Investing in a new or used car is not a decision to be taken lightly. A car is not only a means of getting from A to B, but will probably be the second-biggest investment you make in life.
If you have a growing family to cater for, then gone are the days of a two-seater sporty convertible or a supermini for easy street parking. Instead, you’ll be focusing your attention on a more sensibly-sized vehicle that will comfortably fit you, your partner, children, all the gear that comes with being a parent, and possibly a pet too!
There are many things to consider when buying a car for you and your family, which will help you choose the best family car within your price range. Read on to discover what makes an ideal family car and explore the options if you fancy a five-seater SUV or even a seven-seater MPV…
What makes the ideal family car?
When it comes to picking the perfect car for you and your family’s needs, then there’s a number of factors you should consider. From the space you need to the safety features desired, we list the 10 things to think about when buying a car for all the family…
1. Reliability
Whether it's ferrying your family to and from school, the weekly shop or trips away at the weekend, you’ll need a car that is reliable as it is practical. If you’re investing in a nearly new or used car, then a low mileage motor will be the preferred option.
2. Economy
With pump prices at an all-time high in the UK, you’ll need a petrol or diesel car which is economical to run - especially if you do a lot of miles on the daily drive. Choose a car with a favourable MPG (miles per gallon) to make the most out of your tank of fuel.
3. Space
If you’re new to parenting or nurturing an ever-growing family, then no doubt space will be a priority! Not only will you want to comfortably travel from A to B in your new car, but ensure that there is enough room for all the accompanying items too.
4. Safety
Safety is a huge priority for you and your family, so you’ll want to choose a car that has an excellent five-star safety rating, as recommended by Euro NCAP. Many cars come fitted with a variety of extra safety features for ultimate driving peace of mind.
5. Quality
The quality of a car goes hand-in-hand with the vehicle’s reliability. If you’re purchasing a second-hand car, then you’ll want to ensure everything is in good working order, not only under the bonnet, but aesthetically too.
6. Affordability
No matter what your budget, you’ll want to know the car you invest in is good value for money. Family-sized cars do tend to be more expensive than smaller vehicles, but there are many affordable options on the market to look out for.
7. Practicality
Not only does a family car need to serve a purpose in terms of transportation, but should offer other uses too; the interior needs to be easy to clean and hardwearing, the seat size and legroom area needs to be generous, as does the space in the boot.
8. Performance
Although not necessarily at the top of your tick boxes for a family car, the performance may well be an important factor to you too. Whether it’s an estate car, SUV or MPV, there are still some great options if you require some power under the pedal.
9. Running costs
As well as the ongoing fuel costs, you’ll also need to consider other expenses associated with motoring, such as road tax, insurance, MOT and servicing to name a few. For this reason, many drivers are opting for hybrid or electric vehicles instead.
10. Features
Practicality aside, you may be looking for a family car sporting a host of great features. With vehicle technology constantly evolving, you’ll be spoilt for choice; from in-car entertainment to driver assist features, think about what is important to you.
What is the best car for a family of 5?
If you’re searching for a spacious family car with five seats, then there are an abundance of options available to you. An SUV (sports utility vehicle) is probably your best bet as there are so many models on the market, but there are certainly some estate cars to consider too.
The 10 most popular cars in the UK for a family of five include:
- BMW X3
- Dacia Duster
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- MG HS
- Peugeot 3008
- Skoda Octavia Estate
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo XC60
What is the best car with 7 seats?
Gone are the days of relying solely on an MPV (multi purpose vehicle) if you require a car with seven seats. You’ll be pleased to hear there are so many more options on the market and even premium brands like Tesla have got in on the act too!
The 10 most popular cars in the UK with seven seats include:
- Audi Q7
- Citroën Berlingo
- Dacia Jogger
- Ford S-MAX
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Land Rover Discovery
- Peugeot 5008
- Skoda Kodiaq
- Tesla Model X
- Volvo XC90
Family friendly cars at Windmill Motors
Here at Windmill Motors in Bourne, Lincolnshire, we specialise in the sale of nearly new and used cars. If you’re a first-time parent looking for something more practical, or welcoming another new addition to the clan and require more space, then you’ve come to the right place.
We stock up to 200 great quality cars from leading brands at affordable prices. From stylish SUVs to practical people carriers, exceptional estates to malleable MPVs, we’re sure to have the car you’re looking for.
Begin your car buying journey right here by exploring our selection of family friendly vehicles. Filter your search by make, model, price, body type, mileage and so much more - you’ll be spoilt for choice! When you find the family car for you, you can reserve it right away for just £99, before booking a visit to see it in person for a test drive.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!