Managing day-to-day living can be pretty hard without transportation. If you live in a city with a reliable mass transit system, you’re in luck. But many smaller communities lack public transportation and it is hard to do grocery shopping or head to the laundromat on a train or bus.

Most people need a car, especially if you meet your significant other and start a family. Kids have places to go and things to take with them. As they grow up, things change and so does the kind of family car that will suit you and the little ones.

New Couple

As a single person, you only have to consider your own needs when choosing a car, for example, looking for a new Subaru for sale. Once you are part of a couple, you have to think about what you both need. The kind of car you buy can vary, depending on your lifestyle and income. Something big enough for both of you to run errands with and extra space if you travel will suffice. This changes when children enter the picture.

Babies and Toddlers

Newborns may not have many possessions, but carrying diaper bags, toys, playpens, and other gear is important. You also want a vehicle that has the space to sturdily attach a car seat. Safety is essential in any motor vehicle but even more so when you are carrying precious cargo.

Anti-lock brakes, adaptive cruise control, lane warning, and lane keep assist are all features that can help you drive safely and avoid accidents. Look for them when new car shopping.

SUVs are good choices for families with babies and toddlers. You want cars with a smooth ride for napping. Entertainment systems like a built-in, backseat entertainment system is great on longer trips.

Older Kids and Tweens

When the kids get older, they are going to be involved in activities such as sports, clubs, and fun things inside and outside of school. More space is important at this stage as you may also be hauling their friends around once in a while. A large SUV is a good option as is the classic minivan. Needless to say, safety features are every bit as important with older kids.

Teenagers

In addition to driving around your teens, their gear, and their friends, they are eventually going to reach driving age. As a parent, you want to be a part of teaching them to be safe and responsible drivers. Having a car with advanced safety features will give you peace of mind when letting your adolescents take a turn behind the wheel. At this stage, you may want to invest in a second car that is smaller and easier to handle than an SUV or minivan. Get the safest car you can find as well. Beginners need all the help they can get.

Choose the Car for the Stage

As you age, marry, and start a family, your needs change. This includes the kind of vehicle you drive. Consider the size of your family and lifestyle, keeping safety first and foremost, and choose accordingly.