Best Used Family Cars

Looking for a reliable, budget-friendly family car that puts safety first? Look no further! At Family Car Deals, we understand the importance of finding the perfect used car for your family's needs. That's why we've compiled a list of the best used family cars available — from roomy SUVs to stylish, sporty cars to enjoy when the kids are at school — that won’t break the bank.

We know families come in all shapes and sizes, which is why our selection is carefully curated and caters to a variety of lifestyles. From compact city cars to spacious SUVs, our list includes options to suit every family's unique requirements.

Each car on our list prioritises practicality, affordability, and safety — everything you need for peace of mind on the road. Let us help you find the perfect second-hand family car that ticks all the boxes for you and your loved ones.

To make the decision a little easier, you’ll need to consider: 

• Budget: Think about how much you can afford to spend on a used car, the purchase price, as well as expenses like insurance, maintenance, and fuel.

• Lifestyle: Do you need a larger vehicle for a growing family or specific features like ISOFIX or a flat-loading boot for pushchairs and bags? 

• Deal-breakers: Identify must-have features or qualities in a car, such as safety ratings, reliability or mileage. 

• Vehicle History: Check the vehicle’s history report using the vehicle identification number (VIN) to check for any red flags.

• Overall condition of the car: Inspect the vehicle both inside and out, or consider hiring a professional mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection. Look for signs of wear and tear. 

• Maintenance history: Ask for maintenance records to understand how well the car has been maintained and anticipate any upcoming maintenance or repairs.

• Warranties or guarantees: Enquire about any remaining manufacturer warranties or extended warranties so you’re covered if something does go wrong. 

Keeping these in mind means you’ll find a car to suit your family's needs but also allows you to get the most from your money. 

Best family cars: used models

Here's a list of the best-used family cars to help you make your decision:

1. Volkswagen Golf 

A brand we all know and love, the Volkswagen Golf is a firm favourite among families, offering a blend of reliability, comfort, and practicality. Its roomy interior, solid build quality, and comfortable drive make it an ideal choice for your family’s everyday needs. It’s a compact car that would make a great run-around, second car or learner car — it’s versatile! And it might just surprise you with how spacious it is. 

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating
• A choice of efficient engines 
• Roomy interior in the front and back 
• Safety and assistance features as standard 
• Wide-opening doors so you don’t have to struggle 
• ISOFIX points to secure the little ones 
• Sporty exterior (one for the parents!) 

1. Ford Focus 

The Ford Focus is known for its stand-out driving experience. With a roomy cabin and affordable price tag, it’s a popular option for families. Whether it's the hatchback or estate version, the Focus provides ample space for the family, as well as pushchairs, shopping and suitcases. The model comes with a range of features to keep passengers comfortable on the road, from the smallest to the tallest. 

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Comfortable seats with head and legroom
• Safety features including blind-spot monitoring and stability control 
• Fuel efficiency so you can save on travel costs 

1. Toyota Prius 

A model by the most well-known manufacturer on the market, the Toyota Prius hybrid combines fuel efficiency, reliability, and a spacious interior so you can sit comfortably knowing you’re doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions. Its reputation for longevity and low running costs adds to its appeal as one of the best used family cars, providing a practical and environmentally friendly journey, whether you’re on the commute, or the school run. 

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Unrivalled fuel efficiency 
• Compact body shape, ideal if you don’t have room to park a larger car 
• Hatchback design for easy loading and unloading into the boot 
• Dependable hybrid technology with fewer parts for less maintenance 

1. Honda Civic 

Instantly recognisable in design and maybe not the first car you’d think of when it comes to families, but the Honda Civic offers a winning combination of reliability and fuel efficiency. With its roomy interior and reputation for durability, the Civic provides peace of mind for family travels, whether you’re heading to the shop or taking to the motorway. 

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Durability means used Civic cars will last longer and perform better
• Boot space to rival some of the biggest on the market 
• Great knee room - perfect for growing teens 
• ISOFIX mounting points on the rear seats

1. Skoda Octavia 

A true family car, the Skoda Octavia impresses with its generous interior space and great value for money. Families will appreciate its roomy cabin, as well as the boot which is up there with some of the biggest on the market. It comes with a long list of features that make it a solid choice for families looking for a dependable and affordable used family car.

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Adjustable seats for growing kids and tall passengers 
• One of the roomiest cars when it comes to the back seats 
• Two ISOFIX mounts in the back for your smallest passengers 
• Impressive boot space with tie-down points to keep your shopping in place 

1. Nissan Qashqai

The Nissan Qashqai is hugely popular, making it one of the best used family cars. It offers families a comfortable journey no matter where they’re heading. The model is practical and has a range of safety features for your peace of mind. The Qashqai comes with an elevated driving position, ample interior space for little (and long) legs and everything that comes with them. The range of available options makes it a versatile choice for family adventures and everyday practicality. 

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Comfortable and quiet when driving long distances 
• Safety features including forward collision warning and lane keep assist 
• Feels well-built 

1. Vauxhall Astra

A consistent feature in the best used family cars line-up, the Vauxhall Astra makes for a comfortable time on the road, with decent fuel economy, and ample interior space suitable for families of all sizes, as well as school bags, shopping and everything else you need! It is practical, affordable, and has a range of features to make it a sensible option for families looking for a reliable used car without breaking the bank. 

At a glance 

• 4 Star NCAP rating
• A range of engine options including plug-in hybrid 
• Headroom to suit even the tallest passengers 
• Rear doors make it easy to fit and remove car seats 
• Large boot to rival competitors — slide in pushchairs or stack your shopping 

1. Kia Sportage

A compact SUV, the Kia Sportage impresses with its reliability, warranty coverage, and luxury features that come without the price tag. Your family can take advantage of loads of interior space, a smooth, comfortable driving experience, and day-to-day practicality. It’s an attractive option for families looking for the best used family car with everything they need to make their day a little easier. 

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Petrol, diesel and hybrid engines 
• Large boot space with adjustable floor on petrol models 
• ISOFIX points in the wide back seat 
• Loads of knee space and headroom 
• Great brand reputation for reliability 

1. Hyundai i30

Another of the best used family cars on the market comes from a brand with a great reputation. The Hyundai i30 is a compact hatchback that offers families a blend of good build quality for a comfortable journey, as well as competitive pricing so you can stay within your budget. The i30 model has a roomy cabin, a range of engine options, and lots of user-friendly features, making it a practical and affordable choice for your family. 

If you’re looking for a car with enough interior space for your kids, dogs or extra luggage, but you’re not looking for an SUV, this hatchback could be just the thing! 

At a glance 

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Great value for money 
• Plenty of headroom and kneeroom for taller passengers 
• Two sets of ISOFIX seats 
• Wide opening back doors to make loading in and out easier
• Square-shaped boot for stacking anything you might need 

1. Mazda CX-5 

A great everyday model, the CX-5 is an SUV perfect for families of all shapes and sizes. As a used car, the Mazda CX-5 stands out with its stylish design and high-end interior. Families will appreciate its roomy cabin, smooth and comfortable journey on the road with advanced safety features for your peace of mind when travelling with your most precious cargo! 

At a glance

• 5 Star NCAP rating 
• Fun to drive with a sports car-like feel 
• Ample room to stretch out in the back seats 
• Spacious boot with room for a couple of suitcases or a pushchair 
• Fold down the back seats for a flat-loading floor 
• Standard safety kit including automatic braking 

Choosing the best used family car means you can find a sturdy, roomy car to get you from A to B with space for everything you might need. From pushchairs to car seats and sports equipment, the best used family cars will make your life easier at a price that won’t break the bank. 

If this has given you some ideas and you want to chat about your next family car – get in touch with our team of experts now!