Car buying when you have older kids

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Mama’s getting a new set of wheels!

This time around, my new ride will be based on what I want instead of what will hold two growing kids and all of their gear.

Car buying takes on a whole new meaning when you’re the mom of older kids. My son has his own car and my daughter is 11 with an itch to sit in the front seat (yes, the CDC recommends kids under the age of 12 sit in the back seat). Even though she’s still a backseat driver, she has given her thoughts on the type of car I should buy.

We’ve been using Cars.com to brainstorm on the different perks we want my next car to have. Her list includes:

• television
• butt warmer (her words)
• food

While Cars.com has an awesome search tool, food was not listed as one of our results. We did, however, find a sweet looking Volvo S60!

I did decide to keep her butt warmer (front and rear seat warmers) suggestion and added in a few other things I want to have in my new car:

• Affordability
• Safety
• Gas mileage
• Exterior color
• Sound system

After I settled on the make and model car I wanted, I used many of the other tools available on the site. With the monthly payment calculator, I was able to get an estimate of my monthly payment.

There is a price comparison tool, a section that details any special offers and the nearest dealership’s contact information.

Cars.com has got me in the car buying mood. Now, I just need my tween daughter to go pick a few money leaves off the money tree in the backyard and we will be rollin’!

For my mamas with littles (babies/toddlers), be sure to consider how you can practice car seat safety when buying your next car!