I just bought a new car for my family! It was a roller coaster. Here are a few tips.
Shopping for a new family car is pretty exciting, but it can also be a bit of a headache with all the options out there. At the end of the day, you want something safe, reliable, and practical. They are all very logical considerations, and let’s be honest if that is all there was to it, we’d all be driving RAV4’s. So the hardest part of the whole process is actually x-factor. X-factor is the part where we balance the practical with the very essence of who we are. Which car do I want, what brand, what model, what colour. What car is going to bring a little bit of joy as well as deliver on the practicalities? Here are a few things to keep in mind before you sign on the dotted line.
1. Space for life.
Think about how much room you actually need — and be realistic. If you’ve got a couple of little ones, a compact SUV might do the trick. But if you’ve got a big crew or a lot of gear, a seven-seater or something with heaps of boot space might be a better bet. Or are you a city dweller that needs something more compact? Ask how we are going to use this car the most. And actually in many cases, we need less space than we think. So first question “Bodystyle”? For me, I needed my car to be the family car, so I was after space for the whole family, not just for the run to school, but to fill with bikes, surfboards, suitcases, groceries and all of the stuff that a family needs nowadays. It had to either be an SUV or a Station Wagon.
2. Set a Budget range.
How much do I want to spend? This is a key driver of the options you have. Have a range in mind. Fear not, there is a car for you at whatever your budget might be. Say with a low budget, cars will be older, smaller and with higher kms. Just to give you an idea, 80% of all new cars sold in New Zealand are less than $80k. My budget was half that! So whether you have $10k or $100k.
3. Running Costs
Petrol isn’t getting any cheaper in New Zealand, so fuel efficiency is a biggie. Hybrids, PHEV’s and EVs are becoming more common, and while they can cost a bit more upfront, the savings on fuel and maintenance can be worth it. The good news is there are some bargains out there especially in EV and PHEV. I’d had PHEV’s before, I could drive for months without visiting a petrol station, so I was keen to find another one.
4. Comfort and Handy Extras
Modern cars come with a heap of cool features to make life easier. Things like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or rear-seat USB ports can be lifesavers on long trips. Hands-free boots are super handy when you’re juggling shopping bags or a toddler. And don’t underestimate the value of good air-con, heated seats, and plenty of storage. A lot of these features were considered luxuries a few years ago, but now, there are heaps of affordable options.
5. X-Factor
Time to build a short-list. With all of the above in mind, its time to see whats out there! Trademe here we come. Enter the budget, enter the body-style and sort them by newest cars. Let Trademe show you all the options.
Start scrolling. What gets your attention? What brands, what models, what colours. Build your watchlist.
I looked at everything, old high km BMW, Jeep Wranglers, even Alfa Romeo Stelvios and Mazda’s CX60’s. But the cars I could afford were either way out of warranty, had high kms or were just way too old. But, I did find some cars and brands I didn’t expect. Brands that Ihad to do more research on.
6. Safety First
With a short-list firmly in hand, I checked their safety. Most near new cars have fairly good levels of active and passive safety but its still worth checking. Check out the ANCAP safety ratings (that’s the standard used in New Zealand and Australia) and go for something that’s scored well.
7. Take It for a Spin
Time to get out there and test drive a few options. Bring the kids along, chuck the pram in the boot, and see how the car handles in real life. It’s the best way to find out if it actually suits your family.
I found my car, and its not a RAV4, its Chinese, its big, it has all the features I could wish for and its PHEV! I’ve had it for a few months now and I still haven’t visited the petrol station. Best of all, its looks cool (well in my mind). All of the hard work was worth it! Its suits our family and I feel good driving it.
Wrapping Up
Choosing a family car in New Zealand isn’t just about the price tag — it’s about finding something that fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re battling Wellington’s hills, cruising South Island highways, or just doing the school run, a bit of planning will help you find the right set of wheels for your whānau.
