So your family is about to expand by one (or perhaps more, in the case of multiples) – congratulations! There’s so much to think about that your car might be the last thing on your mind right now. And then you realise that the compact small car that suited you so well as a family of two is feeling a little knees-to-the-dashboard when you first try out that car seat. Many Aussie families choose to take out secured car loans to cover the cost of the new vehicle.
Upgrading to a family car doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavour! After all, you’ve got enough on your plate with your new little human. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to choosing a family friendly car and simple vehicle financing that’s right for your needs.
Some important things to consider when planning your purchase are listed below, including info on safety, day-to-day car features, vehicle financing and secured car loans.
Space for all that Baby Stuff
Babies might be small, but the number of bulky items they need for a simple day out is staggering. By the time you get in a car seat, pram, nappy bag, toys and snacks there’s not a lot of room left for other passengers. You don’t want to be caught out with a pram that doesn’t fit in your car, so make sure you test it in the boot before you buy.
We suggest looking for something with plenty of room in the back and taking along your main items like car seats and prams when shopping around to make sure they fit comfortably. You can chat to the dealer about vehicle financing while shopping around, or apply for online pre-approval through a lender like Rapid Loans.
Seating & Ease of Access
Opting for a vehicle with sliding doors not only streamlines entry and exit but also proves immensely convenient when managing a car seat and a wriggling toddler. The significance of car height cannot be overstated – selecting a model that avoids the low-rider category can spare your back and simplify the process of lifting children in and out.
No more uncomfortable bending or acrobatics required! When searching for the perfect family ride, prioritize sliding doors and a suitable height for the seamless transport of your little ones. Your future self will thank you!
Safety FirstÂ
While safety should always be a consideration, it’s probably on your mind even more now that you’re a parent. Some basics to cover are –
- Check the ANCAP safety-rating – the highest is five stars
- Convenient tethers for car seats
- Anti-lock brakes
- Airbags in the front and back
- Electronic stability control
Some additional features really worth considering are –
- Reversing camera
- Air conditioning vents in the back – particularly if you live in a warm climate
- Automatic emergency braking
Consider what amount of vehicle financing you could afford to service to set yourself a realistic budget that allows you to make the best choice for your needs.
Efficiency in Every Kilometre
Opting for a vehicle with a good fuel consumption rate not only aligns with the values of budget-conscious families, but also promotes sustainability. Picture those countless trips to school, soccer practice, and family outings – a car that goes the extra distance on fewer fuel stops not only puts a smile on your wallet but also minimises your environmental footprint.
With the advancements in hybrid and electric options, the family car game is changing, offering the perfect synergy of efficiency and eco-friendliness. So, when weighing your options, keep an eye on those figures; it’s an investment that pays off not just in savings but in contributing to a greener future for your growing family.
Future Planning
We know you’re getting your head around having one child, but before committing to a big purchase like a new car, it’s worth thinking about whether you’ll have more and how many you want. This will have an impact on the size and type of car you’re looking for, as the closer in age your children are there is the likelihood you will need to accommodate multiple car seats at once. If you know you want a big family, it could be worth looking for something with a third row of seats now. Secured car loans are often four years, so plan to have the car for at least this long.
Simple Finance Options
Secured car loans are the most popular choice for most families purchasing a new or used vehicle to upgrade to a baby-friendly car. After all, your budget is about to change as your lifestyle does.
Rapid Loans offers car loans from $5,000 to $40,000 with a simple online application to take the stress out of vehicle financing and get you in your family car sooner. Apply online or give us a call today on 1300 727 431 for more information on our secured car loans.
Good luck on your next big adventure!
This is purely an opinion piece and should not be used as a sole source of guidance.