TRANSPORT
The Young Family and Young Couple Guide to Transport, Travel and Daily Commute
 


 


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So you live in a country and area with 5-star public transportation? Good. In most other parts of the world, however, this is not the case.

Assuming that the young family comes from a region desolate of any meaningful public transportation, owning their own transport is the only option.

Where taxes on cars and other vehicles are high, purchasing a car may well be the second largest purchase after buying a house. It deserves much attention. 


New or Used

As far as subjective matters go, this one goes the furthest.

New cars are covered by warranties, have lover financing charges, and are generally more fuel efficient. They also cost more up-front. If you have money, the simple question is ‘why not’?


Used cars are, well, used. Generally are less fuel efficient than new cars, have higher maintenance costs in terms of servicing, repairs and financing cost. However, they cost much less up-front.

Generally speaking, upon registration of a new car, its value drops immediately by about 20% - 30%. Thereafter, it may drop a further 10% per year. This is where the cost benefits of used cars totally outdo the financial benefits of a new car, at least in the short to medium term.

Owning a used car may not be acceptable to some. In fact, in some countries it would not even be a viable option considering the legal requirements for vehicles, say, over 5 years old.

Barring such requirements, before you totally write off the idea, think it through from a practical point of view. You will, sooner or later in your career, be able to afford a brand new car of your choice. 

Why rush now? 
 
 
 
 


Compact or Mini-Van

So you’ve had your eye on that dashing two-seater sports coupe. Sure, that would be great to have … if you intend to ferry yourself + one and nobody else.

Do not underestimate the luggage requirements of a baby or toddler. For the more technical readers, a boot space of around 400 litres would be the minimum comfortable size.

For the less technical, think of this … one baby pram or stroller, one large shoulder bag for diapers and other supplies and space for the groceries.

Have a look at the boot-space of the car you intend to purchase. Does it LOOK as if all these items could fit in with room to spare? In all probability, the answer would be ‘yes’ for small saloon (or sub-compact cars). Not a lot of space left over, but just enough to get the necessary ones in.

Have a look at the back seat – is there enough room for the baby seat? Is there enough legroom with a car-seat (for toddlers) when the child is about 2 years old?

Are there any special devices available or required for the installation of baby seats such as special hooks, or a special seat only compatible with that and similar car configuration. 


Fuel Economy

Do your own research on fuel economy of the car you intend to buy. Be wary of claims by the car manufacturer – always look for the small print. Overall, smaller engine sizes would give better fuel economy than that of a larger engine. Engine sizes are relative to the size of the vehicle.

The obvious conclusion from this would be the larger the vehicle, the more fuel it will consume.

Think practical. Be practical … you can always get a nice roadster one day when your kids grow up, or you have the extra cash to splurge on an ‘extra’ car. 

Car Pooling

This may seem a great idea for most people.

Even if you already have two cars, this will save you a huge amount of money. If you can sell one of your cars and just maintain one car, the savings would go much further.

Consider the following:
  • Are the work places sufficiently close to each other?
  • Are working hours similar?
  • Alternate in filling up the petrol (fuel) tank?
  • Who drives to and from work?

But before you jump into the car pooling bandwagon and sell of that second car of yours, think it through. You sleep with the same person, wake up with the same person, travel to and from work with the same person … the only time you have time to yourself is when you are at work.

Worth thinking it over, whether both sides of the young couple are comfortable with the arrangement. In any case, give it a trial before you sell that other car that you own. 

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