Why do families have a difficult time making a decision about buying a family vehicle today?

Question

What things must we consider before buying?

Answer 1

Right now is a very bad time to buy a brand new vehicle. In the next couple of years, we are going to see a lot more improvements and advances in fuel efficient vehicles. Not to mention the depreciation that you get with a brand new car. Buy used and wait a few years.

Answer 2

They don't do enough research and allow the opinions of others and mass marketing to cloud their judgement. The only way to do it well is to get educated.

Let the experts at Kelley Blue Book help you learn as much as possible before you buy or sell your next vehicle. We have step-by-step advice on car buying and selling, or you can learn more about vehicle safety, hybrid/alternative fuels and certified pre-owned cars.
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Step 3: Calculate What You Can Afford
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Answer 3

My husband and I were looking for a car a few weeks ago. It drives me nuts. We live on a gravel road so 4x4 or awd was a must. We also have 3 kids with one still in a booster so it couldn't be a car. My husband didn't want to be seen in a van, I didn't want to get a 4dr truck because that is what he wanted and a family vehicle would turn into his vehicle, not to mention the gas mileage. So that basically left us with an suv. But there was still a gas mileage issue with some of them plus I always check stats on a vehicle at epinions.com. After looking forever we decided we would just fix the cars we have and look into a new car later. Probably not the best of choices but I am good with that for now.

Answer 4

id consider what your family is going to be like 5 years from now.. you should plan on having your car for the next five years, not only because the needs of your family will probably change in that time, but also because in order to get the most out of your money you should keep your vehicle for at least that long

so id think about things like reliability, gas mileage, and expected maintenance costs.. remember that larger cars means larger expenses.. not only because of decreased fuel economy, but with regular maintenance like oil changes as well

hard to tell you much more than that without knowing your situation, but i would also recommend staying away from chryser or dodge.. they make great looking cars but they tend to have a lot of service issues

good luck, and make sure to shop around a lot.. feel free to send me an email if ive helped and you have any other questions.. i worked at a dealership for awhile so i think i may have some information that only a person working at one would know

Answer 5

Obviously because everyone has a different opinion of what they like. If the husband and wife (and kids) are all going to drive the vehicle then you're going to run into difference of opinions as to what they want to be seen in.

On the other hand, it's very difficult to decide on a car nowadays because there are so many!

Priorities on what you WANT vs. what you NEED also come into play. It's nice to drive a BMW, but you may not actually NEED a BMW, for example.

I think if you strip it all down to the very basics.. you may have to sacrifice looks for reliability and warranty.

It's not an easy question you ask!

Good Luck!

.

Answer 6

Price - can I really afford this vehicle, considering payments and the cost of insurance for it?

Practicality - Can I transport my family comfortably and safely, do my shopping, etc.

Taste - Does this vehicle make me happy? You are stuck with it after you sign the paperwork. You have to like it enough to keep it a while.

There are many personal reasons to spend alot of time making the decision before you jump into anything.

Answer 7

How many children you want.
do you want lots of room to seperate the children? if so you might want to get a van or suv.

do you plan on going on big family vacations? you need room for luggage and something than can pull a boat and have canoes on the roof

you want something good on gas

I happen to think those new vans with under seat storage are pretty rad.

Personally I want 3 children so I cannot get a car.
I like the look of SUVS but the gas is pretty expensive, so I might look into vans or smaller suvs....but I want to do big camping trips so a small suv isn't so great.

So I'll likely end up getting a big suv or a van...

Answer 8

How big your family is (or is going to be). as to room, gas / like MPG, more goodies then a basic stock model ( Stock is cheaper)... a 1,000 or more less...If you want BIG or Compact..the list goes on /////////// try the pro's & con's game about buying something that you think you need. If you have more Pro's to buying a new car / Truck / Suv then really look over them. Like Most people buy car's becuz of Looks or opptions that it comes with. Not thinking about anything else, Like Gas Milage waranties exc...

Answer 9

well it's simple, everyone wants a car that they will like and in most families everyone is different. an example is a parent wants a safe and comfortable car while a five year kid wants a dvd player in the car. Then a teenager would most likely want a cd player in the car so they can listen to thier music.

Answer 10

the reason families have a hard time making that decision is becasue its not a family decision.

do you ask your kids what car they want you to buy?
would you ask your wife what she wants in your worktruck?

the decision should be made by the head of household, if you don't like it that way you deserve to have the kind of man that will let someone tell them what to drive and how to buy.