Before you decide to spring for a brand-new family car, take a moment to consider how you might bring your old car back to its former glory and possibly spruce it up to contend with its more contemporary counterparts.

Being a parent is a costly business, and you want to save money as much as possible wherever you can – a car upgrade being one of them. Bear in mind that upgrading the family car you already own can cost you significantly less than buying a new one, but make sure to compare the price of these tips that we’ll be going over today with the price of a new vehicle.

Chances are that you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. And besides, this is a great opportunity to teach your kids about the value of money when they ask you why you didn’t just buy a new car, so it’s kind of a win-win situation. All right, let’s dive right in and take a look at the five things you should consider when upgrading your family car.

Start with the safety features

First things first, always remember that the whole point of having a car is to safely reach point B from point A, not to get to your destination as fast as possible. It is imperative that you ensure your safety and the safety of your family and any other passengers at all times, so be sure to start with your car’s safety features.

Begin by inspecting the mechanical parts with your mechanic. If you have an older model that has seen its fair share of Australian roads, then chances are that you will need to upgrade the entire breaking system. Check the suspension as well, and make the mechanic run a thorough digital diagnostic. Next, consider upgrading the electronic and digital safety systems by adding parking cameras, sway control and lane warning, turning assistance, early warning systems for collisions, and other features that will make your drive safer.

Choose your tech and gadgets

One of the main reasons why families choose to buy a brand-new car is because of the tech and built-in gadgets that come with the vehicle. These are mostly advanced entertainment systems that include surround-sound and various touchscreen HD displays, along with other nifty additions like a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth and wireless technology, and more. Now, that’s all fine and dandy, but why shouldn’t you install all of these features by procuring the tech yourself?

Chances are that you will be able to find all of these gadgets and entertainment systems at a great discount at your local superstore, and if you have a handyman in your home who’s currently not working, you can have him install everything without wasting money. This is a great way to upgrade your car without breaking the proverbial bank, and it will give your partner something productive to do.

Give your car a personal touch

A big part of owning a family car is making it your own in every sense of the word. This is also one of the main reasons why you don’t want to part ways with it so easily, because you have so many wonderful memories tied to that car from your family road trips, or from way back when you and your significant other were dating. So, instead of throwing the thing away, give it a personal touch.

A great way to add more sentimental value to your car, especially when you upgrade it, is to choose cherished number plates with the combination of letters and numbers that matter to you, such as your kid’s birthday, the date when you and your spouse got married along with your initials, and the like. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your relationship and your family, and give your car a personal touch as you change and upgrade it inside and out.

Upgrade the security systems

Up next on your list should be the car’s security features. Unfortunately, we live in uncertain times, and no matter how much the local authorities try to preserve the peace and keep their residents safe, the streets are becoming more dangerous each year. Older cars in particular are easy targets for savvy thieves and crooks, so make sure to add some effective security measures to banish stress and ensure peace of mind.

Start with a simple wheel lock – if all else fails, the lock will make it impossible to navigate the vehicle. Be sure to upgrade the door locks, and install an emergency system that will ring the authorities immediately in case of an unlawful entry. Finally, add a simple GPS device that will ensure you get your car back in the case that the thief manages to drive away.

Focus on the aesthetic details

Last but not least, it’s time to give your car an aesthetic makeover to make it truly feel like new. The best way to do this is to fix all the small dents, bumps, and bruises, and then give it a fresh coat of paint. Replace your old rims to give the exterior that beautiful up-scale shine as well. As for the interior, new seats and upholstery are easy to come by nowadays for cheap, so be sure to dig around online for a bit to find the best deals. Choose leather and wood for that luxe vibe, and have your mechanic accentuate certain lines and features with the colour used on the outside of the car to frame the whole design.

Wrapping up

Buying a brand-new family car might be an enticing prospect, but before you sign up for that hefty loan, consider if you can bring your old family car up to par with the newer models. Use these tips to revamp your vehicle for less, and enjoy your old car that looks, runs, and feels like new.

How old is your current family car? What car would you love to buy next? Tell us in the comments below.

Main image: Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash