Teens and Tweens
What's Driving our Families
By Alex Sams
August/September 2003

Can you name the most expensive purchase investment that many parents make to accommodate the needs of their children? It’s not a crib. It’s not a baby jogger. It’s not even a computer. It’s the mobile nursery/kitchen/family room, better known as the family car. Parents spend thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in this “rolling home.” Most rolling homes have nice leather or cloth “chairs” and “sofas,” a hi-fi stereo system, central heating & air, coasters (cup holders), side tables (arm rest and dashboard), overhead lighting, DVD, and closet space. Yes, just like our homes. Our children eat, sleep, and sometimes go to the potty in this thing called a family car.

The number one question that I get asked in life, besides “are we there yet?” is “what is the best car?” The question should be “what is the best car for me and my family?” The Internet offers generalized opinions. Dealerships tell you their cars are best. And let’s face it; your neighbors often just want to justify their purchase. It also seems that everything contradicts itself. There is no single answer to this question, so study your options.

Size matters, but not as much as you might think. Buying the smallest car possible is the wisest route to take. For some, a small wagon will do fine. For others, the giant SUV is all that will do. However, before choosing a vehicle, think how often you will really need the extra space. If the space is “extra,” then you might not need it. If the space is normally filled with children and gear, then you do need more space. Remember, cars make expensive closets, so be honest with yourself. Hint: If you rather drive a smaller family car, but need more size for family trips, then buy the less expensive smaller vehicle, and rent a larger vehicle for trips.

Safety is more important to parents than any other group of car buyers. The question is, what is safety? Is it size? Is it handling? How about crumple zones or seats that don't fall back during a rear-end collision, or even headrests? The number one safety feature in any car is the driver. If you can't see out of your car, avoid an object crossing your path, and maneuver quickly, then you have the wrong car. The car should fit the driver and the driver should not have to fit the car. I believe that "active safety" is important. Active safety offers features that actively respond to avoid danger. Features like anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control (TRAC), vehicle stability control (VSC), all-wheel drive (AWD), and one of my personal favorites, daytime running lights, keep you out of trouble. Remember acronyms equal safety. But when metal-meets-metal, seatbelts, airbags, headrests, and crumple zones protect passengers. Buy as many airbags and active safety features like ABS as you can afford. Always wear seatbelts, and learn to handle your vehicle. European automakers typically build very safe cars first, then worry about where to put the cup holder last. However, most car companies are adding more and more safety features.

Style is in the eye of the beholder. SUV should stand for “Stylin’ Utility Vehicle.” Most families really don’t need the rugged build and the higher ground clearance of an SUV. Although less convenient than a mini-van, the sport utility does it all in style. Plus, if you actually do go camping, fishing or hunting, you are ready for action. Porsche even has an SUV now. The Honda Pilot and Volvo X90 are great mid-size SUV’s that even come with a third seat. Toyota has an extensive line of SUV’s. If big is your thing, then the Chevrolet Suburban or Ford Excursion is your “super-sized happy meal.” It’s so big, dealers should be required to have a real estate license to sell one. And even though the super-sized SUVs handle like a two story house in a mud slide, I will credit the car companies with improving maneuverability.

How about the sport wagon? It’s not your mom’s clunky old wagon. These are performance cars with “back.” Many people are choosing these because of excellent handling and the fact that wagons are closer to the ground. Kids climb in and out safely, and moms don’t have to be world-class shot putters to throw items in the back. (Not to mention avoiding the challenge of climbing into the SUV while wearing a skirt). From the tried and true Volvo V70 or VW Passat, to the BMW or Mercedes, there is a wagon for everyone. Two of my favorites are the all-wheel drive Subaru Outback and the Audi A6 Allroad. Also, look out for the all-new crossover vehicles. This is a crossover between a wagon and a SUV. Kind of like a wagon on steroids. Check out the Nissan Murano and you will see what I mean.

For those families who want convenience, the mini-van is hard to beat. It’s the queen of all “mommy mobiles.” Nothing loads better than a van. But be careful, not all vans are created equal. Just because a brand is popular, does not mean it is built well or dependable. The no-frills Honda Odyssey is the Musa Smith of mini-vans. (Responsive, never complains, and goes the distance).

The best thing a parent can do is to start searching for a vehicle a couple of months before making a purchase. Go test drive with the kids because you need to know that they fit properly. Even if you have babies or toddlers, put their car seat in the vehicle and make sure you can buckle it tightly and with ease. Also, take the vehicle home and park it in the garage to make sure it fits. Then, drive to a crowded shopping center and try parking. When you get back to the dealership, back the car into a parking place. You have to be sure you can see behind you, and if you can’t... well the dealer has insurance.

Family cars come in many sizes, shapes and styles. Focus on your needs and keep your options open. Most of all, think and be honest with yourself. What is right for you friends may not be right for you.

Alex Sams is a father of two and the owner of Yourside Car Shoppers in Athens