Starting a new family, or accommodating an existing one whose needs are rapidly growing, often means investing in an appropriate vehicle. That car that served you perfectly well when you were single might not be appropriate when you’re taking a family of five on holiday, or even dealing with the school run.

But even once you’ve identified the criteria that matter, like boot space, fuel economy, and safety ratings, you’ll still be faced with an important decision: should you buy something new, or something that’s already been driven? Let’s consider this dilemma, and assess some of the relevant facets of it.

Cost and Depreciation

A new car will tend to cost more up front. What’s more, it will depreciate rapidly over the first year or so. In the worst cases, you might spend close to thirty thousand pounds on an asset only to have it be worth just eight thousand pounds after a few years. If you do this every time you shop for a new car, then you could be surrendering tens of thousands of pounds – money which a growing family might surely find better use for.

Safety and Technology Features

The newer your vehicle, generally speaking, the more likely it is to be loaded with the latest modern technology. This might mean newer safety systems and amazing infotainment, as well as the latest driver-assisting technologies, like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

Running Costs and Maintenance

New cars do not need to undergo an MOT test until their third year on the road. They might also be more reliable in general. This might be reflected in the cost of insuring them – but bear in mind that insurers will factor in not just the risk that something will go wrong, but the cost of parts, or even a new car, when it does.

You’ll also need to think about how far you need to travel for the car. If you’re based in Cambridgeshire, then looking for used cars in Peterborough might be worthwhile.

Family Needs and Practicality

The ideal family car will be chosen with the needs of your particular family in mind. This will mean looking for something that’s sufficiently spacious, and that comes with a decent safety rating. It’s worth noting that, by looking for a used car, you’ll be able to choose from a much greater variety of models. This might make it easier to pick out something that meets your needs, at a price that you can put up with.