How to Choose the Perfect Family Car
Shopping for a family car means balancing safety, space, and budget. You need something reliable that won’t cost a fortune to run, with enough room for everyone and their stuff. Here’s what actually matters when you’re making this decision.
Safety First
An ANCAP rating tells you how well a car protects its occupants. Look for a five-star rating, but pay attention to when that rating was issued. Safety standards change, so a five-star rating from 2015 isn’t the same as one from 2024. Newer ratings reflect current technology and testing methods. Also, look at the ISOFIX anchor points before you buy. You want at least two in the back row, three if possible. Check where the airbags are located. Side curtain airbags protect rear passengers, which matters when you’re carrying kids. If you’re considering an older model, verify there are no outstanding airbag recalls.
New or Second-Hand?
New cars give you the latest safety tech and a manufacturer’s warranty. You know the complete service history because you’re creating it. The trade-off is price and immediate depreciation.
Second-hand cars cost less upfront. A three-year-old model with low kilometres saves you thousands compared to buying new. Someone else has already taken the depreciation hit. For a family car that’s going to see spills and dirt, this makes financial sense.
Get a pre-purchase inspection from a mobile mechanic if you’re buying used. They’ll spot accident damage, mechanical problems, and upcoming repairs. This inspection costs a few hundred dollars but can save you from buying someone else’s problem. The mechanic will also confirm that safety features work properly, not just exist.
Size and Space
Think about your daily routine. Seven seats sound great until you realise accessing the third row means folding seats down every time. If you’ve got permanent car seats installed, that third row might be useless for school runs.
Measure the boot space with all seats up. Can you fit your pram and shopping? What about sports gear or camping equipment? Some seven-seaters have tiny boots when all seats are in use.
Door design matters more than most people realise. Sliding doors on people-movers work better in tight car parks. Rear doors need to open wide enough that you can lean in and buckle up a toddler without throwing out your back. Test all of this before you buy.
Running Costs and Comfort
Check the fuel consumption figures, then add 20% for real-world driving. Two school runs daily, plus weekend activities, means fuel costs add up fast. Compare insurance quotes between models, too. Some cars cost significantly more to insure than others.
Service intervals and parts availability affect long-term costs. European brands often cost more to maintain than Japanese or Korean cars. A cheap purchase price doesn’t help if routine services are expensive. Keeping your car climate controlled can go a long way to making sure it’s comfortable for the whole family, so keeping up with your car ac and heater repair is essential. Test the air conditioning before you commit. A weak system on a 40-degree day makes everyone miserable.
Cabin noise levels also matter on long trips. Some cars are noticeably louder at highway speeds. This affects how tired everyone gets and whether you can actually have a conversation.
Test Drive Properly
Take the whole family for a test drive. Install the car seats, load the pram, and drive your regular routes. You’ll discover if the car parks easily, if rear visibility works with seats installed and whether the controls make sense.
Try the car on different road types. City traffic, highway driving, and rough roads all feel different. Notice how the suspension handles bumps. Your passengers will feel every pothole.
Check if you can reach all the controls easily while driving. Some touchscreen systems require too much attention. Physical buttons for climate control and volume work better when you’re concentrating on the road.
Making the Decision
Compare a few different models before deciding. What works for one family might not suit another. Your priorities depend on how many kids you have, what activities they do, and how far you drive regularly.
Get quotes for insurance and check service costs at local mechanics. Factor in fuel efficiency based on your actual driving distance. These ongoing costs matter as much as the purchase price.
The right family car keeps everyone safe, fits your gear and doesn’t drain your budget. Take your time choosing, so when the keys are handed over, you don’t regret it. This is a decision you’ll live with for years.
