How to Choose Your Family Car

A car is a big purchase for just about anyone, but there are more factors to consider when you’re purchasing for a family. We’ve put together this handy guide which will hopefully give you some food for thought and includes some options from the current Ford line-up which might just suit your family’s needs.

It’s an obvious place to start but firstly consider the size of your family, and not just the size it is today! You might have your car for several years, so if you’re planning any additions then it’s important to take this into account. Following on from this, think about how much space you will need overall. Many cars in the Ford range will have space in the boot for a pram, however if you are a sporty family or if you use your car for holidays then you might need to think big and look at larger options.

Pets are part of the family too, so if your furry friends enjoy days out then make sure you make space for them. When you’re travelling with a dog, or other animal, in the car then the Highway Code states they should be ‘suitably restrained’, which might mean a crate in the car boot or a seat with a harness.

The ages of your children will play a part too. Children must normally use a car seat until they are 12 years of age (or 135cm tall) and it’s now law to rear-face children until they are 15 months old as a minimum. IsoFix bases make it easier to accurately fit and remove car seats, so looking for spacious back seats with IsoFix points is a good idea if you have younger children.

If you have older children they might have their own set of requirements! Charging points for gadgets, storage for snacks and decent legroom are likely to be a hit with older children and teenagers. If you no longer need a pram, this will free up space and may allow you to get a smaller vehicle.

If you have older teenagers who are taking driving lessons it could be a good time to consider downsizing your car or choosing something with a lower insurance group to make putting them on the insurance more affordable when they they do pass their tests.

• Ford S-Max – this is a really popular option for larger families as the spacious interior has seating for up to 7 people. The S-Max has 3 Isofix points across the second row which makes it a good choice for families with younger children. The folding second- and third-row seats offer great versatility and storage, ideal for unplanned purchases at Ikea!
• Mach-E – electric cars can be a great choice for a family vehicle. Lots of family attractions now have on-site charging points, but with the range on the Mach-E you may never need them! The Ferguson Family recently reviewed the space in the Mach-E on a family outing, check out the video here. We also think this is a car that tech-enthusiasts will be very keen on too.
• Tourneo Custom Active – for maximum space you need look no further! The Tourneo Custom Active comfortably carries up to 8, with adaptable seating that can be changed or removed entirely meaning you’re covered for every eventuality. There are nice touches like front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass on the rear windows and there’s a plug-in hybrid option to make it even more efficient.
• Fiesta – a really popular option for new drivers due to it’s lower insurance group. The Fiesta may be a smaller car, but the large boot and five door option means there is space for everyone.

These are just some of the family car options in the current Ford range. Get in touch with the team at your local branch to chat about your family’s requirements and be sure to bring them in if you visit our showrooms.

Click on the models below for more information:

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