit your personal choice. There’s also a hybrid engine option, as well as petrol and diesel choices.
Citroen C4 Picasso
The C4 Picasso has futuristic looks that set it apart from the rest of the vehicles in its class. It is smooth and quiet to drive, with a boot space of 537 litres, which increases to 630 litres when you slide the seats forward. The car has an electric parking brake, which frees up space in the middle to allow storage. Like any vehicle, regular maintenance is essential to keep it running safely and efficiently. One crucial aspect of upkeep is ensuring the braking system remains in top condition. If you’re wondering about the prix changement de frein C4 Picasso (C4 Picasso brake change price), it’s important to factor in both the cost of parts and labor, as well as choosing a reliable service provider. Properly maintained brakes not only improve safety but also enhance the overall driving experience, making routine inspections and timely replacements a priority.
Nissan Qashqai
Our own personal favourite, the Nissan Qashqai has now overtaken hatchbacks to become the UK’s best selling family car. Essentially, it’s a practical SUV which operates at the cost of running a hatchback, yet which offers far more comfort than a hatchback ever could. It’s also a surprisingly quiet to drive too.
Land Rover Discovery
The Land Rover Discovery is one of the standout luxury SUVs. There are five full sized seats in the back, and you can even fold down the back row using your phone. If you fold down all the back seats, you’ll be left with a boot space that matches up with a van in terms of capacity. The car has plenty of off-road capability, but remains comfortable to drive on the road. The only downfall to the Discovery as a family car is that it can be quite expensive, starting at £44,000.
Volvo XC90
The XC90 is an alternative to Land Rover in terms of a family SUV. It offers great safety features, such as seatbelt tightening when the car detects rough road territory and automatic braking technology if the driver pulls out in front of someone. Climate control, leather seats, a sat nav and LED headlamps come as standard with this model. The five seats in the back can also comfortably accommodate adults up to 5ft 7in, making it a great option for a car that will grow with your family.
Leasing a Family Car
When choosing a family car, if money is tight and you are wondering how to afford a family car, why not try car leasing? Leasing allows you to pay a deposit, followed by a monthly fee in exchange for driving the car with a set mileage. If you go over that mileage, you have to pay per mile. The only disadvantage of leasing is that you will never own the car, but if you like to change your car regularly, or have it grow with your family, this could be seen as an advantage.
And now for the exciting bit!
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Land Rover is abit on the high end! You can choose Chevy cars they are quality!
I am really suprise by reading this text. Great Content.I love the way you write and thank for sharing.
Fuel economy and space
Well the car would have to forefill all our needs, Enough room in the boot for luggage etc. Savvy on petrol I personally like a car that’s got a good reputation…Also within our budget. Ample room for when all the family is in with there car seats whatever. And also insurance if this goes way beyond our budget it’s a no no!
Feature, size and safety rating.
Safety, Size & Price Range
Size, safety, boot space and fuel economy.
Economical to run with plenty of space to seat everyone.
Small size and economical
Safety has to come first and then boot size is definitely important for a family car
For me on a budget it has to be the cost of the insurance
Economy and enough room for the dogs
Always look for safety, size and comfort for adults, children and doggies
Running costs, comfort and space.
Size, we needed a 7 seater, safety, reliability, tech. We ended up buying a hyundai Santa fe – really pleased so far!
For me it boils down to safety and budget.
The three most important things for me are budget, fuel economy and boot space.
Fantastic giveaway, Thank you so much xx
Boot space, safey, fuel
Boot space, fuel economy & handling. I’ve driven some cars where the handling was atrocious!
Love the Nissan Qashqai!
Size, safety and practicality 🙂
Fuel economy and insurance cost
Size and cost to run.
I like to be able to flip seats up and down to suit passengers, shopping and ferrying various large and small dogs about, so versatility, cost, fuel economy and safety are key for me.
Safety, Boot Space and Reliability
Reliability, price, practicality, fuel economy, safety features, etc :- Are main aspects I consider when considering purchasing a car for family use.
Price first must be 4 doors for my granddaughters.big boot as we gave lots of days out and fuel consumption
We have been discussing this tonight actually & the main factors arising are the size of the car as there will 3 people driving it & the price of the car. There’s two disabled members driving so we need to make sure that they can operate the car safety too.
Safety, fuel economy (would love to get a hybrid of full electric) and running costs
Space
It would need to have a good safety rating and fuel economy, low emissions, reasonable service and maintenance costs whilst also being comfortable for our family to travel in.
Having a good safety rating is a must, also comfort and the environmental impact is really important to me too! So many things to consider!
We look for fuel economy, comfort and safety. Each month we do a long round trip drive from Merseyside to south London to visit our daughter and granddaughter, so it’s key that we are safe and comfortable, and that the trip is not too expensive.
prince and reliability are the biggest factors i consider in a family car x
Boot space and shape, and fuel economy
Its so hard to find a cra thats has absolutely everything you want these days
Safety, size and reliability are the key things I would look for.
Size, safety, cost to run are my main considerations. It would be cool to have a dashcam!
Space and safety
Budget and safety features
Safety and design
Safety and how much it costs to run
Safety, reliability and annual costs are my prime considerations but must admit to liking the look of a car too
Safety efficiency and the colour!
How. Much room. Is on car and boot and safety and fuel
Safety fuel economy comfort
fuel economy, boot size, comfort and reliability
Safety is hugely important for me, but so is space. I always consider whether the rear seats fold down to allow more space for moving large items. I also want the boot space to be large enough for buggies and all the other stuff we need to carry.
size and safety features
safety features and ratings
For me it would be the design, the space and most importantly the safety.
Fuel economy, space and safety features for my family are always at the top of my list.
I have a few things a car has to have. Large boot, proper seats, rather than a bench, seats have to be leather to stop sticky hands ruining cloth. It also has to be a higher up car, so its easier to get in/out of it.
Safety of course followed by spec – I love my cars & they have to be perfect for me to be perfect for us all 🙂
Is it big enough
Running costs and comfort.