Are you thinking about purchasing a new family car? Keep the following in mind as you set about searching for just the right car your family will enjoy!
Safety Comes First
You want a vehicle that has high safety ratings, and some of the first numbers to check would be the crash test scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides ratings for front- and side-impact crash tests. Look for vehicles with four- and five-star ratings.
Another safety test to consider is the side-impact crash test conducted by the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This test determines what level of protection your family will have in a side-impact crash with a pickup truck or SUV.
Additional safety ratings exist, which you can research and review. According to the NHTSA, some of the safest sedans for 2019 are the Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Honda Civic, and Chevrolet Bolt EV.
Some safety features to keep in mind include the following:
- Side curtain and side impact airbags
- Anti-lock braking system
- Active head restraints
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Blind spot warning
- Automatic emergency braking
Will Your Car Grow With Your Family?
Another important consideration before you get a new car is whether or not your family will grow in the not-too-distant future. Your family today may consist of you, a significant other, and your furry pet pals. Is there a baby in the future? And then perhaps another? You’ll need to make sure to get a car that will support a growing family.
If You Have Teens Or Tall Kids, Is There Enough Head And Leg Room?
Perhaps you have young children, but they will grow. Once they hit puberty, you may be surprised at how quickly their bodies and legs stretch out. Until your kids start to drive, you will be driving them from place to place. Make sure you get a car with enough backseat headroom and legroom so that your growing kids and teens don’t feel cramped.
Some vehicles that offer good backseat space include the KIA Soul, Cadillac XTS, Chevrolet Impala, and Toyota Avalon.
What About Carrying All Your Stuff?
If you have children, you already know that they come with a lot of stuff to transport! When you have a baby, you need room for the stroller, diaper bag, car seat, and more. As your kids get older, you need space for their backpacks, sporting equipment, musical instruments, and other school-related items. Perhaps you like to take advantage of our mountains and take the family skiing, camping, or backpacking; you’ll need a car that can hold all of you and all your stuff. Keep that in mind during your new car search.
Don’t Forget About Fuel Efficiency
Everybody likes saving money, and now more than ever, energy efficiency is important for the health of the environment, too. Check the fuel efficiency of your new vehicle, and opt for fuel economy. Some good choices include the Nissan Leaf, Lexus ES, and Honda Insight. Do your homework beforehand to rule out gas guzzlers!
Keep Your Car In Great Shape At Metric Motors In Loveland
Whether it’s your new family car or your existing one, make sure it’s getting the service needed to operate its best for you. Make an appointment with Metric Motors in Loveland, and our expert auto mechanics will make sure to do the necessary maintenance to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road!
We offer many auto repair and maintenance services our customers rely on. Our car mechanics can help you with everything from a tune-up or vehicle inspection, to brake service and repairs or figuring out what your check engine light is trying to tell you. For your peace of mind, schedule an appointment at our Loveland auto repair shop today.
