Tips for Upgrading Your Car Before a Family Holiday

Going on holiday is always fun, but cramming the whole family plus luggage into a small car for hours of driving can quickly turn the fun into frustration. Upgrading to a larger, more comfortable car before your next family holiday to the Orkney Islands can help make the journey much more enjoyable for everyone. Here are some tips for choosing the right set of wheels for your family road trip.

Assess Your Needs

Take some time to think about what you really require from a car for your upcoming trip. Important considerations include:

Number of passengers - Make sure any car has legal seat belts for everyone.
Luggage capacity - Will you need room for multiple suitcases, camping gear, pushchairs, etc? Measure what you need to bring to estimate space.
Comfort features - Do you need built-in entertainment systems, lots of cup holders, adjustable seats, climate control options? Don't forget that comfort stops may be frequent with little ones.
Fuel efficiency - A bigger car may use more fuel, which can impact your holiday budget. Weigh the engine size and mileage.
Driveability - Will you be driving on narrow country roads, and high speeds on motorways? Make sure the car handles it well.

Research Your Options

Once you've assessed your family's needs from a holiday car, spend time researching different makes and models that could work. Comparison sites let you filter by factors like size, mileage, features and budget. Consider:

SUVs - Large SUVs have ample passenger and cargo space. Newer models offer great entertainment options to keep kids happy. Just watch your budget.
Estates - Estates provide lots of room while still being easy to drive. Some options have fold-flat rear seats allowing you to carry extra gear.
People carriers - Perfect for larger families, people carriers can fit up to seven passengers comfortably with flexible seating arrangements. They offer lots of interior space.

Test Drive Top Contenders

Once you've researched your options on paper, it's time to test drive your top choices in person. Check out local car dealers to see what’s available. For example, if you live near Manchester, car dealers in Bury are within easy reach. Local dealers offer better aftercare and are more likely to give you a personalised service.

Take the whole family along and make sure to:

Assess passenger space - Is there enough legroom and headroom for tall family members? Are three car seats across manageable?
Check storage space - Make sure the boot can handle all your luggage and baby gear. Test folding/removable seats.
Try entertainment features - Test drive built-in DVD players, charging ports and Wi-Fi if these features will get lots of use.
Note driving experience - Drive on motorways and smaller roads. Does the car feel steady and handle different speeds comfortably? Is it easy to drive and park?

Making the Upgrade

When you decide on the ideal set of wheels for your family's upcoming adventure, it's time to make the upgrade. Depending on your budget, you may want to sell your current car, trade it in, or perhaps keep it as a second household car after the trip. Enjoy the anticipation as you count down to heading out on the open road together in your family's shiny new car!