“This post is sponsored by Kelley Blue Book, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.”
Last week a friend asked me: “My car broke down and I need to buy a new one. Do you have any tips on how to buy a new car during quarantine?” Well, of course, I do. I wrote this post to give her and all of you an answer to that question. Nonetheless, if she had asked the question, how to sell her old car, I could have simply asked her to click here. Here are my tips for shopping for a family car during the quarantine.
Family Car Shopping During The Quarantine
Online Car Shopping Is A Must
If you’ve tackled the budgeting for a family car, having the ability to search for one from your living room is priceless!
I know you’re going to say you need to see, feel and touch a vehicle to buy it! But since the dealers are not open right now, why not take advantage of the social distancing and use an amazing resource like Kelley Blue Book to shop for family cars?
So when the kids are going crazy at home, go out for a joy ride like we have been doing (as you have followed it in social media). It is the only way to get the kids out of house and be safe at the same time!
So why not enjoy the ride in a new car? Our car is a little worn and we’ve had it for years! It probably needs some repair work and we can’t be bothered to do so, hence why we’re looking for a new car. During my search, I’ve come across sites like https://www.954-junkcar.com which will let you scrap your old car for cash. This is a great way to get a little cash injection to put towards your new car and it helps you get rid of your old car too!
You can read more about how Kelley Blue Book is closely monitoring the pandemic and has created a site dedicated to keeping car buyers and owners aware of auto-related Coronavirus news, advice and safety tips.
Making A List
Start by browsing their BEST FAMILY CARS OF 2020 !
I would recommend that you browse the list. Check out features that are important to you and your family such as:
Safety
If you’re like me, your family’s safety comes first, right?
If that is the case, you would not only be looking for a new safe car, but you might also have narrowed down the repair shops (such as auto repair in Westminster) that you would like to service in the future, just in case.
Increasingly, safety has become a priority. Therefore, family car shoppers aren’t just looking for a safe car, but they are even more safety-minded.
I love that Kelley Blue Book pays special attention to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
Every rated vehicle on this year’s list has the highest Overall Safety Rating available in the class!
Value
After safety, current job changes and budget concerns make value a very important concern when shopping for a family car, now more than ever!
The best auto insurance in California (and similar others) tends to cover damage to your vehicle and protects you in case you are legally liable for someone else’s injuries or damages. In addition, car insurance can also cover medical expenses for you or your passengers after an accident or if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Many of the vehicles on Kelly Blue Book’s Family Car List are the very best in class, in terms of their 5-Year Cost to Own calculations.
By considering a vehicle’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, predicted resale value, insurance, fuel and maintenance costs, their 5-Year Cost to Own figures make it easy to compare actual vehicle costs over a full buy-own-sell ownership cycle.
Quite often, spending a little more on the right car can save you thousands in the long run over going for the big rebate on another car.
Interest rates are lower than ever. This gives you the great opportunity to purchase a vehicle with payments that fit your budget. Just another reason why I love Kelley Blue Book’s list of best family cars which has vehicles for every family, no matter how big or small the budget is.
Their 5-Year Cost to Own figures make it easy to see the big picture and make the smart decision. That’s what we did, when we bought our vehicle in January.
While there are plenty of excellent, family-focused luxury SUVs to recommend, they focus strictly on mainstream brands for this annual collection.
Starting prices for the SUVs and minivans above range from the mid-$20,000 range to the low $30,000 range, with only the Ford Expedition exceeding a $40,000 starting price
I recently had a chance to review vehicles that made the list – thought you might want to check my up close experience with them:
Best 2-ROW SUVs For Families
Best 3-Row SUVs For Families Toyota Highlander 2020
Other Vehicles listed are Full Size SUVs and Mini Vans.
You can check out the list by clicking HERE. (bitly link embedded)
More features you need to consider:
Reputation
Most of the models on this list have been around a long time and have earned strong reputations for durability and reliability. In most cases, however, a few-years-old version of most of the SUVs and minivans on this list would make excellent used cars as well. In fact, several of them are indeed on their most recent list of the 10 Best Used Family Cars Under $15,000.
Comfort and Convenience
A smooth ride, quiet cabin and comfortable seats all help keep a family happy while on the move. Convenience features also make a big difference in the overall experience.
The sliding doors on some Chrysler Pacificas can be opened with a wave of your foot when your hands are full. The second-row seats on some Honda Pilots will fold and slide forward with the push of a button, granting easy access to the third row.
The Honda Odyssey offers second-row seats that slide not only forward and back but also side to side. With all the loading and unloading that happens in a busy family car, the benefits of small touches like these can really add up over the years.
Cargo Versatility
Minivans and SUVs are the cargo-friendliest family vehicles on the road, but some are friendlier than others.
Usable volume is a key differentiator, but you may also be looking for advantages like low load floors that ease loading and unloading of bulkier items, as well as second and third-row seats that fold and redeploy with minimal thought or effort.
Child Seats
Child car safety seats are a hugely important consideration for car shoppers with infants, toddlers or both.
Is there enough distance between the front seat and the back seat to accommodate both the seat and the child?
Can you fit all the seats you need?
Are the LATCH mounting points easy to access?
Can you access the third row when two car seats are mounted in the second row?
Does the vehicle’s seat height and door opening make it easy to buckle the child in and lift them out?
If you’re in or near the child car seat stage, be sure to check out the accompanying car-seat story.
Technology
You know that’s one of my favorite features and I’m not alone: this is the fun stuff.
Technology is an increasingly significant factor in new vehicles, and for many buyers, it’s the most exciting part, right?
Bluetooth phone connectivity and USB ports are almost standard fare at this point, while keyless entry and push-button start are heading in that direction.
From the driver’s perspective, we look for capable and easy-to-use infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability lead the way here.
Features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assists are both helpful and comforting in town and on the highway, while backup cameras/sensors and rear cross-traffic alert greatly enhance parking lot navigation. They are all deal breakers for me! How about you?
Have you considered any of the above?
This is a time that you have all the information you need at your fingertips to make an informed decision when shopping for a new vehicle.
I hope you check out the Kelley Blue Book 12 Best Family Cars Of 2020 and tell us which one is your favorite!
Because more than ever, a vehicle is your quiet moment, your joy ride, your time enjoying the sunshine through your sunroof.
It’s your escape – even for 10 minutes, from your current reality!
At our house, it also is a time to share that moment together!
My son has actually come to me a couple times and asked to go for a drive!
One day it will all become a blurred reflection in the mirror…
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
As usual, give us a Trendy Shout!
Those are all wonderful tips to keep in mind. You have to think about a lot of factors in choosing a car. But most important is you guys keep safe especially during this situation.
Looks like KBB has really expanded its offerings. Lots of helpful resources for car buyers in 2020!
What a great experience. Kelley Blue Book has always been my go-to source before buying a car. They seem to have all the important information.
We are thinking of changing our car this summer. So we are looking for offers and new models. This one seems to be a valid one!
I will have to remember to check this website if and when the time comes that we need a new car. Right now, we have to be frugal because of these uncertain times. I am sure once this pandemic is over, our economy will bounce back quick. My son would really need a new car soon. He can look into this website and start planning.
These are really awesome tips!! I will definitely try that car shopping!
It’s great that you can shop online for cars these days with confidence. What a fantastic resource! And I love that car… it looks perfect for families.
I am just about due for a new vehicle. I would love something with plenty of seating.
This is a great reminder of the things you can accomplish with an Internet connection. We always do our research before stepping foot into a dealership. My husband works at a local one and it’s a blessing because he knows what to look for when we purchase our family car. Love the option of shopping online for a new car. It takes the hassle out of car shopping.
These are some really good tips. I don’t need a vehicle right now, but I’m sure this is going to be really helpful for those looking.
Kelley Blue Book thinks of everything. The seem to provide all the information you need to know. Shopping from home is so much more convenient.
Typically, before buying a car, I always research at home. I like to check out everything before making my investment.
I love this post, Claudia!
I need to look for a good car, but was wondering if it’s worth it now. But it looks awesome from your experience.
I’m pretty sure our lease is up in just a few months, so we are going to be doing some car shopping too.
We bought our car at the very beginning of the pandemic. I had no idea how much life would change and how quickly. It’s good to know that KBB is monitoring things so closely to help people shop better during this time.
These are good tips. I might be buying a car later this year but not during this virus time