Most families own a so-called “family car,” but what exactly does that even mean? Well, a family car is a vehicle that’s most suitable for transporting the entire family around. It’s a car that meets all of the basic requirements of every member of the family, and choosing one isn’t an easy thing to do because you have to determine exactly what those needs are. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your family car options.

Think About Your Current and Future Family Size

When most people picture a family car, they imagine a large mini-van or SUV. More often than not, those are actually the best choices for family cars because they have the capacity to seat many individuals. If you have multiple children or plan on having kids in the future, you should buy a car that’s spacious enough from the start. Any full-size SUV or van with seating for eight will be sufficient for most modern families.

Think About How Much Storage Space You’ll Need

Having passenger room is one thing, but having enough cargo space for transporting necessary items around is something completely different. If you have little ones, you know how much stuff they require. Car seats, strollers, baby carriages, blankets, diapers, formula, toys—there is a whole busload of stuff that needs to go where your baby or toddler goes. Then there are the older kids who might need to bring duffle bags full of gear to lacrosse practice or some other extracurricular activity. Don’t forget your significant other’s needs or family trips either. You get the idea.

Consider Who Will Be Driving and How Frequently

If you have a family, there’s a good chance that someone other than yourself will need to use the car once in a while. If you foresee the car being used my multiple people on a regular basis, consider buying something fuel efficient to keep costs down. Something like a Mazda 5 or Hyundai Santa Fe should do. If less-experienced drivers like your teenage sons or daughters will be behind the wheel, the car should also have intuitive controls and be easy to drive in general. You can find a variety of options at websites like KansasCityUsedVehicles.com or by searching for dealerships in your area.

Remember that Raising a Family Is Expensive

It’s no secret that the costs of supporting a family are quite high. To counter all the other essential investments, buy a car that won’t put such a huge dent in your bank account. You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a quality ride. There are many family-friendly options on the market that are also affordable too. Buy the best car that you can without going over your budget, yet still don’t settle for something of lesser quality just because it costs less.

How Safe and Reliable is the Car?

Protecting your family is a priority for any parent, and buying the right car can make a huge difference. Seek for models that have received high crash-test ratings as they can save the lives of your loved ones during an emergency situation on the road. Driving a reliable car also decreases your odds of getting into an accident, so go with something that has a good track record for the sake of safety.

When it’s time to buy a family car, think about why you need it. When it comes down to it, any car that can serve it’s intended purpose is a good family car. Between those options, it really boils down to personal preference.