When I need to go places, I'm used to riding public transport as I grew up not owning a car or any vehicle. Besides, I grew up in the province, so commuting wasn't that much of an issue. But, when I moved to Metro Manila and had a family of my own, I realized the convenience of having one. With the growing population in the Metro, public transportation easily gets filled with commuters. Private car-hailing services are available, but with the heavy traffic, rates could go terribly high. Not to mention, Covid-19 happened and commuting poses a great risk of acquiring the disease. It's a good thing my in-laws have their cars. We live with them so we can use their cars when we need to. One of the cars is spacious and could fit us all. But, it's pretty old so we are looking into getting a new one.
As I mentioned, I never owned a car, so I am not knowledgeable about technical specifics or whatnot. But with some research and help from my in-laws, I now have a better understanding of the various considerations with buying a car.
I’ve outlined five considerations that we think are important for any family looking for a vehicle. Take a look and see if they match up with what you’re looking for in your next car.
1. Budget – If you have a limited budget, you might have to compromise on some of the features you want. Try to prioritise what’s most important to you and your family so you can get the best value for your money. Don't overspend on a car you won't be able to afford in the long run.
2. Fuel efficiency - With a family, you're probably going to be doing a lot of driving. And with the big jump in gasoline prices, you'll want a car that's fuel-efficient to save on gas costs so you don’t end up breaking the bank every time you fill up at the pump.
3. Safety features - This is one of the most important considerations when choosing a family car. Make sure to do your research and pick a car that has a good safety rating. Cars with airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other safety features can help reduce your insurance premiums.
4. Size and seating capacity - Make sure the car can comfortably seat your whole family. How many people do you need to transport regularly, and does the car have enough space for them and their belongings? Especially when going on family travels.
5. Warranty - Most new cars come with a basic warranty that covers repairs for a few years or for a certain number of miles driven, whichever comes first. Some companies also offer extended warranties that cover your car for longer, but these typically come at an additional cost. Whether or not you choose to purchase an extended warranty is up to you, but it's important to understand what is and isn't covered under a typical car warranty. That way, you can decide if the extra coverage is worth the cost.
It can be tough to make a decision when it comes time to buy a new car, especially if you have a large family. Hopefully, our five considerations will help simplify the process and steer you in the right direction. Buying a family car doesn’t have to be stressful – just keep these key points in mind and you’ll be behind the wheel of your perfect ride before you know it!
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