My husband and I have chosen to be a one car family at the moment. We often need two cars but we make do. It has cut down so much with gas, insurance and maintenance from our budget. It has been a blessing to ride with him daily to work and get picked up. Our conversations have been wonderful and it has increased our communication. We have been doing this for about a year now.
With the rising cost of gas, insurance and the business of our families, choosing the right car or cars for our home is a big decision. You have too look at what your driving needs are, the size of vehicle that you need, what kind of fuel efficiency do you desire and what is your budget. All of this comes into play when making changes or additions to your vehicles.
- If you have a large family, it is obvious that you can’t have a small car like a corolla or civic. You need a car that can safety transport everyone from place to place. But if you have a small family or you are empty nesters…. why are you driving that large SUV? Do you carry so much around with you that you need the space? In the mind set of saving money and being economical and not trying to stay in the trends, you need to adjust your vehicle to meet the need and not the want. 9 times out of 10 your wants cost way more than your needs.
- Fuel is climbing crazy in my state right now. I see prices at $3.80 and higher and then the next day it will be down to $3.55. I remember when it was .60 cents a gallon. (yes, I just dated myself) You need to choose a vehicle that is better on gas. Typically the smaller cars are best on gas but I have been surprised at how the newer SUV and Minivans have come a long way in fuel economy. This really goes back to the first point. What makes sense for your family? Small car with 36 miles to a gallon or a larger car / suv with 22 miles to the gallon. If you do a lot of in town travel, maybe a hybrid would be best for you. It is all in looking at your driving and what size of vehicle you can use to meet your need. (not your want)
- Budget. When looking at a car, you can’t just look at the cost of the car and what you will be paying out monthly. You have to look at the whole perspective of having the car. Monthly cost of the car, insurance, gas, maintenance… this all adds up into what it cost monthly. We drive so much during the day that we have to budget for an oil change every 1 1/2 months. So don’t go onto the car lot and see that sucker sticker that says $199 a month and trick your mind to think that is all you have to pay out each month. There are several other charges to go along with that monthly cost.
Choosing a car for your family is a process, not a quick decision. It is one that you need to research, watch your pattern of driving, spending on the car and also the space you need. Take all in consideration about the car and also try not to let you wants factor into the decision until you have found the group of cars that fit all the other categories.
