Choosing a family car

A family car is chosen by what has to fit in it. Take these 16 checks with you when you look at cars — and preferably the family too.

1. 1Does everyone fit?

   • Count the seats against your own needs. In many cars the third row is sized for children.
   • Check how many ISOFIX mountings there are and where. Few cars have them on the middle rear seat.
   • Try your own child seats in the car. Three seats side by side fit in only some cars.
   • If a child seat goes in the front, check that the passenger airbag can be switched off.

2. 2Is the boot big enough?

   • Look at the boot volume in litres and compare it with the other cars you are considering. The number says more than a photo.
   • Try loading what you actually carry: a pushchair, sports gear or a week's shopping.
   • Check the height of the loading sill and the width of the tailgate opening.
   • If you need a tow bar, check that the car has one and read the maximum trailer mass from the registration certificate.

3. 3How does the car work day to day?

   • Try opening the rear doors in a tight parking space. A sliding door works differently there from a hinged one.
   • See whether the rear seats have their own air vents and storage within children's reach.
   • Check the child locks on the rear doors and rear windows.
   • If you drive a lot on hilly or poor roads in winter, consider four-wheel drive and compare its consumption.

4. 4What do you try on the test drive?

   • Take the family on the test drive. Rear-seat space and visibility only show once someone sits there.
   • Drive in town and park as well. A big car in a tight car park is a different thing from the open road.
   • Listen to road and wind noise at highway speed. On long trips it affects the whole family.
   • Finish with the general used-car checklist as well: papers, servicing and condition.