When you’re buying a car for the family, you aren’t necessarily prioritising creature comforts, sound systems, or even horsepower. It’s more likely that you’re focus will be on safety, reliability, and functionality. This is especially true when you consider that the typical South African roads are riddled with potholes and teeming with traffic.
For most families, these factors are vital – and they’re being sought out in the pre-owned vehicle market. This can be somewhat challenging, given that we can’t always be sure of a vehicle’s history, how it has been maintained, whether it’s been in any previous accidents, and if there are any issues that not even the sellers are aware of.
One way to confidently purchase a family car that you can trust, well, with your family, is to seek out dealerships who have partnered with the AA to offer AA Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. To that end, let’s look at how to invest in a reliable family car.
Discuss And Plan
Before you set about looking at all the different types of family cars on the market, start by sitting down and listing what’s important and what’s not. The first decision is what your budget is. Yes, modern designs and shiny features can be tempting, but you should consider your financial capability first before looking at high-end vehicles that will go beyond what you can pay for. You should also take into account the extra costs that your purchase will incur, including continuous maintenance, fuel, insurance, and other costs.
The last thing you want is to put any unnecessary financial strain on your household in the future. Once you’ve settled on a budget, you can talk about things like space, sound, and functionality. For instance, talk about whether you need amenities such as cup holders and storage compartments, or whether you need more space for car seats and prams.
With a list like this, you’ll know what you’re looking for and won’t be overwhelmed by the sheer choice available to you.
Safety Is Paramount
Safety is undoubtedly one of your top priorities when searching for a family car. After all, knowing that it can protect you and your family in an accident or trusting that it won’t suddenly make worrying sounds and be out of action for repairs and leaving you without wheels, is incredible peace of mind.
What you should do is make sure that you visit dealerships which offer certified pre-owned vehicles. All AA Certified Pre-Owned vehicles have undergone an all-inclusive inspection, which includes a 125-point check. This comprehensive inspection ensures that your potential family car is examined thoroughly, checking the exterior, vehicle’s steering, suspension, and brakes, along with its mechanical and electrical systems.
Real Reliability
Reliability is also a notable concern that will make your purchase journey more challenging. Without the technical and mechanical know-how, it can be frustrating to know if you’re buying a vehicle that you can rely on.
Thankfully, pre-owned vehicles that are AA Certified will have undergone rigorous inspections by AA-trained professionals with the skills to identify potential problems well before they can turn into substantial issues. What’s more, this inspection process covers a comprehensive report of the maintenance history of the car, making sure you are made aware of past problems, so that you can plan accordingly.
This gives you greater peace of mind, knowing that your investment is going to operate well and shouldn’t require major repairs.
Trusted Value
Value is one of the most important considerations when buying any vehicle. Opting for a used vehicle already means that the rate of depreciation will be much slower than if you had gone for something brand new. In this way, your family car will retain its value for longer – especially if you maintain the car’s condition over time.
Importantly, though, vehicles that have been certified by the AA will provide you with unprecedented value. To put it in other words, by choosing an AA Certified Pre-Owned vehicle that has undergone the extensive inspection process, you can be surer that you’re buying a high-quality vehicle that is less likely to incur expensive repairs over time.
Given that the AA is a credible, trusted, and long-established brand, providing assurance and peace of mind before you buy, dealerships who have partnered with the AA Certified Pre-Owned programme will be in a position to provide credibility and trust. Ultimately, this means you can be sure that you are investing in a vehicle that offers more value for your money.
If you are searching for a family car that offers you a unique blend of value, reliability, and safety, it is worth looking at AA Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.