When planning a cross-country road trip with your family, there are many things to consider. Obviously, you want to enjoy yourselves, but it’s also smart to plan well so that you have the best chances of getting where you are going quickly and safely. No matter how much time you have or how many people are traveling with you, choosing the right vehicle is crucial.
Here are some great tips on what to look for when car shopping at Edmunds for a cross country road trip:
Buy an SUV
The first and best option for your vehicle is an SUV of some kind. These cars offer the best all-around solution of power, room, and low fuel cost – especially if you’re traveling in a big family. They are also very comfortable, so you can rest well on the long trips
Buy two cars
If for some reason an SUV isn’t available to you, but your family is large enough that traveling together in one car isn’t practical (for example – if you have young children who need to be in their car seats), then it might be better to purchase two cars and put the baby seats in one vehicle, and everyone else can ride together in the other. However, remember that you’ll need to buy gas for two vehicles instead of just one.
Check out your MPG
If money isn’t an issue, then you should definitely opt for the car that gets the best MPG. If it has a good fuel economy, then you’ll save a lot of money on gas during your trip. Make sure you do thorough research on this, though – sometimes the top MPG cars are hybrids or smaller vehicles, which make them unsuitable for big families.
Get a nice stereo
Music is important on any long trip, so make sure your car has a great sound system. If you also want one with DVD capabilities, then instead of buying two separate stereos, get an aftermarket installed system that has all the bells and whistles.
Don’t forget about comfort
Safety is important, but you also want to be comfortable when traveling long distances. Make sure your car has room for camping gear and luggage and that the seats recline and swivel so everyone can get comfortable.
Make sure it’s dependable
Trusting your life in a vehicle is stressful enough without worrying about whether it’s going to fail you in the middle of nowhere. Make sure you get a good, trustworthy car that will get your family from point A to point B safely.
Spare Tire
You should also get a tire that matches your specific vehicle’s specifications, because not all tires are designed to work properly for every model. Make sure your car is in tip top shape before traveling long distances so you have the best chances for a safe trip.
In Conclusion
No matter where you live or what your family situation is, it’s smart to choose the right car for a cross-country road trip. The more space and comfort you have, the more enjoyable your trip will be. If you follow these tips, then choosing a good vehicle should be easy!
