The size of your family, the needs and ages of its members and their activities will determine what type of vehicle is best for you. Can you fit your lifestyle with a small, economical car or do you need the extra passenger and cargo space of a minivan or sport-utility vehicle? Do you need something practical, but really want something sporty? Then maybe a sport sedan or a modern wagon is the best option. No matter your needs, you have a larger range of choices now than ever.
What kind of car should you buy?
Safety, reliability, economy, and personal concerns—such as child-seat compatibility, ease of entry/exit and size of the cargo area—should be considered when purchasing a family car. In general, parents should focus their search on a vehicle with a roomy and versatile interior, plenty of cargo space, ease of access, and windows that make it easy for kids to look outside. If the kids can see what's going on, they are much happier. If the back seat is low, they can't look out the window which can trigger boredom and bickering.
Four-door sedans and sporty wagons are fine for families with one or two children. Bigger families (and those that use the family car for long road trips or need room for carrying friends) should consider a vehicle with a larger cargo area and/or more seating capacity. All minivans and many SUVs and wagons can carry seven or eight passengers.
Minivans are an excellent choice for families because they have easy access for passengers through big sliding doors, cargo areas that are easy to reach, and a low waistline that gives kids a better view out.
Sport-utility vehicles are popular in part because many have big, roomy interiors and four- or all-wheel-drive systems to better handle bad weather and unpaved roads. But young children may have a tough time getting into larger SUVs because these vehicles ride higher off the ground and sometimes have door handles that are difficult for youngsters to operate. Loading groceries, strollers, and other items into a large SUV can be more difficult because the cargo area is higher off the ground. Remember, too, that taller vehicles such as SUVs have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more top-heavy and more susceptible to rolling over than lower vehicles, such as sedans and wagons. Fortunately, the recent trend toward car-based, all-wheel-drive SUVs has provided a greater range of choices, including models that are more family friendly than traditional versions.
To zero in on what type of vehicle is right for your family, consider these questions:
How many people will you be carrying?
How old are your children?
How much cargo space do you need?
What conditions will you be driving in?
How important is fuel economy?
Use your SCCU membership to save money on your next car. Ask for us at the dealer or if you have time, call us directly for pre-approval. It’s always Easy-Fast-Free taking only 10 minutes on the phone. 1-800-447-SCCU, Option 3 for Express Services. Or Apply Now online.
* Rate current at time of printing and subject to change. Rate shown is Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and is affected by your Member Rewards™ level, credit quality, model year, term selected, and payment method. Yours may be different. For any loan NOT ON TRANSFER from an existing SCCU account or DIRECT PAYROLL DEPOSIT, one quarter of one percent (.25%), will be added to the approved rate. For example, the above quoted APR is based on Platinum Member Rewards™ level with 36 monthly payments. Qualified borrowers only. Our usual credit criteria apply. You may be asked to furnish a down payment.
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