Finding new vehicles has become a challenge in recent years. With backorders, manufacturing delays, and a lack of inventory, more people are turning to preowned options instead.
If you have a family, space is the first thing you may consider when choosing a vehicle for a road trip. Since the car will be filled with people, you likely want everyone to feel comfortable. The issue of space is a large reason many families are opting for larger vehicles like SUVs, trucks, and even passenger vans.
If you’re considering a large vehicle that’s been preowned for your family, you might have many questions about which option is the best for you. While the process can seem overwhelming, some great options will fit your family and your needs.
Is it expensive to insure larger vehicles?
Before diving into the best options for your family, you may wonder about insurance on these vehicles. You will need commercial coverage if you plan to use the vehicle for business and personal reasons. However, if you’re only planning to use the van or truck for personal reasons, you can purchase a personal policy, which is less expensive.
While insuring a commercial truck for personal use isn’t always cheaper than insurance for a standard car, the costs may not be as high as you think. The average price of commercial insurance coverage is $142 a month. But you can always shop around for other providers to see if you can find a lower rate.
Even when you are not using them for business purposes, insurance for larger vehicles is often more expensive due to their higher value and heavier weight. Because they are bigger, they can potentially do more damage than a smaller car, causing insurance rates to increase.
Passenger Vans Offer Space and Plenty of Seating
If you have a large family, you may have difficulty finding a vehicle that offers enough seats for everyone to feel comfortable. Passenger vans are a great option to solve this problem.
While they are commonly used to transport passengers professionally, they are also perfect for families with more people than standard vehicles typically seat. Standard passenger vans have 10 to 15 seats, allowing plenty of space. If you don’t need all the seats for your family, you can often remove rows to create more space for luggage.
These vehicles can be on the pricey side, even when purchased used. Because they are bigger than a typical van, they usually cost more to buy. Newer models or those with more high-end manufacturers tend to be more expensive.
Some of the most popular models include:
- Ford Transit
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Chevrolet Express
- GMC Savana
All these models can seat up to 15 people, and some even have electric options, depending on their manufacturing year.
Minivans Are Spacious for a Smaller Family
If 15 seats seem excessive, you can always choose a minivan for a smaller but still spacious choice. These vehicles are commonly designed with families in mind, making them excellent selections for road trips.
Depending on their interior design, minivans can typically seat seven to eight passengers. Some models have two captain chairs in the second row rather than a full row of three seats. But both designs will have a complete third row.
For storage capacity, each minivan’s design may differ. Some manufacturers have gotten creative with their options. You may find hidden areas for luggage and personal belongings — like in-floor storage compartments. With this feature, you can place items below the floor of your vehicle to allow more space without the clutter of bags filling your sitting area.
There are many minivan options to choose from, but some used models are more desirable than others. Here are some of the most popular choices for minivans:
- Toyota Sienna
- Honda Odyssey
- Kia Sedona
- Nissan Quest
These models are typically the most sought-after used vehicles by buyers because of their storage capacity, reliability, and extra features.
Third-Row SUVs Offer a Sleek Look and Plenty of Space
Third-row SUVs have become a popular choice for many people for various reasons. They offer as much seating space as most minivans while still maintaining the sharper look of an SUV.
The downside to a third-row SUV is often their storage space. Because the body style of an SUV is still retained, the third row usually takes up much of the truck area. While you can fold the last row of seats down, this can cost you quite a bit of seating.
Many SUVs have added luggage racks to accommodate their lack of trunk space. You can utilize this space outside your vehicle to store your suitcases or other belongings on your road trip.
There are many third-row SUV options available, and they are often relatively easy to find used. However, some brands are more popular and easy to find than others. The most frequently bought third-row SUVs include:
- Honda Pilot
- Toyota Highlander
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- GMC Arcadia
Choosing any of these third-row SUVs will leave you with plenty of options available at a reasonable price.
Trucks Offer Spacious Cabs and Plenty of Storage
If your family isn’t too large, you may want to consider a truck as your family road trip vehicle. Trucks aren’t always known for passenger space, but crew cab models can be pretty roomy. Crew cab trucks offer four full-sized doors and plenty of legroom for long trips.
On top of the spacious cab, trucks also offer beds with plenty of storage space for luggage. If you’re worried about your belongings being out in the elements, bed covers are a popular option to keep everything shielded while traveling.
A truck can be an investment, even if you purchased a used one. However, their durability and space can be great reasons to justify the investment.
Here are some of the most popular used trucks:
- Toyota Tundra
- Ford F-150
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Dodge Ram 1500
All these trucks offer crew cab options with spacious beds to accommodate your family’s needs.
Preowned Vehicles With Plenty of Space for Families
If you enjoy taking long trips or traveling for adventures but have a big family, you likely want a vehicle that can accommodate your needs. Many large-size options are available — from passenger vans to crew cab trucks.
While these larger options may be more expensive, purchasing used allows you to save money on the cost. With some research, you can find the perfect large vehicle with all the features you want and a price that doesn’t break the bank.
Just be sure to get insurance coverage and speak to your agent if you also plan on using your large vehicle for business and personal use.
Alexandra Arcand writes and researches for the car insurance site, CarInsuranceComparison.com. She is an insurance expert who enjoys helping people find the perfect vehicle to fit their needs.
