Consumer Reports Family Car Buying Release

CONSUMER REPORTS OFFERS TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT VEHICLE FOR YOU-AND YOUR FAMILY Consumers should focus on safety, economy, and reliability when buying a family car YONKERS, NY - That sporty red two-door coupe was great when it was just the two of you. But now you've got a family and your transportation needs have fundamentally changed. It's time to look for a vehicle that's big enough for the two of you, the kids, and all their gear. But what kind of car should you buy? Safety, reliability, economy, and basic design issues-such as ease of access to the passenger seats and the size of the cargo area should all be considered when purchasing a family car, according to David Champion, the director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Facility in East Haddam, Connecticut. "Finding the right family vehicle doesn't have to be a difficult, or long, process-if you invest some time to research your options before you go out shopping and know what you're looking for," said Champion, who has three kids. Parents need to think about how they'll be using the vehicle, what they intend to carry when they hit the road-and how their needs may change during the years they own the vehicle, Champion said. In general, parents should concentrate their search on vehicles that have roomy and versatile interiors, plenty of cargo space, ease of access, and windows that make it easy for kids to look outside. "If kids can see what's going on, they're much happier," he said. "If the back seat is low, they can't see out the window. And that can trigger complaints and bickering between siblings." Four-door sedans and sporty wagons are perfectly fine for families with one or two children, Champion said. Bigger families (and those who use the family car for long road trips or need room for carrying friends) should consider a vehicle with a bigger cargo area and/or more seating capacity. All minivans and many sport-utility vehicles and wagons can carry seven passengers. Minivans are an excellent choice for families because they have easy access for passengers through big sliding doors, cargo areas that are easy to reach, and a low waistline that gives kids a better view out, Champion explained. Sport-utility vehicles are popular in part because they have big, roomy interiors and four-wheel-drive systems to better handle bad weather and unpaved roads. But Champion cautioned that young children may have a tough time getting into larger sport-utilities because they ride higher off the ground and sometimes have door handles that are difficult for youngsters to operate. Loading groceries, strollers, and other items into a large SUV can also be more difficult because the cargo area is higher off the ground. Remember, too, that taller vehicles such as SUVs have a higher center of gravity, which makes them more top-heavy and more susceptible to rolling over than lower vehicles such as sedans and wagons. Consumer Reports offers an array of products and services to help buyers find reliable new and used vehicles at a good price. These include the Consumer Reports New Car Buying Guide, Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide; the Consumer Reports Used Car Price Service; and Consumer Reports.org. The Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide 2001 includes reviews and reliability reports for 256 used cars, sport-utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, and minivans manufactured between 1993 and 2000. The book includes Consumer Reports' list of "Good Bets"-models that have performed well over the years and have a better-than-average reliability. The reviews include price guidelines, reliability histories, information about recalls, standard safety equipment, and trouble spots to watch for. The Consumer Reports New Car Buying Guide 2001 includes test reports, reviews, and reliability data on more than 200 new cars, SUVs, minivans, and pick-up trucks Both the Consumer Reports New Car Buying Guide and Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide cost $9.99. They are available at major bookstores and from online book sellers including Amazon.com, B&N.com, Borders.com, and Varsitybooks.com. Consumer Reports Auto Price Service provides all the facts, surveys, reports and research a consumer needs to get the best deal on either a new or used car. Buyers simply call the service toll free at 1-800-657-7378 and provide the year, make, model, and trim line of the vehicle they want to buy. Complete pricing reports with detailed reliability information and advice on negotiating the best deal are available online, or by fax or mail. New-car reports cost just $12; used-car reports are $10. Car buyers can also visit the Auto Hub at ConsumerReports.org. The Web site's free area contains extensive information on buying a car, checking a used car, and interactive tools to help you buy or sell a car. Site subscribers pay just $3.95 per month or $24 per year ($19 for Consumer Reports subscribers) to access additional features, including CR's Forums; unique reliability histories for 1,300 used cars; and ratings, recommendations and advice on hundreds of cars and trucks. Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. Its editors have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars.