A car is a big investment for many Filipinos, which is why it’s only reasonable to take some time to really think things through before making a purchase. This is even more true if you’re looking for a family vehicle because you’ll have different priorities. For one, the car’s appearance will matter less as practical features take center stage (though this doesn’t mean that family cars have to be boring).

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7 Important Considerations When Looking For A Family Car

Of course, you also have to think about your budget. The bigger the family, the bigger the car you’re going to need so you also have to be prepared for bigger costs. Fortunately, banks in the Philippines offer car loans at reasonable rates. As long as you meet the requirements and have a good credit standing, you have a high chance of getting approved.

That said, here are other important considerations when you’re looking for the perfect car for your family:

Size, Space, and Accessibility

​​As mentioned earlier, if you have a big family then you need a big car. There are plenty of options to choose from, but the most popular ones are SUVs due to their versatility. However, do note that SUVs have a higher ground clearance so younger children may have difficulty in getting in and out of the vehicle. Consider adding step bars for easier access.

You also need to consider future-proofing the size of your family vehicle. A hatchback might seem enough if you only have one child, but what if you’re planning to have another child later on? What’s more, your children will eventually get bigger. Thus, you might be needing more legroom sooner than later.

Safety Features

It doesn’t matter if there are kids on board or not: driving safely is a must! Still, looking for added safety features in a family car is always a good thing. Aside from the standard seatbelts, child locks, airbags, and anti-lock brakes, you should also look for collision warning systems, adaptive cruise control, and parking assist.

Of course, a vehicle becomes more expensive if it has more features. If you have a limited budget, list the safety features you want in order of priority. Then, look for a reasonably priced car that meets most of the items on your list.

Storage and Hauling Capacity

If you’re traveling with babies and young children, then you’re going to be bringing a lot of stuff. This means that you have to make room for strollers and baby bags loaded with extra clothes and diapers, along with the usual must-haves like emergency toolboxes and first aid kits.

As such, you need to look for a family car that has a spacious interior and also ample storage capacity. This way, you don’t have to worry too much about making all your luggage and cargo fit. Some car models have foldable “stow and go” rear seats, which can be helpful if you have to bring big items like twin strollers.

Ease of Cleanup

Whether you like it or not, your kids are going to make messes in the car. Thus, it’s better to choose a vehicle with easy-to-clean surfaces. Rubber floor mats, leather or pleather seats, and dark colors are your best friends when it comes to stains and spills.

Creature Comforts

Going on a long journey? You can bet your kids will get bored and you’re going to need some back-up. Luckily, a lot of newer car models have a lot of on-board entertainment options such as built-in screens for watching videos. If you have older children who’d rather use their mobile devices, USB charging ports are essential.

Other things you might want to look for are voice-activated systems that can help you make hands-free calls, send texts, and control your music player. For driving safety, consider getting a car with a native GPS, parking assistance, and lane-departure warning.

Diesel or Gas?

Your fuel choice can affect a lot of things, including performance as well as long-term operating and maintenance costs. This means that there’s a right choice, depending on where and how often you drive. If you’re going to use your family car exclusively in urban settings for, say, quick trips to the park or for picking up your kids from school, then a gas engine is better.

Meanwhile, if your family car will also serve as your daily driver that will see long hours on the road, getting a diesel car will actually be more economical. It can cost more to maintain, but you can expect better performance overall.

Reliability

You won’t be getting much use of your family car if it’s always in the casa or auto shop for repairs. Thus, for your own convenience and peace of mind, choose a vehicle with a reputation for being sturdy and reliable. 

What’s more, you should also consider whether a car brand or model is “talyer friendly.” Simply put, it’s ideally a vehicle that even the smallest roadside auto repair shops can handle. Again, this is all for your peace of mind.

Happy car shopping!

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