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Family sedans remain one of the most popular car choices in many parts of the world, and for good reason. Sleek design, great value and smooth reliability combine to make family sedans firm favourites for car enthusiasts and practical, safety-conscious drivers alike.
Because of their popularity, family sedans vary in price depending on the make and model, along with any additional features you might choose. With a little bit of research, you can find the sedan that perfectly suits your needs.
CARDEALS2ME works with a range of dealerships in all states and territories to help buyers find the best driveaway deals on new cars.
A family sedan, also known as a saloon, is a mid- or full-sized vehicle with either a two- or four-door set-up, a cargo area at the back and an engine in the front. In many ways, a family sedan is similar to a hatchback: both being family passenger cars that combine reliability with plenty of storage space.
The primary and most obvious difference between a family sedan and hatchback is the boot configuration. A hatchback has a large cargo area accessed by a rear door that generally opens upwards, which can usually be extended by dropping the rear seats downwards to create extra room. However, a sedan has its boot area separate from the main passenger cabin. Sedans tend to be longer than hatchbacks and have a recognisable boot shape with the roof of the car sloping down to the separate boot area.
Family sedans are one of the oldest models of cars, but they are still widely popular for their combination of space and size.
While the features of family sedans can vary between different makes and models, they share many characteristics:
When comparing family sedan models, consider the following:
How much can you afford?
Family sedans can run the gamut from extremely affordable family cars to outrageously expensive luxury sedans. Ensure you have a set budget in mind before choosing a family sedan and consider whether buying a second-hand car could give you access to a more valuable sedan at a lower price.
How long is the car expected to last?
No car can last forever, but when you're investing in a new vehicle, you want some peace of mind that you'll have use of the car for as long as possible. With so many different types of family sedans available, the life expectancy of each can vary considerably. Reading online reviews and seeing the age and condition of older second-hand cars of the same make and model can give you a good idea of the life expectancy of the family sedan you're considering.
What kind of warranty is being offered?
If purchasing a new car, how long is the new car warranty? If purchasing a second-hand car, it can be wise to purchase from a car dealer to take advantage of statutory and dealer warranties. This will protect you in the event that the car is faulty at the time of purchase.
How much cargo space do you need?
Depending on your travelling needs, you may only need a four-door family sedan. On the other hand, if you are constantly transporting items like prams or sporting gear, make sure you thoroughly test the cargo space of the family sedan you're considering before you purchase. It is always a good idea to bring along your child's pram or other items you normally transport when test driving or inspecting a vehicle.
How many passengers will you have?
Family sedans vary from two-door to four-door, so it's important to know which model you need. If you will only have one other passenger, you may be able to choose a smaller sedan and potentially save some money in the process.
Do you like the design of a family sedan?
Despite the wide variety of makes and models available, family sedans tend to follow a very similar vehicle design, including a long body and a tapered down boot. If you don't like the look of one model of family sedan, there is a good chance you won't like many other models either.
What kind of extra features will you need?
More expensive, higher-end family sedans can come with extra features, including technological devices like Bluetooth connectivity, reversing cameras as well as top-class engines. Make a list of the additional features you require and other features that would be nice to have but are not a deal breaker. Having this list to hand will help you when comparing family sedans.
Family sedans fit many people's lifestyles, and maybe they fit yours. Maybe you want a family sedan because they look nice. Maybe it's because you see so many of them on the road that they've grown on you. No matter what the reason, a family sedan can be a good and affordable option, provided they suit your needs.
With their reliability, focus on safety and affordability, family sedans make the perfect all-around car. All you need to do is figure out what type of family sedan you want. As long as you won't need more than four people in the car on a regular basis and don't need the storage space of a hatchback or SUV, a family sedan could be an excellent choice for you.
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