Four questions to ask before buying a bigger car

Remember how you were so excited when you were single and got your first car? You had a whole checklist of things you wanted to change: the sound system, the mags and tires, and all the other stuff to add pogi points.

But you’re married now, your own family is growing and your priorities are changing as well. It’s probably time to consider a bigger car. Here are a few points to consider when looking at a bigger car.

1. How big a car do you need?

Large families have so many options to choose from nowadays. There are minivans, SUVs in different sizes, midsize sedans and crossovers, not to mention the station wagons that are making a comeback.

As a general rule, bigger is better, particularly if you are planning to have more kids. And if they’ll be going to school, being part of a carpool may be a practical idea.

However, you should also consider your facilities at home, will it be able to fit your driveway or garage?

How big you can go, whether a midsize sedan or a full-size van or somewhere in between, will depend on your future plans.


2. How safe is the car?

Nothing is more important than your family, so their safety should be a major consideration.
Of course, bigger cars are safer because of the basic fact that there’s more metal to protect the driver and passengers in an accident.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that a heavier car will most likely push a lighter one backward during impact. There will be less force on the passengers of the heavier car and more impact on the lighter one.

There are also more built-in features that not only make driving easier but also safer. Your car should at least include an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), as many airbags as possible, door and window locks for children, and reverse parking sensors (if not a camera).

And, most importantly, make sure that everyone inside the car, not just the driver, puts on their seatbelts.


3. Does it have enough storage?

The more passengers you have, the more storage space you’ll need. Think about it. How many bags do you bring just for your baby alone? You’ll also need a cupholder for each child, because the last thing you’ll want is spilled juice all over your new car.

You should also think about how many bags you end up with when you go to the grocery. As well as what kind of sports your kids may get into, because you may need to have a big enough trunk to hold their sports gear.

And just as in parking, take into consideration how you access that storage. For example, when you open the rear hatch of a station wagon or an SUV, it may hit the ceiling of your garage.


4. How much is it?

The price is, the most important consideration, of course, but don’t worry too much about it because our experts at BPI Bank will help you make sure you get the best deal in town. And the flexible financing packages of BPI Auto Loan will always make it affordable for you.


Get your dream car today with BPI Auto Loan.