So, you’re a first-time car buyer. You’ve been driving for a while now and it’s about time you got your own set of wheels. But how do you go about buying a family car? There are plenty of opinions out there as to what the best family cars are but there is no way that they could all be right. So, we’ll give you a little advice of our own on how to buy your first family car and then we’ll let you decide for yourself.

What to Consider First

You need to consider the type of family car you want, such as a sedan or an SUV, and then figure out how many people will be driving in your car most often. If there are five or more passengers on a regular basis, you may want to go with either a minivan or an SUV.

• The Size of Your Car

The size of the car is very important. Although you may feel like it’s best to go with a larger vehicle so that your entire family can fit in it, this isn’t always true. If you have small children or pets, for example, they won’t be too comfortable crammed together on longer drives and you’ll be tempted to stop more often. Instead, you may want to consider a smaller car that will be easier on the gas and on your wallet.

• How Much You’re Willing to Spend

This is another important factor when deciding what kind of family car you should buy. While it’s good to purchase a car that you love, if the cost of gas is too expensive or you simply cannot afford it but still feel like you need one, there are other options for you. If money seems too tight, check out used cars for sale or go with a local rental agency where possible in order to save up some extra cash. Doing either of these things could possibly help stretch your budget enough so that buying a new family car is an option for you after all!

• The Safety of Your Car

Another important factor to consider is how safe the car you’re considering is. If you have children, it’s particularly important that they are protected as much as possible so be sure to check out crash test results before purchasing your new family car.  

The Best Family Cars for First-time Buyers

Now that you know what should go into your decision-making process, here’s a list of some of the best family cars on the market today:

• The Mini Cooper

A little pricey but oh-so-worth-it! These cars are loaded with everything that first-time buyers will appreciate; speed, style, and safety all packed up in an affordable package. Available in both two-door and four-door models, this car can make a great family car for just about any small family.

• The Scion xB

This economical vehicle is perfect for larger families with plenty of room for all the kids, plus it’s rated high in terms of safety so you never have to worry. It may not be everyone’s first choice when shopping for a new family car but the price is right and if you’re looking to save some money while still getting a good deal, this might be your best bet.

• The Kia Sedona

Perfect for larger families with plenty of kids that need to be driven around from time to time, the Sedona has a lot going for it. High safety ratings, a smooth ride, and lots of room make this a great choice for any family who wants their next car to make life easier. All in all, this is a good option – even though you can’t go wrong with most Kias these days!

• Volkswagen Passat Wagon

This wagon isn’t your typical ‘mommy’ car but if you’re looking to impress, this is definitely it. Loaded with luxury features not normally found in family cars, along with high safety ratings and excellent gas mileage, the VW Passat wagon will be a hit with the family and your wallet.

• The Toyota Sienna

A popular choice with larger families, this car’s safety ratings score very highly and many parents swear by them when it comes to getting around town safely with their kids in tow. If you like the look of them and they fit into your budget, this is a great option for you!

Should You Buy Your Car Abroad?

Whether you should buy your family car from overseas is another question that you need to consider. Looking at overseas car sellers could allow you to buy a quality car at a much cheaper price. For instance, you can buy used & certified Mercedes Benz cars in the UAE at a much lower rate than in the US.

It may be more of a challenge to purchase a car that was made and designed with the European market in mind but this doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. You just have to find out whether or not your vehicle will come equipped with all necessary parts and accessories as well as any additional requirements such as emission tests and driving permits.

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it; we’ve covered some of the best family cars on the market today and how to buy a new family car for the first time. Also remember that if none of these options seems like a good fit for you or your family, there are plenty more out there so be sure to keep shopping until you find one that works!