If your family is expecting a new addition, there’s plenty of planning to do. Among the many other preparations you’ll be making for your new arrival, you may need to consider your vehicle choice. Sedans, touring wagons and hatchbacks are good family car options as they offer more passenger space and extra room in the boot for nappy bags and prams. And of course, you’ll be looking for a practical and safe vehicle at an affordable price.
Considerations for your family car
- Safety - Undoubtedly, safety will be at the top of your mind when it comes to buying a family vehicle. When researching your car options look at the ANCAP safety ratings, they’ll give you a good idea of the top performing new car models when it comes to safety. Meanwhile, the USCR uses real world performance data to assess the safety performance of used car models.
You’ll also be looking for child specific safety features such as child locks and the proper restraints for installing car and booster seats. Federal law now requires that all children under the age of seven must be restrained in an appropriate seat while riding in a vehicle.
- Comfort - For an enjoyable family holiday, you’ll be looking for a vehicle that has been engineered with space and comfort in mind. Consider how the car handles in different driving conditions and invest in comfortable and roomy interiors, which will be especially valuable as your kids grow older.
