Choosing A Car For Your Growing Family

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. When you’re already focusing on “what’s next” when it comes to new additions to the family, considering what kind of car you might need is a good thing to add to the list. Whether you’ve got a little one about to head into school, or “two under three” and want something that’ll last into their pre-school years, 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.

Between getting a new nursery ready, prepping for the hospital, and everything in between, there’s a lot to remember. We’ve put together a guide to make things a little easier, with all the important things to look for when you’re searching for the perfect family vehicle. You’ll find details about 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. This is especially true if you have twins on the way or you’ve already got one child and have double the gear as a result. 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. 

Depending on how you like to operate, you may want to consider the potential longevity of your prospective new car too. Once your little one has outgrown the pram, you’ll still need space for sports gear, school bags, and all the rest. We suggest looking for something with plenty of room in the back so that you know you have an option that can handle all the change that happens in those early childhood years. 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

While it might not be your usual style, having doors that slide rather than open on a hinge can be a good idea for making getting in and out easier. This is especially true if you’re doing a grocery or pre-school run on your own and are wrangling a toddler as well as shopping bags! Along with a sliding door, 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 First 

Car safety has evolved a lot in the past few decades and while you’re likely always conscious of it, that awareness goes to a whole new level once there’s a “Baby On Board”! Car safety goes beyond just having airbags, we recommend looking for a car that, at a minimum, ticks off all of the following features: 

• 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

Along with those essential features, depending on your budget and preferences, you might also want to look for these ones as well: 

• Reversing camera (especially useful if you have bulky things like prams in the boot that limit your reversing view at all)
• 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. If you’re in the market for something reliable, safe, and sustainable, but are finding your options are a little out of range, don’t rule out financing for a second hand car. You can purchase from a second hand seller, or buy privately if you’ve found the perfect model elsewhere. 

Efficiency in Every Kilometre

Keeping things safe is the main priority, but getting the best mileage for your money is another main focus for new and experienced parents alike. Whether that’s a petrol efficient model, or you go for a green car option like a hybrid or electric car, you’ll not only be aligning with the values of budget-conscious families, but also promoting 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.

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 (or know your child has cousins nearby and you want to be able to carpool as a 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 and soon you’ll have a new buddy in the car with you for all your journeys, near and far!

Rapid Loans offers car loans from $2,001 to $45,000 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 article is intended as opinion only and not as a sole source of guidance. Responsible lending criteria applies. Australian Credit Licence Number 388847.