Family matters when it comes to the right car
WITH safety ratings, storage, space and practicality to consider, choosing a family car can be a difficult and daunting task. Before you make any decision, always consider running costs along with the initial purchase price, and factor in costs such as motor tax, insurance and maintenance to ensure that you are buying a car you can actually afford to drive. Test drive the car and, if used, always do a history/finance check and ask a trusted mechanic to look at it before handing over any cash.
Petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric?
There has never been as much confusion surrounding the choice of what should fuel your next family car.
Gone is the simple rule of thumb that if you did high mileage you should opt for diesel and if you didn’t then petrol was the best choice.
The demonisation of diesel, the emergence of greener alternatives and higher fuel prices looming means it is harder to decide what is best for your family. Unless you do very high mileage or need towing capacity, there is little reason to opt for diesel.
There has been a narrowing of the diesel premium against petrol and lower running costs and strong residual values are no longer guaranteed, so you need to consider whether the higher price can be justified.
Ideally buy the greenest option you can afford and don’t underestimate how good electric cars are. Ireland is let down by an unreliable network of charging points but electric cars are getting cheaper and their range better; they’re no longer the urban run-around to park alongside the family’s car.
Alternatively, consider a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid whereby you can dip into the electric car experience without having to endure the dreaded range anxiety. However, if you are considering either an EV or a hybrid check how big the boot is, as many have batteries encroaching on the storage space in the boot.
Storage wars
Children give a whole new meaning to ‘needing some space’, so you should ensure that there is enough room for a pram or pushchair, shopping, travel cots and any other objects you might require. Also look out for door and seat pockets, cup-holders and under-seat storage.
Car seats and Isofix
Regardless of the type of car seat you choose, Isofix is the safest option for securing your child’s car seat. Remember when it comes to buying a car seat it depends on the age and weight of your baby and the type of car you drive (see right ).
Safety rating and airbags
Check the Euro NCAP safety rating of the car you intend to buy and take the time to compare and contrast safety rankings for the cars that you are considering. Pay particular attention to how many airbags are on offer; airbags activate during a collision, reducing the impact between driver, passengers and the interior. Look for a car with airbags for both the front and rear to ensure all your family are protected.