Buying a family car is always a challenging endeavour. Fears of being taken advantage of by sellers or buying a secondhand vehicle without the right modern safety features can result in families putting off the decision until it’s too late, and you’re taking Ubers to do the school run. It doesn’t have to be that way.
In this guide, we’ll share our top tips for finding the right family vehicle, including some of our tried and tested car shopping and long-term budgeting strategies for single-income households.
Research Before Meeting with Any Sellers or Sales Staff
Walking into a car dealership unprepared can cost you more than you might think possible. Dealers can often sense uncertainty and use this to their advantage (i.e. by swaying you in the direction they’d like you to proceed down, rather than what’s best for you and your family). For this reason, it’s crucial to walk in armed with independent research, and a clear picture of what you need for your family.
Thankfully, you can find plenty of third-party car reviews online, allowing you to research and compare cars with 100% unbiased information. Here, you’ll find estimated running costs, be able to compare features and specs, and even view car financing options, all of which can help you shortlist three to five vehicles within a well-defined price range before you even head to a dealership.
Parents are also advised to assess customer reviews to gauge vehicle reliability, long-term ownership costs, performance of safety features, and other general feedback from real, verified vehicle owners. Be sure to bookmark, screenshot, or take notes about review summaries to bring with you when meeting with any independent car sellers or sales staff at your local dealership. Keeping all the essential facts you need on hand can help you feel prepared when it does come time to negotiate.
Set a Realistic Buying Budget - And Stick to It!
All single parents learn how to master the art of budget balancing, predominantly out of sheer necessity. But ongoing expenses can throw even the most organised budgets for a loop, and that includes car ownership-related expenses like vehicle maintenance, repairs, and car loan repayments for those looking to purchase their next family car using auto financing.
So when deciding how much you can afford to invest in a vehicle, keep a few things in mind. Calculate the total cost of ownership beyond monthly payments. Every car, whether new or used, will come with different insurance fees, fuel, charging, and maintenance costs. Using your research-based shortlist, create a spreadsheet with each of these expenses in mind. This will help you visualise what each option will really cost you.
One smart money guide you can use when setting a budget is the 20/4/10 rule – pay 20% of the car’s total upfront price in cash, take a loan for four years or less, and ensure the total car costs are less than 10 percent of your total gross monthly income.
Choose a New or Used Car to Fit Your Budget
Buying a new car has its pros and cons, as does buying secondhand. It’s up to individual car shoppers to determine what perceived benefits and disadvantages they’re willing to take on once all the paperwork has been signed.
For instance, new car sales have the advantage of being accompanied by full warranties and better financing rates. New cars themselves also offer the latest technology and safety features, making them more suitable for young families. But naturally, new cars also come at a premium. They sell for higher purchase prices, but their resale value rapidly depreciates as soon as you drive them off the lot.
While used cars often have unknown histories that can lead to higher long-term maintenance costs, they are often significantly cheaper to purchase overall, giving you more bang for your buck. Reliability history matters more than age – that’s where your research comes in. Choose a model that’s recognised for its long and healthy lifespan, with real reviews to match.
The general consensus is that a certified and slightly used vehicle (i.e. only 1-2 years old) is the sweet spot between the two for families looking to maintain access to state-of-the-art safety features. Almost new models are also more likely to still be under manufacturer warranty, with a substantially lower ticket price to boot.
Prioritise the Features that Matter for Kids
A few safety features should be on every parent's list. Cars with reverse cameras, blind-spot monitoring, ABS braking, adaptive cruise control, and child presence alerts can take some of the pressure off when you're trying to drive safely.
You’ll need to ensure that there’s sufficient seat space for your children, especially if one or more are currently using a car seat. The size of your car seats and how easy it is to load the kids also matters. Sliding doors with low step-in heights can make loading up and heading out much less of a hassle.
Here are a few other practical things to add to your car-buying checklist.
Test Drive With Your Real Life in Mind
Finally, the best way to make sure you’re not buying a lemon is to take the vehicle out for a spin. If possible, consider bringing your kids (and their car seats) along to the test drive as well.
Simulate your actual daily routine. How easy is it to buckle in the kids? To parallel park near the school? To load heavy grocery bags into the boot? Does the stroller fit? Are the brakes a bit too touchy to use with a sleeping baby in the car? Can inevitable messes be easily cleaned?
Arrive at each test drive with a checklist of ‘must-haves’, ‘prefers’, and ‘absolutely nots’ and see how each car aligns with your needs. Make your decision based on real life, and don’t buy anything you’re not confident in.
Key Takeaways
Buying a car for your family doesn't have to feel like climbing a mountain. Remember these tips to reduce stress and save money when shopping for your next car:
- Knowledge is power! Research reliable car reviews before heading to the dealership so you know exactly what to look for and can reduce stress and pressure.
- Set a realistic budget for your single-income household, keeping the 20/4/10 rule in mind for smart financial planning.
- Weigh the pros and cons to decide whether a new or used car is right for your family.
- Prioritise the features that matter for driving kids, as you're often the only adult in the car. Worry less, drive more safely.
- Test drive with your real life in mind, including all the lovable little ones, their essentials, and their messes.
- Negotiate with confidence. You’ve done the research, you’ve set your budget – you’re ready to shop! And remember, no decision needs to be made immediately.
