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SUVs, Cars and Vans – Oh My!
Choosing the Perfect Family Vehicle
By Jessica Woods
Steve Sanchez, a dealership sales manager in Capitola, Calif., says these types of questions are the best place to start when you're looking for a new vehicle. "As you show the cars, you're going to be asking these fact-finding questions," he says.
But you don't have to wait for a salesperson to ask. Before you start the hunt, get out a piece of paper and a pencil, and write down the answers to those questions. Once you know what's important for you and your family to be comfortable, you can start matching your needs with specific vehicle types.
If you want the best gas mileage, a four-cylinder passenger car is likely your best bet. Generally, the heavier the vehicle, the lower the gas mileage. According to mileage figures provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, some of the most fuel-efficient autos out there are passenger cars such as the Volkswagen Jetta and the Honda Civic.
Some families may write-off the passenger car because of size issues, but don't rule these cars out just yet. "With a couple of kids, [a passenger car is] not a bad idea," says Sanchez. "Two [children] can sit in the back very comfortably."
What's the bottom line? A passenger car is a good option for the budget conscious family with one or two children. This vehicle appeals to the family intereted in saving money at the pump and pulling in and out of even the tightest parking spaces with ease.
