Looking for an affordable family vehicle? Read on

All the factors to bear in mind when making this investment

You may be fresh-off-the-boat, new on the shores of the Middle East or a long-time resident who used to drive a sporty coupe or a fancy SUV. but now you're looking to purchase something a little more economical and practical to help you shoulder the responsibilities of being a family man or woman. And in that search, it is good to reanalyse the many aspects of a car: how relevant it is to your driving duties, the size of your family and financial bits before putting down your autograph on that bank-issued white piece of paper. To make this task convenient, we have simplified the many factors involved in this cash-for-car transaction.

Space & Utility
Ironically, the first thing you want to figure out is whether you need an automobile. With the expanding availability of government bus, taxi and Metro services, for some, the answer is no. But for the rest who are accustomed to the freedom of movement at one's own pace, the answer is probably a resounding yes. The next big 'Q' is how many people are you planning to haul? Families can be as small as two people and for such, even a coupe should do. However, those who have between three to five members should preferably consider getting a mid-size sedan more than a compact, simply because they are usually built better, more stable at high speeds and have better rear legroom. If your family is any larger, you should opt for a 7 or 8-seater MPV, like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Previa. Those who prefer an elevated driving position and/or off-road prowess to go along with the multi-seat capacity should opt for an SUV like the Toyota Fortuner or Nissan Pathfinder.

Price & Residual Value
Prices of cars are on the rise, but you can always wait for a great deal to come along and save yourself a few thousand bucks. Though Korean and Chinese offerings may seem cheap, they are not known to be as reliable as their Japanese counterparts, nor do they hold equitable residual value. Also - regardless of make - do crosscheck retail prices for the same model in dealerships across the Emirates; there may be a slight difference.
While some of us prefer colours that 'embody' our personality, you should know that white is the best sold paint scheme across segments. It is not only known to keep the cabin better insulated from heat - as we learnt from our science texts - but also easier to sell in the second-hand market. Although, I must add, there is always someone who is looking to buy an orange Subaru. You just need to find him or her!

Insurance
In the interest of all parties, it is recommended that you get a comprehensive insurance policy, currently known as 'Third Party Liability & Loss and Damage'. Ensure that it covers accidental damage to property, persons, windshield damage, key replacement and has a provision for a replacement car for the duration of the repair. It is recommended to have 'agency cover' as opposed to having a third-party garage look after your car: the latter may leave you with the risk of theft, use of fake goods and having to deal with shoddy repair work. Also, note that the internationally renowned insurers - although more expensive - are quicker to respond and provide quotes than the rest of them.
Power & Fuel Efficiency
Propulsion is of utmost important because you don't want to buy a new vehicle and be struggling to keep up with traffic. But power is also inversely proportional to fuel economy - and that means, the more power you have, the less economical your car is. In our opinion, for a mid-size sedan, a 2.5-litre engine is ideal. it's potent enough and won't empty your wallet at the gas station. But if your agenda includes successful off-road ventures, use something with a little more torque like a 4.0L Toyota Fortuner, or a tried-and-tested Jeep Wrangler. Do note that, in some cases, performance-oriented engines need to be fed high-octane petrol, i.e., Super 98 and that is going to cost you a tad more.

Safety Features
There is no greater relief than knowing that your vehicle is equipped with world-class safety features that will help keep your family safe; with affordable vehicles, chances are some of these advanced safety features have been compromised, like Blind Spot Alert and Assist, Lane Keep Alert and Assist, 360-Degree Monitor etc. This is, in no way, a deal breaker. However, do make sure basic features like ABS, airbags, parking sensors and rear camera are available. Also, try to inquire about the crash test ratings carried out by associations like ENCAP and NHTSA. If you have children, make sure the rear seats have ISOFIX points to mount child seats, besides having features like child lock and power window locks.

Infotainment
While the majority of us haven't even seen the exquisite perforated speaker grilles of a Burmester or B&O audio system (seen in premium vehicles), almost all of us share the love for music and can't go without it while commuting. Most factory-fitted units are average sounding at best, but some auto-makers have third-party audio manufacturers like Bose and Pioneer equip their vehicles; these units do a better job of keeping you entertained. But do ensure they come with USB slots - for both data and power - and Bluetooth connectivity, which make it easier to stream music while on the move. Navigation systems are not as simple or advanced as Google Maps, but they do help at times, when your phone runs out of charge. So check out the interface and ensure that it's something you can operate easily.

Cargo Capacity
Regardless of the vehicle you choose, ensure that the boot can fit at least one full-size suitcase. and a couple of rucksacks as well. But going by minimums is never the best option in our opinion, so we recommend that you also look out for features like split-folding rear seats. It is also not a half-bad idea to get rubber or plastic mats, if you have a pet or go off-road frequently. Check for smart storage management options such as collapsible boxes and cargo nets - these are usually made available as part of the accessories catalogue.

Warranty
Most new cars come with a three-year warranty (at least), which usually covers everything except "perishables" - wipers, batteries and tyres. Some even cover brake pads and discs - an added plus. But if you can have your warranty period extended, either by persuasion or payment, nothing like it! This ensures you won't have to deal with faulty manufacturing and parts for as long as possible.

Service Plans
Service costs are equally important. Manufacturers like Chevrolet highlight their services fees which give you not just an insight but a near-perfect evaluation of what costs you will incur over the next few months. You'll be happy to know that service intervals have apparently been made a minimum of 10k km by the government for all models, which saves the extra visit to the service centre. Like the warranty, try to get an extended service package here too.

Miscellaneous Features
There are several other features that add a great deal of practicality, like having a full-size spare tyre which is way more advantageous than a space-saving spare; the latter is restricted in terms of distance and speed, and doesn't provide the grip and balance required either. Other seemingly trivial features include rear air-conditioning, fog lamps and illuminated vanity mirrors, which will help you straighten your tie or touch up your lipstick before heading to work. Faux leather upholstery, which may not be best suited for summer, is comparatively easier to clean, which is important especially if your toddler likes to go Da Vinci on your seats with his/ her crayons.

Identity & Conclusion
Some see family vehicles as uninspiring commuters, and to them I say, we live in the harsh adult world and it doesn't take much to tick one off, but if you have a reliable ride, working away quietly in the background, there is nothing like it. To the rest of you, who view it as an extension of your soul or another member in the family, you already know that it's going to be a pleasure to own a car - one in which both you and your kids will cherish fond memories.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com

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