Finding the perfect mom car takes careful deliberation. You must take into consideration the needs of your little (or big) ones and how those will change as they age. If you’ve already turned into a bonafide soccer mom, you’ll need a car that can fit all the gear required for supreme safety and optimized fun.
Car shopping can be an intimidating process. Between finding the ideal car for your growing family and snagging the best deal on the market, there’s plenty of research to be done before you can drive your new mom-friendly wheels home. But what exactly should you be on the lookout for when shopping for the perfect mom car? Use these 6 tips to point you in the best direction!
Tip #1: Optimize Size and Space
Above all else, you’ll need to make sure that all family members can comfortably fit inside your new ride. Sorry mama, that gorgeous C-Class Convertible sitting outside the Pompano Beach Mercedes dealership will have to wait. Instead, the practical crossover SUV on display at your local Coconut Creek dealership plays to your needs far better than your dream two-door.
Though some families are small enough for a sedan to suffice, most mom cars are bigger and roomier to properly squeeze sons, daughters, spouses, and much, much more inside.
Not sure where to begin your search? Take a look at 2018’s most popular mom cars according to Kelley Blue Book:
- 2018 Honda CR-V
- 2018 Toyota Highlander
- 2018 Volkswagen Atlas
- 2018 Honda Odyssey
- 2018 Subaru Outback
Tip #2: Prioritize Safety
Ranking just as highly as space and size, safety is something all car-buyers should be on the lookout for. Never settle for a car that is affordable but tanks on safety ratings. Always check official Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ratings before even test driving the car. No matter how easy on the eyes the mom car of your dreams may be, if it’s unable to protect your family in the event of an accident, it’s not worth your time or money.
If your existing car is damaged, there are ways of selling a car with mechanical problems. You can even sell a car that is broken down here.
Tip #3: Find Your Perfect Price
Whether you’re buying on a budget or you’re willing to splurge on a new car, price matters. Price is also one of the most negotiable factors of the car-buying process. Make sure to budget your money before jumping into your car search— you won’t want to end up in a situation where you’re in the hole and struggling because of an overindulgent purchase. Take a hold of your finances and calculate just how much money you’ll be able to put down and put toward a monthly plan.
Tip #4: Don’t Settle on Reliability
Vehicle reliability is characterized by the average number of annual repairs required to keep your car in perfect running condition. Some cars have a reputation of needing a slew of repairs within the first 100,000 miles while others are smooth, uncomplicated rides that make low-maintenance dream cars.
According to Business Insider, the most reliable car companies are as follows:
- Genesis
- Kia
- Toyota
- Dodge
- Nissan
Oh, the places you’ll go and the number of toys and snacks you’ll lose on the way. A car with ample storage for your children’s many playthings and school necessities is a must for the mom busied with crazy schedules. Having cupholders, hidden compartments, back-of-seat sleeves, and trunk space is key for the growing family that can be caught at sports games, lost on road trips, and having plenty of fun all the while.
Tip #6: Consider Entertainment Options
If you’re the type of family that is constantly on the go, you’ll likely agree that the easiest way to settle the kids down is with some mind-easing entertainment. Whether that mean’s built-in TV screens or an impressive sound system for their favorite tunes, the perfect mom car should play to their interests and yours, too.
The perfect mom car comes in many different shapes, brands, colors, and names, but there is only one that is just right for you. With these considerations in mind, your car-buying process becomes infinitely easier!
What does your perfect mom car look like? Let us know in the comments below!