Safety is an important consideration in choosing a family automobile. Consumer Reports carefully reviews data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure that each vehicle on their checklist has the highest overall safety rating. No matter if you are looking to buy a small car or an SUV, safety-conscious buyers will find the best choices on our list.
Skoda
Skoda is an excellent choice if you are looking for a family vehicle. The company's cars are designed to be both luxurious and safe. You and your passengers will be safe with features like ABS with EBD and hill ascent/descent, cruise control and air conditioning.
Skoda Octavia
Skoda Octavia family car is a great choice. Its MQB platform ensures it is practical without compromising. It has a large boot (590 litres for the hatchback, and 610 litres for the estate). The rear seats also have great head and legroom. It lives up to Skoda's reputation for excellent handling and value for the money.
Skoda Tiguan
Skoda Tiguan is a family-friendly car with all the necessary features. Its petrol engine is a 1.5-litre unit that delivers 150hp. The diesel engine, a 2.0-litre unit, produces 150PS. All-wheel drive is also an option for the Tiguan.
Volkswagen Touran
The Volkswagen Touran offers spacious and comfortable transportation for a seven-member family. The large seats offer plenty of leg and headroom. The second row can also be folded separately. The second row includes ISOFIX points that can fit child car seat holders, while the third row can be easily flipped up or down.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul 2011 model year saw a variety of facelifts, giving it a more standard appearance. The front has a more conventional appearance, with its headlights being larger and less boxy than before. Soul GT-Line offers a sportier look with body-color trim options and unique wheel designs. You also get lane-keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping aid as standard.
SEAT Leon
The SEAT Leon Family Car is one the most desirable family cars on sale. The Type 5F-series introduced the Leon in 2012. It received a facelifted in 2017. It is very stylish and fun to drive. It can be purchased with additional media tech and a 3-cylinder petrol engine. Or, you can opt for the Cupra 300 model.
FAQ
How long is an automotive course?
An automotive course is three years long.
The first year is spent on theory, learning all about cars. The second year is dedicated towards practical training. This includes learning how to drive, fix engine problems, and doing other maintenance jobs around your car. The last year is spent at a local shop, where you will get practical experience with real-world problems.
What kind of car mechanic jobs exists?
Car mechanics can find work in three areas:
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Automotive repair shops
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Dealerships
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Independent garages
Automotive repair shops
This is where most people consider becoming a mechanic. This is the best way to get started. Either work for someone else's shop or you can start your own.
If you are interested in working at a shop you will need to apply for membership to a union. After you are accepted to the union, you will receive training from it.
Once you complete the training, it's time to get started.
Register with the government if you want to open your garage. You'll need to meet certain standards after you register.
Once you register, you'll receive a license that allows you to operate your garage.
Your license will allow you to sell spare parts and do minor repairs. It will not allow you to repair major engine problems.
Customers will expect you to not only sell spare parts but also provide advice and guidance.
Dealership jobs
Many dealerships have mechanics who are experts in one particular area. For example, they might only deal with brakes or only replace tires.
Some dealers also have general mechanics that can handle all aspects.
Many of these positions require that applicants undergo training before they are allowed to work. This allows employers to select the most qualified candidates for their roles.
Some dealerships will hire graduates straight from college. These graduates are familiar with the fundamentals of mechanical engineering so they can easily learn about cars.
Independent garages
Independent garages don't belong to any particular dealership. They tend to be focused on high-quality service.
Independent garages are not associated with any companies so they can afford higher wages. Because these jobs don't have to be associated with any company, they can generally offer better wages than dealerships.
However, independent garages may not be better places to work. Many owners prefer to control their businesses themselves, rather than delegating it to employees.
This could lead to you working long hours with little control over your day.
Also, expect to make lower wages than if your job was at a dealership.
There are many jobs that can be switched between. It is possible to switch between different types of jobs if your current employer would prefer you to work at a dealer.
Alternativly, you can apply directly to the garage owner if you are interested in working at an independent garage.
It's not always easy to find a job. Many other factors can also influence the amount you earn.
For example, the type of vehicle you repair and whether you charge extra for labor.
What does it matter which college I attend?
It's not true. There are no differences between colleges when it comes to getting into the automotive industry. However, some schools offer better programs than others so if you're looking for something more specialized, look elsewhere.
Statistics
- There were 749,900 jobs available for automotive service technicians and mechanics in 2016, which is expected to grow by six percent through 2026. (jobhero.com)
- 52% of Mechanics in the United States think their salaries are enough for the cost of living in their area. (indeed.com)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the job outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics is expected to decline by 4% from 2019 to 2029. (indeed.com)
External Links
How To
How to guard yourself against auto mechanic scams
Scamming by auto mechanics can be a serious problem. The average consumer spends $1,500 per year on car repairs. This means that many people are willing to profit from this situation. Knowing what to look for will help you avoid falling for a scammer. These tips can help you identify scammers and stop them from stealing your money.
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Never pay upfront. If someone asks you to pay them upfront, it's probably a scam. You should always ask for payment after work is completed. The Better Business Bureau (BBB), 1-888-322-8138, can help you determine if the item is legitimate. They will give you guidance on what to do next.
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Ask for references. It's a great way to verify that you're dealing directly with a service provider who is trustworthy. Also, it's a good idea check online reviews. Make sure that any business you deal with has a positive reputation.
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Do background checks. It is a good idea to do background checks before hiring. Check the BBB website to see if there are any complaints against the business. Also, confirm that the vehicle's registration number belongs the owner of the business.
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Don't hesitate to walk away. Even if a business appears legitimate, scammers will try to get you to pay too much. If you feel that you have been exploited, don't be afraid to walk away. There are many other businesses you could choose to do business with.
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Be wary of "free" services. There are many companies that offer free inspections and estimates. These companies are known for charging exorbitant prices later. Ask about additional charges before you sign anything.
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Avoid being pressured. If a company offers a great deal, they may think they have the right to charge you less. You should not be forced to buy anything if you find yourself in this situation.
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High-quality products are what you want. You want to make sure that the repair shop uses high-quality parts. For example, if you need new brake pads, you shouldn't go to a place that uses cheap pads. Instead, shop for brakes.
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Get multiple quotes. It's important to compare prices between different shops. This will increase your chances of getting a fair price.
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Keep records. Keep track of every detail related to your repairs. You should keep track of all details, including receipts, invoices, warranties, and other documentation. Notify your recipient of phone numbers or addresses.
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Stay informed