A lot of considerations have to be taken when buying a used car for the family. You not only have to think of how much you can afford to spend, but also the needs of a potentially growing family. Not to mention that this is a car you’ll probably spend a lot of time in, and possibly take long trips with as well. This is why you have to look at your purchase from different angles to make sure you get a car that will be practical, affordable, and reliable. Here are some of the questions you should ask yourself before buying a used grand caravan.
How Much Car Do I Need?
You first have to assess how much space you need and what the used grand caravan is going to be used for. Are you going to be driving some of your kids’ friends along for soccer practice, or do you only have two children and have no intention to expand?
If that’s your case, a sedan or a midsize SUV might be enough. But if you need extra space and have a big family, or often have to carry a lot of equipment for sports or family trips, then you should consider looking at something like a used Grand Caravan for instance. Minivans are some of the most versatile vehicles you can find and will grow with your family. They’re also much more affordable than your average SUV. So, make sure that you consider your needs first and foremost and go for something that will fit your lifestyle and budget like a used grand caravan.
How Safe is it?
This should be the second item on your list. You want a used grand caravan with as many safety features as possible. You should look for things like back up cameras, reinforced doors, all speed traction control, and especially side airbags. If you want to know which used grand caravan are the safest, you can check out the annual IIHS and NHTSA car safety ratings. They run down a list of the safest vehicles in each category, so it’s always a good idea to check if the vehicle you were thinking about was on that list.
How Easy is it to Clean?
If you have small children or babies, accidents are bound to happen. This is why you should look for a vehicle that will be easy to clean in the case of a spill, like a used grand caravan. This is where minivans often do better than SUVs. Surfaces are usually made with that in mind, while SUVs will usually focus more on luxury. Also, look for easy to wash cup holders, washable pockets, and storage areas.
How Reliable is It?
Most families can’t afford their car to be at the garage half of the time, and these costs can easily add up overtime. Look for vehicles that are known for their reliability. You should also look at the total cost of ownership. Some cars require more maintenance than others, so you will have to take that into consideration when determining your budget. If you want more info, this used grand caravan guide will teach you how to calculate the true cost of ownership on a vehicle.
A family car is a very important investment, and one you’ll possibly have to deal with for years to come. Make sure that you take the time to do your research, and find the perfect vehicle for yours and your family’s needs.