Back-to-school season means more than buying notebooks, backpacks and new shoes. For many families, it is also the time to start thinking about transportation. Maybe you have a new driver who needs their first car. Maybe you're sending a student off to college and want something dependable for trips between home and campus. Or maybe another year of practices, games, activities and school drop-offs has made it painfully obvious that your family has outgrown its current vehicle. At Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa, we have options for all three. You can start by browsing our used cars, trucks and SUVs, check out our used vehicles under $15,000, or compare our entire new vehicle inventory. So, what should you actually look for in a back-to-school vehicle? Let's break it down. What Should You Look for in a First Car for a Teen Driver? For a first-time driver, the coolest car on the lot isn't necessarily the best car on the lot. Parents and new drivers should consider: Overall vehicle condition Safety and driver-assistance features Fuel economy Insurance costs Maintenance costs Vehicle size and visibility Mileage AWD or 4x4 if the student will regularly drive in Iowa winters Smartphone connectivity The student's actual driving needs A student driving five miles to Maquoketa High School has very different needs from a college student regularly traveling between Maquoketa and Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque or the Quad Cities. That's why there isn't one universal "best first car." Are Used Cars Good for First-Time Drivers? Absolutely. A quality used vehicle can make a lot of sense for a new driver, especially when keeping the purchase price and monthly payment manageable is a priority. Start with our used cars for sale if you want a traditional sedan or smaller vehicle. If you prefer more space and a higher seating position, take a look at our used SUVs. Budget is important, but don't shop on price alone. A cheaper vehicle isn't necessarily the better value if it needs significant repairs or doesn't fit how the student will actually use it. What Are Some Good Vehicles for a First-Time Driver? Inventory changes constantly, so rather than telling you there is one specific vehicle everyone should buy, here are a few models and vehicle types worth putting on your shopping list. Chevrolet Trax The Chevrolet Trax is a compact SUV that's easy to maneuver without giving up the practicality many students want from an SUV. It's worth considering for commuting to school, work and everyday driving. Chevrolet Equinox Need a little more room? The Chevrolet Equinox can work well for a student who wants SUV versatility or a young driver who regularly has sports equipment, luggage or friends along for the ride. Jeep Compass The Jeep Compass is another compact SUV worth considering, particularly for students who prefer an SUV instead of a traditional sedan. Used Sedans Don't overlook the good old-fashioned car. Used sedans can offer a lot of value for students primarily concerned with getting to class, work and home without needing the cargo room of a larger SUV. Browse used cars for sale at Brad Deery Motors. What Is a Good Car for a College Student? For college students, we'd prioritize dependability, affordability, fuel costs and practicality. Think about where the vehicle will spend the next few years. Will it sit outside on campus all winter? Will your student make frequent highway trips home? Are they taking half their bedroom with them every time they move into a dorm or apartment? Do they need room for friends, sports equipment or work? Those answers can quickly change which vehicle makes the most sense. Should a College Student Get a Car or an SUV? A car may make more sense for a student who: Mostly commutes Wants something easy to park Doesn't carry much cargo Wants to keep vehicle costs manageable A compact SUV may make more sense for a student who: Regularly travels home Needs more cargo room Carries sports or outdoor equipment Prefers a higher seating position Wants available AWD for winter driving For Iowa and Illinois college students, we'd also pay attention to tires, ground clearance and available AWD or 4x4. January has a way of making features you didn't care about in August suddenly seem pretty important. What Are the Best Back-to-School Vehicles for Families? Maybe you're not sending a kid off to college. Maybe you're just trying to get three kids, two backpacks, a trumpet, football equipment and $147 worth of groceries into one vehicle. We understand. For families, space and flexibility quickly become the priorities. Some of the models we recommend comparing include the Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Pacifica and Ford Explorer. Shop our used SUV inventory to compare different brands, sizes and price ranges in one place. Is a 2-Row or 3-Row SUV Better for a Family? It depends on how much space you regularly need. A 2-row SUV may be better if: You have one or two children You want easier parking and maneuverability You don't regularly carpool You want cargo space without driving a large SUV The Chevrolet Equinox and Jeep Grand Cherokee are examples worth comparing. A 3-row SUV may be better if: You have a larger family Your kids regularly bring friends You carpool You're constantly hauling sports gear You take family road trips You simply want more passenger flexibility The Chevrolet Traverse, Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer are three options to consider. We've also put together a complete guide to choosing the best SUV for a family if you're trying to decide which size makes the most sense. Is a Minivan Still a Good Family Vehicle? Yes. And we're willing to say it. Minivans aren't always the vehicle people dream about when they're 16, but once you have kids, sliding doors start looking pretty impressive. The Chrysler Pacifica offers the kind of passenger and cargo flexibility that can make school mornings, sports practices, road trips and everyday errands much easier. If maximum practicality matters more than pretending you don't secretly love sliding doors, don't cross a minivan off the list. Shop used vans at Brad Deery Motors. What Features Are Worth Having for Back-to-School Driving? The exact equipment varies by model, trim and year, but there are several features we'd put on a family's shopping list. Look for available features such as: Automatic emergency braking Forward collision alert Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keeping technology Rear cross-traffic alert Backup camera Apple CarPlay and Android Auto USB charging ports Remote start Heated seats AWD or 4x4 Adaptive cruise control For parents shopping for a teen, don't assume every used vehicle has the same safety technology. Compare the actual equipment on each vehicle you're considering. What Are the Back-to-School Must-Haves to Keep in Your Car? The vehicle itself is only part of being prepared. Whether it's a teenager driving to school, a college student living away from home or the family vehicle handling the daily school run, we recommend keeping a basic emergency kit in the car. Consider packing: Phone charging cable Portable phone charger First-aid kit Flashlight Jumper cables or portable jump pack Tire pressure gauge Ice scraper Small blanket Bottled water Basic snacks Umbrella Emergency contact information And because we live in the Midwest, don't wait until the first snowstorm to add the winter gear. Should You Buy New or Used for a Student? There's no single answer. A used vehicle may offer a lower purchase price and allow you to get more features for your budget. A new vehicle can provide the latest technology, warranty coverage and available manufacturer incentives. There's also a middle ground. Brad Deery Motors also offers Deery Certified vehicles for shoppers looking for additional peace of mind. The smartest approach is to compare several options instead of deciding "new" or "used" before you start shopping. How Much Should You Spend on a First Car? Start with what comfortably fits your household budget, not simply the maximum amount you can get approved for. Remember that vehicle ownership can also include: Insurance Fuel Registration Routine maintenance Tires Unexpected repairs If you're financing, our Brad Deery Motors finance team can help you explore your options. You can also use our What's My Buying Power? tool before you start narrowing down vehicles. Can You Trade in Your Current Vehicle for a Student's Car? Yes. If you're replacing a family vehicle, handing your current car down to a new driver, or simply trying to figure out the most affordable way to add another vehicle to the household, knowing what your current vehicle is worth is a good place to start. You can value or sell your vehicle to Brad Deery Motors and use that information while planning your next purchase. Where Can I Find a First Car or Family Vehicle Near the Quad Cities? Brad Deery Motors is located in Maquoketa, Iowa, and helps drivers from throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois find vehicles that fit their actual needs and budgets. Whether you're shopping for a teenager's first car, sending a student off to college, replacing the family SUV or realizing that you've officially reached the minivan stage of life, we'll help you compare your options without trying to force you into something that doesn't make sense. Browse our used inventory, explore our new vehicles, or visit Brad Deery Motors in Maquoketa to start your back-to-school vehicle search. Because pencils, notebooks and backpacks may get them through the school year. But first, you've got to get them there.

7 Things Families Forget to Pack for Summer Road Trips Summer road trip season is finally here. Families are loading up SUVs, planning vacations, heading to campgrounds, visiting relatives, and making memories on the road. But even well-planned trips can quickly become stressful when important items get forgotten. Whether you are heading across Iowa for a weekend getaway or taking a longer family vacation, a little preparation can make the drive much smoother and far more enjoyable. If you're still looking for the right road trip vehicle, you can browse available new SUVs here, compare used SUVs here, or check out our guide on the Best SUVs for Summer Road Trips in 2026. Brad Deery Motors is proud to be recognized as a 2025 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer, based on verified customer reviews and ratings. Combined with strong Google reviews from drivers across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, many families choose Brad Deery Motors because they feel comfortable and confident throughout the shopping process. 1. Phone Chargers and Portable Battery Packs One of the most common things families forget is backup charging equipment. Phones, tablets, gaming devices, headphones, and navigation apps drain batteries quickly during long drives. Having extra charging cables and portable battery packs can save a lot of frustration, especially during long stretches between stops. 2. Snacks and Water It sounds simple, but snacks and drinks can completely change how smooth a road trip feels. Unexpected traffic, road construction, or long stretches without gas stations can make everyone uncomfortable fast. Keeping bottled water, easy snacks, and small coolers in the vehicle helps keep everyone happier during the drive. 3. Emergency Supplies Most families do not think about emergency supplies until they actually need them. While roadside issues are rare, being prepared gives peace of mind. Helpful items to keep in the vehicle include: Flashlight Jumper cables Blankets Basic tools Tire pressure gauge Emergency contact information 4. A Basic First Aid Kit Small cuts, headaches, bug bites, or upset stomachs can happen anytime during travel. A small first aid kit is easy to forget but can make a big difference when you need it. Even a simple kit with bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and allergy medicine can be incredibly helpful during long trips. 5. Entertainment for Kids Long drives feel even longer when kids get bored. Downloaded movies, books, travel games, headphones, and coloring supplies are often forgotten during the rush to leave. Having entertainment ready before the trip starts can help make the drive far less stressful for parents and much more enjoyable for kids. 6. A Quick Vehicle Check Before Leaving Many people spend so much time packing that they forget to check the vehicle itself before hitting the road. Summer heat and long highway drives can put extra stress on your vehicle. Before leaving, it is smart to check: Tire pressure and tread Oil levels Brake condition Battery health Coolant levels Air conditioning performance You can schedule service here: Schedule Service. 7. Enough Cargo Space Many families realize too late that they simply ran out of room. Between luggage, coolers, camping gear, sports equipment, and passengers, cargo space matters more than expected during road trips. That is one reason SUVs remain so popular for family travel. They offer flexible seating, extra storage, and a more comfortable ride for long-distance driving. You can browse available new SUVs and used SUVs to compare road trip-ready options. Why the Right Vehicle Makes Summer Travel Easier Comfort, technology, passenger space, and cargo flexibility all play a major role during long drives. Families often discover that the right vehicle makes vacations less stressful and far more enjoyable. At Brad Deery Motors, we help families compare SUVs and travel-ready vehicles every day so they can find the right fit for their lifestyle, budget, and summer plans. Why Families Shop Brad Deery Motors Large selection of family SUVs and road trip vehicles Helpful team focused on real-life needs Strong Google review reputation 2025 CARFAX Top-Rated Dealer recognition Serving drivers across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Road Trips What should families pack for road trips? Families should pack chargers, snacks, emergency supplies, first aid kits, entertainment, and important travel documents. What vehicle is best for family road trips? Many families prefer SUVs because they offer passenger space, cargo room, and comfort. Should I service my vehicle before a road trip? Yes. Checking tires, oil, brakes, battery, and fluids before traveling is highly recommended. Are SUVs good for long drives? Yes. Many SUVs are designed with comfort, storage, and travel-friendly features in mind. Where can I shop family SUVs near Davenport IA? Brad Deery Motors offers a large selection of SUVs for family travel and everyday driving. Brad Deery Motors proudly helps drivers from Davenport, Dubuque, Clinton, Bettendorf, Maquoketa, and surrounding communities find vehicles ready for summer travel, family vacations, and everyday life.

At Brad Deery Motors and Brad Deery Ford, we believe being part of a community means more than selling vehicles. Instead, we believe in supporting local families, encouraging kids, and creating experiences that leave lasting memories. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the 2026 Kid’s Day Fishing Expo hosted by the Mississippi Walleye Club. This incredible event gives children from the Dubuque area the chance to spend a day on the Mississippi River with local pro anglers. During the event, kids can fish, learn new skills, and enjoy the outdoors. For many children, the experience creates memories they will never forget. One of the coolest parts for us this year is seeing our own Zach Broders participate as one of the Pro Fishermen. 🎣 As part of the Brad Deery Motors sales team, Zach has a huge passion for fishing and the outdoors. Because of that, this event holds special meaning for him. We also love seeing our employees take part in events that matter to them personally. Supporting Kids, Families, and Community Through Outdoor Experiences Over the years, the Kid’s Day Fishing Expo has created amazing opportunities for local children and families. In addition, the event brings people together and encourages kids to spend more time outside. Young anglers can learn from experienced fishermen while also building confidence on the water. Community involvement continues to play a major role at Brad Deery Motors and Brad Deery Ford. Throughout the year, we support local schools, youth activities, charities, and family-friendly events across Eastern Iowa, Northwest Illinois, and surrounding communities. Events like this represent what matters most to us. Not only do we want to support programs that help families and encourage kids, but we also want to strengthen local communities. Equally important, we want to support causes that matter to our employees and customers. We truly appreciate the Mississippi Walleye Club and everyone who helps organize this event each year. Their hard work creates an unforgettable experience for local kids and families. Thanks to their dedication, children across the area can enjoy a fun and educational day on the river. We look forward to supporting more community events like this in the future. To learn more about the 2026 Kid’s Day Fishing Expo or to support the event, check out the official event page here: 2026 Kid’s Day Fishing Expo Event Page