If you’re a typical American family, you probably spend a lot of time in the car: traveling to and from sports practice and music classes, dropping kids off for playdates and sleepovers, and so on. If it’s time for a new car, you’ll want to choose the proper one for your family and lifestyle. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a new family vehicle to keep your loved ones safe on the road.

Make a list of your non-negotiable criteria, such as safety features, storage capacity, number of seats, and your limits, such as price and deadline. Think about how you’ll utilize the car, who your regular passengers will be, and what kind of driving you’ll perform. After that, compile a list of everything you want in a new automobile and rank it in order of importance. Use your top three or four priorities as a roadmap to assist you in eliminating cars that don’t meet your criteria.

There are few things more essential than safety when it comes to selecting what you want in a family automobile. Many websites, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports, may assist you in comparing the safety records and features of various automobiles, as well as exploring innovative technology for keeping you safe on the road. Other agencies, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, may provide specific statistics on how different cars perform in crash testing and how effectively they are prepared to avoid crashes in the first place.

Despite the fact that many people advise against purchasing new, there is something to be said for knowing your car is in excellent condition and has only had one owner. However, whether you purchase used or new is mostly determined by what you want, how long you expect your automobile to endure, and your budget. If you decide to buy a new automobile, you should always shop about and try to negotiate a better offer. If you buy a used car, make sure to check the Kelly Blue Book, acquire the owner’s paperwork, and have it examined by an expert before you buy.