Selecting a family car isn’t just about choosing a vehicle that fits your budget or looks good—it’s about finding a car that keeps your loved ones safe and can be relied upon day after day. At Hubert Vester Auto Group in Wilson, NC, we understand that safety and reliability are top priorities for families. Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice as you search for the ideal family vehicle.
1. Prioritize Safety Features to Keep Your Family Protected
When it comes to family vehicles, safety features should be at the top of your checklist. Advances in vehicle technology mean that modern cars come with various active and passive safety features that help protect you and your family on the road.
Essential Safety Features to Look For:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects an imminent collision and applies the brakes if you don’t respond in time.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots, making lane changes safer.
- Lane-Keeping Assist: Gently corrects steering if you start drifting out of your lane unintentionally.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front.
- Rearview and Surround-View Cameras: Help prevent accidents while reversing, especially helpful in busy parking lots or tight spaces.
Choosing a car equipped with these safety features provides peace of mind, especially when transporting young children.
2. Look for High Safety Ratings
One of the best ways to gauge a vehicle’s safety is by checking its safety ratings. Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rigorously test vehicles to determine their ability to protect passengers in various crash scenarios.
Tips for Checking Safety Ratings:
- Check Crash Test Ratings: NHTSA provides a five-star safety rating, while IIHS gives ratings like “Good” or “Top Safety Pick” based on crash test performance.
- Research Model-Specific Ratings: Look up specific models to see how they perform in front, side, and rollover crashes.
- Review Safety Features Tested: Both NHTSA and IIHS evaluate active safety features, so consider models that perform well in these areas.
At Hubert Vester Auto Group, our team can help you identify cars with high safety ratings and walk you through the features that contribute to these scores.
3. Consider Reliability and Durability for Long-Term Value
A reliable vehicle is essential for families who rely on their car for daily activities, from commuting to school drop-offs and weekend road trips. Reliability not only minimizes maintenance costs but also ensures your vehicle performs well over the years.
Factors That Indicate Reliability:
- Brand Reputation: Brands like Honda, Toyota, and Chevrolet are well-regarded for producing durable, long-lasting vehicles.
- Owner Reviews: Reading reviews from other car owners can provide insight into common issues and overall reliability.
- Certified Pre-Owned Options: Certified pre-owned vehicles undergo rigorous inspections and come with extended warranties, offering an affordable yet reliable option.
Choosing a reliable brand or opting for certified pre-owned vehicles at Hubert Vester Auto Group can save you from frequent repairs, giving you a vehicle that stands the test of time.
4. Ensure Enough Space and Comfort for Your Family’s Needs
For families, space and comfort are crucial in a car. Look for vehicles that offer enough room for passengers, child seats, and storage for everything from sports gear to groceries.
Space and Comfort Considerations:
- Passenger Seating: Consider an SUV or minivan if you need three rows of seats, or a spacious sedan for smaller families.
- Cargo Capacity: Look for flexible storage options like foldable rear seats or hidden compartments for extra storage.
- Climate Control and Interior Comfort: Features like tri-zone climate control, heated seats, and adjustable seating configurations enhance comfort for long trips.
Whether you need a compact SUV or a full-size minivan, Hubert Vester Auto Group has options to meet your family’s space and comfort needs.
5. Assess Fuel Efficiency for Cost Savings
Fuel efficiency can make a big difference, especially for families on the go. With fuel-efficient vehicles, you’ll spend less at the pump, which can be a major benefit over time.
Fuel Efficiency Tips:
- Check EPA Ratings: Look up the vehicle’s miles per gallon (MPG) rating on the EPA website for an estimate of fuel consumption.
- Hybrid and Electric Options: If available, consider hybrid or electric options for better efficiency and environmental benefits.
- Consider Driving Habits: If you do a lot of city driving, a vehicle with good city MPG will be ideal, while highway commuters should look for good highway MPG.
Our team at Hubert Vester Auto Group can help you find fuel-efficient models that align with your family’s driving habits, saving you money and helping the environment.
6. Choose a Vehicle That Fits Your Budget
Finding a safe, reliable, and spacious family car doesn’t mean you have to overspend. Hubert Vester Auto Group offers a range of vehicles to fit every budget, from new cars with financing options to quality pre-owned cars with excellent value.
Budget-Friendly Options to Consider:
- Financing Plans: Explore financing options that fit your budget, with flexible terms and rates available.
- Certified Pre-Owned: Get the benefits of a newer car at a lower price, along with warranty options for added protection.
- Affordable New Models: Consider affordable new models that offer essential family-friendly features without extra luxury costs.
Visit Hubert Vester Auto Group for the Best Family Cars in Wilson, NC
Choosing the right family car is a big decision, and it’s important to weigh safety, reliability, comfort, and cost. At Hubert Vester Auto Group, we’re here to help families in Wilson, NC, find the perfect car to suit their needs. From vehicles with top safety ratings to certified pre-owned options, we have a variety of models that offer peace of mind and quality you can trust.
Visit Us Today for Expert Guidance
Stop by Hubert Vester Auto Group to explore our selection of family-friendly cars, SUVs, and minivans. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the right vehicle to keep your family safe, comfortable, and happy on the road. For more information, call us at (252) 677-5175.
