One of the most important {and probably one of the most expensive, too} purchase you will have to make as a parent is buying a family car. Whilst it is bound create a big dent in the family savings, getting your own car have a considerable number of advantages that might just help you to make the big decision sooner rather than later.
Now that Christmas season is upon us, and along with it the 13th Month pay and bonuses, it is probably the best time to finally get that family car. Here are a few things you should consider when getting your dream family car:
Budget
It is best to have a working budget in mind when planning to buy a car. Since there are so many brands, not to mention, appealing promos and deals along with them, in the market right now that might catch your attention, it is best to set a budget and stick to it so you won’t easily be sidetracked and financially suffer after purchasing your new car.
Traveling Comfort
The first thing you would like to do after getting your new car is to road test it and travel with the family. Whether you’re planning to travel for hours on end or not, one of the very first thing to consider when getting your car is your family’s comfort while traveling. You ought to make sure that the children will have plenty of room to sit comfortably in or lie down for a nap whilst on the road if need be. In the same manner, it is also important for the driver to have the utmost comfort whilst traveling, especially for long drives.
The alarming rate of vehicular accidents appearing in the world today is enough to make claustraphobics out of every parent. You can never be too careful while out on the road, especially with your children in tow, as you will never know when an over-speeding van or a wayward motorcycle driver might hit you. All the same, we ought to practice all precautions while out on the road for our, and everyone else’s, safety.
Here are 8 tips to follow to ensure your family’s safety while you’re out on the road
Check That Your Car Is Road-Ready ~ Make sure to check your car and prepare it before driving, especially when going on a long haul trip. Most accidents are caused by a driver’s neglect to check his break or his engine before going out on the road.
Focus ~ There is just too many things going on at the same time while you drive, so it is of utmost importance that you keep your focus on the task at hand. A driver needs to be alert to make that emergency break when need be, so you should keep your 100% attention on your driving and the road ahead. Also, driving while sleeping can be a potential road disaster, so make sure you get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel.
Follow The Road Signs ~ Plain and simple, to be safe on the road you must adhere to the road signs. Beating the red light or taking a right turn where you are not supposed to are all accident potentials. Make sure to also stick to the designated speed limit.
Minimize Distraction ~ as much as possible, keep distractions while driving to a minimum. Turn your mobile phone to silent mode and your car television’s volume to a minimum. Take care of bored toddlers by packing some toys, snacks, and handy games, so they will be pre-occupied during your travel and leave you to drive in peace.
Invest On Quality Car Seats ~ when you have small children, investing on quality car seats is a must. Not only will they make your little ones comfortable during trips but they will also save their lives in case of accidents. Laws about car seats vary from one country to the next, but it is best to follow your instincts and keep the small ones in the car seat while you are out on the road.
Buckle Up! ~ This one is a standard and a no-brainer, but a good number of people still forget to do this. Keeping your seatbelt on while driving is a must!
Keep Your Distance ~ we almost always see this sign while out driving and for good reasons. A good number of car accidents could have been prevented if only the the drivers minded their distance. To avoid car crashes, make sure to keep a good distance between you and the cars ahead and behind you.
Keep Your Car Insurance Up-To-Date ~ You never know when you can figure in an accident while driving, so make sure you get a reliable and dependable car insurance to get those car damages and repairs covered without burning a hole in your pocket. While you are at it, you may want to see https://www.hanseninjurylawfirm.com, you never know when you might just be needing an injury lawyer’s help.
When people think of cars suitable for city driving, they assume a smaller carriage is the best one for the job. On average, they are more fuel efficient, are easier to manoeuvre into tight parking spaces, and are great at negotiating crowded streets. While small rides are suitable for singles and couples, your family is growing and you need a vehicle that can fit a couple of prams, your teenager’s soccer gear, the weekly groceries, and good ol’ Lassie. Basically, everything but the kitchen sink! But just because you need to upsize, doesn’t mean you have to invest in a super embarrassing mom-mobile. Have you ever considered a 4WD? You’d be surprised to hear that not all of them are gas guzzlers or take up two lanes; they are also incredibly easy to handle in the endless stop-and-go traffic. Just take a look at our top three 4WD picks for inner city driving.
Lexus RX 450h
While on the expensive side of the 4WD market, this luxury crossover is still the best value, gaining the 2013 title for Best Hybrid SUV for the Money for its combination of ownership costs and positive ratings in its class. Most reviewers confirm that once again Lexus has delivered a winning fusion of well-appointed comfort, practicality and frame quality while enhancing the drive with magnificent high tech features. Its outstanding fuel economy is why this five seater has become one of the more popular and reliable cars this year to date. Powered by a 3.5 litre V6 gasoline engine and three electric motors, the RX450h allows you to travel up to 48 kilometres per hour on electric power alone.
Land Rover Freelander TD4
If you are a natural city slicker, but love to get away to the countryside at the weekends, the new Land Rover Freelander TD4 could be your new best friend. There’s one thing that Land Rover always seems to do perfectly, and that’s creating a vehicle that transitions seamlessly to tackle whatever terrain you are driving on.When toting precious cargo, safety becomes a number one priority, so you’d be happy to hear that Land Rover’s compact SUV comes with a five star crash rating with six airbags and all the fandangle aids including stability control, ABS on four disc brakes, cornering control (perfect for all those tight spaces) and hill descent. It is also slick, stylish and practical enough for congested city duties.
Mazda CX-5
The introduction of the 2012 Mazda CX-5 models was highly anticipated. For once, an economic 4WD with excellent dynamics was available at an affordable price. Even now, as Mazda continue to upgrade this range with more equipment and features, people are lining up to have a test drive. Mazda set the benchmark for crossover SUVs with this range due to its sophisticated engine, great braking ability and agility. Comfortably fitting five people, this ride also have ample cargo space (enough for all those extra prams!) Starting at a low price of $27,880, this is the perfect car for families on a budget.
There was a time when the concept of owning a 4WD for city driving seemed unpractical and expensive. However with the increases in petrol, automakers are now doing their best to include a better fuel economy and maximum safety for all car buyers.
Mum’s two cents
A 4-wheel drive is something I’d like to own, if given the chance. I think it fits a busy mum’s lifestyle as it can carry at assortment of things at the same time, including groceries and the seemingly hundreds of things my tot needs to bring whenever we go out. I also think it is rather cooler to drive around the city behind a big vehicle compared to a smaller car. But it is just me, anyway, and I it might think a long while before I even learn how to drive! 😀
