When you become a mom, you become more than “just a mom.” You become a teacher, a nurse, a therapist, a handyman, a chef… the list goes on and on. If you’re like a lot of us here at AMB, you also hold the honorable title of “driver.” Sure, it’s not always so glamorous when you’re spending your time shuttling your kiddo(s) school, sporting events or birthday parties, but chances are you spend a lot of time in the car with your family. So, why not choose a car that is not only SAFE, but is comfortable and useful too?
If you find yourself shopping for a car any time soon, we’ve done the hard work for you and pulled together a list of some of the best 2016 mom-approved cars:
If Safety > Everything Else…
Compact cars:
- 2016 Kia Soul: May look small but has high roof and low floor.
- 2016 Acura ILX
- 2016 Mazda 3
Small SUVs:
- 2016 Honda CR-V: Is compact, but feels roomy despite having car seats fill the back seat.
- 2016 Hyundai Tucson
- 2017 Kia Sportage
- 2016 Mazda CX-5
- 2016 Subaru Forester
Midsize ‘Luxury’ SUVs:
- 2016 Acura MDX & RDX: Has option to have 3rd row, which limits your cargo room. Extremely comfortable ride.
- 2016 Audi Q5
- 2016 Volvo XC60 & Xc90
Large SUVs:
- 2017 Audi Q7: Seating for 7 and plenty of room for car seats!
Minivans:
- 2016 Honda Odyssey: Automatic sliding doors…yes, please!
- 2016 Kida Sedona
If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck:
- 2016 Toyota Camry XLE: Keeps a high re-sale value (in case you want to resell for an SUV in a few years) and has a LARGE cargo space for all your baby essentials.
If you’re looking for a roomier car…
- 2016 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2016 Honda HR-V
- 2016 Subaru Outback
- 2016 Nissan Pathfinder (3rd row!)
- 2016 Toyota Highlander (3rd row!)
- 2016 Honda Pilot (3rd row!)
Other tips to keep in mind when buying a car…
- Weekday afternoons are the best time to get personal attention at a car dealership.
- Determine your budget before you arrive.
- Shop around. Check Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds.com and check on pricing before showing up to the dealership.
- Test drives are an important part of the shopping process. Bring the people you’ll be driving around to make sure 1) they’re comfortable (2) the car seat fits correctly (3) your teenager fits.
- Negotiate a lower sales price by giving reasons to give you a discount: you’ll refer friends, buy a future car from them, fill out a friendly survey, etc.
Great list Katie! Honda Odyssey is a tough one to beat any way you look at it.
Thank you from a work-from-home Dad.