.png?width=1200&height=628&name=H%26D%20%20Blog%20Header%20Template%20%202022%20(24).png)
While some families manage perfectly fine with just one car to go about their daily routine, sometimes having a single vehicle just doesn’t cut it any more. Owning a second family car can add convenience, allow a little more flexibility to your life, and the peace of mind so you can put more energy into those things that parents worry about.
Before you take the next step, it's important to review why you need it, what type of car you need, and most importantly, whether you can afford it. That way you can make the right decision to suit your needs and the needs of your whanau.
Do you need a second car?
Firstly, take a look at why you need a second car. Have you changed jobs, returned to work or moved house? Are the family doing more activities after school or before work? Do you need a vehicle for a specific purpose to transport the kids, pets, or particular equipment?
Work Considerations
When raising a family, your or your partner’s work circumstances can change from time to time. If you are returning to work, you may need a second car for your commute. Your new workplace could be further away from home or in a different direction from schools or day-care. Public transportation may not be available or require a complex combination of transfers and connections. Or your usual car might not be suitable for the location or type of work you do.
Clashing Transport Schedules
Often, a couple with coordinated schedules can share a car. However, when two people have a separate commute or when one needs to be at school while the other is at work, owning two cars solves the problem of having to rely on public transportation or taxis. With a second family car, each of you can be independent and self-sufficient as you won't have to coordinate who has the car; reducing the stress of an already busy life.
Growing Family Needs
As a family grows, so too does your need for transportation and space. More children can mean you need a larger vehicle with more room for car seats and gear. You may need a car that will be comfortable for family trips and adventures, and families with teenagers often choose a newer car for themselves while their teen learns to drive in the older family vehicle.
Peace of Mind
In case of an emergency, having a second car provides reassurance that everyone in the family has the means to deal with a problem instantly. Those at home can leave the house safely and those away don't have to wait for a ride. Being where you are needed or leaving a dangerous situation is less stressful with a second car , and it comes in handy as a reliable back up if one vehicle breaks down.
Task-Specific Needs
Sometimes, a family needs a car that does something specific. Your work may require a work truck or a special van which isn’t suited for running around the kids. Your family may need a disability vehicle or one with towing capacity or tie-down cargo space. Or, like some families, you may need a car with good fuel efficiency for city driving but also enjoy driving off-road in your spare time, so two different style vehicles are a must for your family’s lifestyle.
What do you need in a second car?
How do you know what kind of car you need, or the features that will best assist your family? One of the best ways is to jot down all of the ways you currently use your one car. Here's a good example list that can help you get started:
- Commuting daily, part-time, etc.
- Errands including shopping and doctor trips
- Driving kids to school
- Driving kids to events, sports, and activities
- Road trips and visiting relatives
- Towing trailers or caravans
- Specific work vehicle requirements
Next, identify some of the things that you would transfer to the second family car. These are tasks that your original family car may not perform well, or things that are done by the person who may be the primary driver of the new car.
Some additional things to look for in a new family car are:
Additional Space
Keep in mind that young children require plenty of room for car seats until at least 7 years old, and room in the boot for bulky equipment like pushchairs, scooters and bikes. Children only get bigger and taller, so you may want to consider a larger vehicle for hauling groceries, sports gear, school projects, luggage for holidays, or transporting more than just your own crew of children.
Reliability
Investing in a newer car from a well-known and established car-maker may seem more expensive up front, but it’s worth the value in more reliable performance, fewer trips to the mechanic, and a longer lead time before your first major tune-up. A new or nearly new car may also still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
Efficiency
Raising a family is expensive, so keeping the running costs down with an efficient car is a must. Cars or SUVs with efficient smaller-sized engines or hybrids are an affordable and economical option as some purely electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids can still be quite costly to purchase.
Can you afford a second car?
Once you have reviewed your list, and found there is substantial benefit to buying a second car, then look for the most affordable vehicle that will be able to fulfil the needs you listed.
Outside the cost of the purchase price, owning more than one vehicle will multiply certain expenses. In addition to increased running costs (petrol or electricity) you will need two car insurance policies, two maintenance schedules, registrations, WOFs, and car finance payments if needed.
Be sure to figure out how much you will spend on becoming a two-car family, both up-front and on a monthly basis. Compare these costs to your household budget – and the cost of alternative public transport or taxis – to ensure that you are making the best decision about the make, model, and timing of your family's second car.
If you know exactly what you want from a new car for the family and your finances are in the right place, then it's time to start hunting for the perfect vehicle. Suzuki cares about how every car impacts the family that drives it, which is why we suggest you get started with our Guide to Buying a New Car to ensure you find exactly the right car, with the right features, and the right price for your family's needs.
