Purchasing a used family car can be a risky endeavor. Finding a good price should not come at the expense of quality, space, and safety above all else.
Fortunately, family automobiles nowadays are reasonably priced, come with safety features, and need little upkeep.
There are several roomy automobiles available today that are perfect for you and your family, ranging from the Audi A4 to the Toyota Prius, but which one would be the most suitable for you?
Continue reading to learn about the greatest used family car offers that car dealerships will likely have in 2024!
1. Toyota Prius
Since the Toyota Prius has been available for purchase since the late 1990s, there are reasonably priced vehicles available in the used car market.
It is characterized as a family hatchback that strikes a mix between space and compactness.
Families can easily stock up on provisions for road trips with the spacious cabin and even larger boot of the Toyota Prius, which has long been lauded.
This automobile is a hybrid, meaning that a gas engine and an electric motor power it, which is one of the key reasons we chose to rank it among the finest used family cars.
Because of this, the Prius is fairly fuel-efficient and consequently inexpensive to operate; you can purchase one for as little as $8,000, but you will also end up saving money over time.
2. Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport
Given how reasonably priced a used car model may be, the Vauxhall Insignia is deservedly ranked second on our list of the finest used family cars.
Due to the Insignia's antiquated appearance, many of its previous owners sold the vehicle once Vauxhall completely retired it in 2019.
Despite the fact that large hatchback bodies may not appeal to automobile enthusiasts, Insignias are ideal for families.
With four adult seats, the Insignia offers enough of room. However, the front seats are the most spacious because the rear sloping roof makes it a little awkward for adults, but ideal for youngsters!
The Insignia boasts a low load lip and attachment hooks, among many other practical family features, in addition to being a smooth ride and quiet on the highway.
3. VW Passat
The Volkswagen Passet excels in both reliability and style, making it an excellent choice if you are looking to balance the two.
VW aimed to create a car that was both sophisticated and ideal for daily street driving, and the Passat succeeds in this regard.
The Passat looks great on the road and ensures the safety of its five occupants thanks to its elegant color options, which include reflex silver metallic, pure white, and deep black pearl.
With its large cargo, support safety, and ample space for every family member, the Passat is the perfect vehicle for a family.
Modern airbags and sophisticated electronic safety systems are included in the car, and the Passat's sophisticated suspension makes the whole family comfortable even while driving over uneven terrain.
4. Skoda Superb Mk3
It is rare to find a vehicle with a bigger boot than the Skoda Superb Mk3 when looking for used family vehicles.
You and your children, along with their bags, will have ample room in the 625 liter Skoda Superb Mk3!
Regarding pre-owned family vehicles, particularly Skodas, the Superb Mk3 stands out as one of the safest models available; equipped with a driver knee bag, both head airbags, dual frontal airbags, and rear chest bags, this Skoda is ready for any situation.
The matrix LED headlights and adaptive cruise control make driving this Skoda quite secure.
The Superb Mk3 boasts three temperature control settings that make driving in all weather situations effortless, and its leather seats guarantee maximum comfort.
5. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso/Space Tourer
The Citroen Grand C4 Picasso, which was eventually renamed the Space Tourer but kept all of its amenities, can accommodate up to seven people if necessary.
Three sizable seats, ample space for three child seats in the back, and a huge trunk floor are all features of this spacious family vehicle.
There is ample space in this roomy boot for strollers, bags, anything!
With an ample amount of floor space, readily foldable seats, and a low loading lip that is ideal for dogs, the Space Tourer is made for active families.
For those who want to unwind after a strenuous day of hiking, certain seats even provide massage options.
This automobile may sometimes be found for as little as $13,850 on the secondhand family car market and is a remarkably dependable vehicle, especially considering its size.
6. Hyundai Ioniq
The What Car? Electric Car Awards of 2020 saw the Hyundai Ioniq win the title of Best Electric Family Vehicle.
Experts claim that the Hyundai Ioniq is a really useful vehicle with excellent equipment, value, and driving ability that holds true even if you purchase one used!
Selecting among the three available Ioniq models—fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and self-charging hybrid—will result in a significant decrease in gasoline expenses, as each model can go up to 40 miles only on electricity.
Therefore, if you want to stay away from diesel engines, you do not have to spend a fortune on a brand-new electric vehicle—search for a used Hyundai Ioniq instead!
7. Mazda 6
AutoExpress Best Family Car was one of the many new car accolades the Mazda 6 won in 2014.
The Mazda 6's enduring resilience as a used vehicle guarantees that it will always be a wise investment.
With a roomy cabin that can accommodate up to five people and foldable seats for extra cargo space, the Mazda is frequently regarded as one of the best used family vehicles.
The Mazda 6 is popular because it is a lot of fun to drive, which is not the case with many used family cars. It has the handling and lightweight qualities of a sports car and is an excellent choice for driving in urban areas. It also gets excellent fuel economy.
8. BMW 5 Series Touring
The BMW 5 Series Touring may be sufficient for your needs if you desire room but do not want to spend money on a big SUV.
This estate car ensures lightweight driving, which is essential if you have a large family because it weighs 100 kg less than the preceding models in the series.
High-strength steel and aluminum are used in the construction of the BMW 5 Series Touring, making this midsize sedan just as dependable and robust as its SUV competitors.
It boasts a roomy boot and the useful function of being able to open the back windshield without opening the boot completely, which is beneficial for last-minute school runs!
9. Skoda Octavia Hatchback
Skodas are a popular choice when deciding which used family vehicle is best, which is why this is the second one on the list.
The Octavia Hatchback, with its excellent fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs, roomy cabin, and reasonably priced price, lives true to Skoda's reputation as a masterful family car designer.
The Skoda Octavia has every feature you could want in a family car, including an abundance of advanced technology and life-saving safety features.
One of the best-value used family cars in terms of pricing is the Skoda Octavia, which you could be able to get for less than a few thousand pounds on the market for secondhand vehicles.
10. Kia Sportage
Because of its agility, the Kia Sportage is a family favorite SUV. It has all the safety features of a regular SUV but handles like a much smaller vehicle, making it simple to maneuver through challenging city centers.
The Kia Sportage helps you to make the most of rush hour if you are looking for a vehicle for your daily school runs.
The Kia Sportage may survive up to 17 years with proper maintenance, despite having a price tag that is typically greater than other vehicles on this list.
11. Ford Focus hatchback
It is no surprise that the Ford Focus is still among the most well-liked cars on the road.
It is inexpensive to purchase a used car, safe, dependable, and easy to operate. An older model of this iconic hatchback can be had for as little as $5,000!
Some of the more recent vehicles can retail for more than $23,000, which is reasonable considering the sophisticated safety features.
Whichever version of the Ford Focus you discover on the used market is a good option because it has lots of torque, spring, and space.
12. Peugeot 3008 SUV
Since its initial release, the Peugeot 3008 SUV has undergone significant modifications, and the most recent variants come equipped with everything a family car could possibly need.
The Peugeot has a large boot and is equipped with all the necessities for family vacations, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
The luxurious inside makes the travel even more enjoyable for the whole family, and the back seats are spacious enough to accommodate three children in comfort.
The Peugeot 3008 turns heads everywhere it goes because it is as fashionable outside as it is inside.
Older Peugeot 3008s are reasonably priced when it comes to auto deals.
13. Volkswagen Golf
Even though the Volkswagen Golf may seem like a no-brainer when it comes to the best used family cars, it is still a car that is worth taking into account.
Finding a Volkswagen Golf in decent condition is nearly a given if you set your budget at a total of $10,000
The Volkswagen Golf is one of the greatest little family vehicles because of its adaptability.
The Golf is offered in hatchback and estate car configurations, with gasoline, hybrid, and diesel engines. Depending on your needs, you may select a Golf that fits your family's lifestyle.
14. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla might be all you need to get your family of four through the demands of the school run and your everyday commute.
The Toyota Corolla, while being considerably smaller than other well-known vehicles, is included in this list of the finest used family cars because of its good mileage, cozy seating, and the fact that a used one can be purchased for as little as $18,900.
Family road trips may be more difficult due to the Toyota Corolla's constrained boot room and seat count, but it still has all the features you require for regular family use.
15. Peugeot 508
The Peugeot 508, with its compact shape appropriate for city center commuting, is a straightforward substitute for SUVs.
The car's tauter structure makes turning sharp turns easier, and this wider track provides it some off-road potential. Its light and sleek appearance make it seem sports, and the car plays up to that impression in terms of performance.
Both plug-in hybrids and diesel engines are available for the Peugeot 508, and both provide excellent fuel economy.
When it comes to used cars, there are plenty of decent Peugeot 508s available for a fair price, having been debuted in 2010.
16. Hyundai Tucson
Given that it has an NHTSA safety rating of five stars, the Hyundai Tucson is every bit as safe as it appears.
Along with excellent intercity driving qualities, the Tucson also has excellent off-road capability. The Tucson's rear cabin can accommodate three large child seats, or three larger youngsters with enough of legroom for each.
Excellent contemporary amenities including USB connections, an advanced media system, and Apple CarPlay connectivity are available on the most recent generation of Tucson vehicles.
The automobile has a sizable cargo capacity and several storage compartments throughout.
17. Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30, which has been on the road since 2007, is still a popular vehicle among families worldwide and is readily available for a reasonable price on the used market.
One of the best features of the i30 is how simple it is to install child seats and find ISOFix and anchorages. The car can accommodate five people and has two spacious child seats in the back.
Despite having a small boot due to its hatchback design, the i30 can nevertheless accommodate a folded stroller or buggy and still have space for several shopping bags.
Modernized versions of this vehicle have an integrated satellite navigation system and premium audio system.
18. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series, sometimes referred to as the greatest used estate car, has excellent storage, low road tax, economical fuel use, and enjoyable driving.
This sporty-looking car, which comes in petrol and diesel versions, has excellent acceleration, precise handling, and simple steering.
The BMW 3 Series is a vehicle to think about if you are looking for something chic to pick up your kids in.
Furthermore, this family-friendly vehicle may be available for approximately $5,000 if you are lucky!
19. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which comes in a four-seat coupe and a five-seat sedan variant, is frequently regarded as the BMW 3 Series' main competitor in terms of construction, dependability, and durability.
The car is suited for even the most mischievous of children, thanks to its robust leather interior and high-strength steel exterior!
Kids will appreciate the rear legroom and cushioned back seats, while parents will appreciate the heated front seats.
Even if this car's used cost is a little bit more than the BMW 3 Series', it is still something to think about!
20. Audi A4
With features like foldable rear seats, the Audi A4, one of the most expensive saloon cars available, is the greatest saloon for families.
With convenient ISOFIX connectors in the back seats, this saloon makes attaching child seats easy, making it one of the easiest cars to fit in a car seat for a road trip with a small family. It also expands the cargo capacity.
The entire vehicle is spacious, offering both front and rear passengers lots of legroom and well-functioning climate vents to keep the interior cool.
Things to understand:
Is maintaining a Mercedes C-Class costly?
The Mercedes C-Class has many drawbacks, including high maintenance costs, particularly when it comes to replacement part costs.
What qualifies as a family vehicle?
Five passengers should fit in a family car, which should also be somewhat fuel-efficient and appropriate for off-road and intercity travel.
For a secondhand Audi A4, how many miles is too many?
A secondhand Audi A4 with more than 200,000 kilometers on it is not a good investment.