Which Used Cars are a Good Buy for Families? - AllCarIndex

Shopping for a family car can feel like navigating a minefield, especially when you're looking at the used market. You want something reliable, spacious, and safe without breaking the bank. The good news is there are plenty of brilliant second-hand options that tick all the boxes for family life. 

Space and Practicality Matter Most

When you've got kids, dogs, car boot sales, tip runs, and weekly shopping trips to consider, space becomes your best friend. Estate cars and MPVs are obvious choices, but don't overlook larger hatchbacks that can surprise you with their practicality.

The Ford Focus Estate remains a solid choice, offering generous boot space and excellent reliability. Similarly, the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer provides fantastic value for money with plenty of room for pushchairs, sports kit, and the inevitable collection of toys that accumulate in family cars.

For those needing even more space, the Ford S-MAX and Seat Alhambra offer seven seats without feeling like you're driving a bus. Both models can be found at reasonable prices on the used market and offer the flexibility of folding seats when you need maximum cargo space.

Reliability Champions

Nothing's worse than being stranded with a car full of children, so reliability should be high on your priority list. Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Honda have built their reputations on dependability, and their used cars often reflect this.

The Toyota Avensis, whilst perhaps not the most exciting car on the road, will likely outlast most of its competitors. Honda's Civic and CR-V models also offer excellent reliability records and retain their value well.

German engineering shouldn't be overlooked either. Whilst BMW and Mercedes might seem expensive, older models like the BMW 3 Series Touring or Mercedes C-Class Estate can offer premium features at surprisingly affordable prices when shopping for used cars in Nottingham or anywhere else in the UK.

Safety First

Modern safety features are non-negotiable when choosing a family car. Look for vehicles with high Euro NCAP safety ratings and standard features like multiple airbags, stability control, and ISOFIX child seat mounting points.

The Volvo V70 and XC70 are legendary for their safety credentials, and used examples often come loaded with features. Skoda's Octavia Estate also punches above its weight in safety tests whilst offering excellent value for money.

Budget-Friendly Options

You don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent family car. The Peugeot 308 SW offers impressive space and comfort at competitive prices, whilst the Kia Ceed SW comes with the remainder of Kia's seven-year warranty on used models.

Consider diesel engines for better fuel economy on longer journeys, though petrol engines are perfectly adequate for shorter trips and often cheaper to maintain.

The best family car is ultimately the one that suits your specific needs and budget. Whether you prioritise space, reliability, or running costs, the used car market offers excellent options. Take time to research ownership costs, read reviews, and always arrange a thorough inspection before buying. With careful consideration, you'll find a used car that serves your family faithfully for years to come.