When it’s time to choose a family car, a new model sounds ideal, right? It’s an important investment, but the steadily increasing prices might be out of your spending budget. Fortunately, you don’t have to break the bank. A better budget-friendly option is a safe, reliable used car. Keep reading for some guidance on how to choose the right used car for your family.

Fuel efficiency

Did you know that Americans drive more than 13,400 miles annually? Imagine driving your car roundtrip from Dallas to New York — 13,400 miles equals more than four times that distance. The time you spend driving leads to time at the gas pump too, and how often you will need to visit the pump depends on your car’s fuel economy. A fuel-efficient vehicle such as the 2016 Chevrolet Equinox will save you money on gas with its standard 4-cylinder engine, and the 2013 Toyota RAV4 averages 31 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway.

Flexible comfort

Whether you’re headed to a family dinner five miles away or going on a five-hour road trip, you want everyone in your car to be comfortable. The Chevrolet Equinox is somewhat larger than other compact sports utility vehicles (SUV). It boasts a spacious second row along with a generous cargo area. The Toyota RAV4 has these features also. The 2012 Toyota Highlander offers a collapsible seat that changes the three-passenger second row into a two-passenger seating area with a passageway.

Resale value and safety

Yes, you’re in the market to buy, but don’t forget about the big picture. Someday, you may want to sell your used vehicle. As mentioned before, choosing a family car is an important investment. The RAV4 has a good resale value due to its reputation for comfort and reliability. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it five out of five stars for side crash testing and four out of five stars for rollover and front crash testing, both of which will bode well for resale value.

Complete package

So, the 2013 Toyota RAV4 is fuel-efficient, comfortable, reliable and has a strong resale value. It checks a lot of boxes on the best used family car list. Another all-inclusive option is the 2016 Mazda CX-5. It’s a sporty compact SUV with smart brake support, collision warning and lane departure warning. However, don’t overlook the 2015 Odyssey that has room for eight passengers with sliding doors, a great feature for family members dismounting in tight parking lot spaces.

If you’re still unsure about which model you should choose for your used car, contact Advantage Car & Credit today to take a look at our vast inventory. We’ll be sure to find you a used car perfect for your family’s needs.