Used Car Buyers Guide: Best Family Cars

The arrival of a family means your requirements can change pretty quickly when it comes to your choice of car.

Value for money, practicality and safety suddenly take on added importance but the need for extra space doesn’t mean you can’t still find a new car that is engaging to drive and which offers strong performance behind the wheel.

In fact, if you’re looking on the used market, the options are pretty much endless but we’ve selected five of our favourites for anyone looking for a used family car.

Honda Civic:

The Honda Civic is one of the best-selling cars in history, so it shouldn’t be a shock that it’s one of our top choices for a family car – particularly because there are options to suit all budgets on the used markets.

You can go back to the ninth generation model that was on sale from 2012 through to 2017 to find an affordable, practical and reliable hatchback with plenty of space but both the tenth generation model and the current Civic then raised the bar.

Across the range, the Civic handles well, provides plenty of space and also scores highly in terms of safety with a five star EuroNCAP rating – so those precious passengers in the rear seats are going to be looked after.

Newer versions benefit from hybrid technology that improves economy, although older cars will still provide strong MPG figures.

Should you have a bigger budget and still want something sporty, you might even want to consider the Type-R version…

Kia Sportage:

If you look at the monthly figures for best-selling new cars in the UK, the Kia Sportage is invariably near the top of the list – and it’s just as appealing on the used market.

The mid-sized SUV is a fantastic all-round option, particularly if you get your hands on one of the fifth-generation models that was introduced in 2022.

There is no doubting the fact that it’s one of the best looking SUVs on the road and comes packed with equipment as standard, even in entry-level trim. Inside there is no shortage of space for all the extras that come with family life whilst you get a wide range of options when it comes to the powertrain.

Strong economy and the fact that you can pick up a Sportage that still retains part of the seven-year warranty offered by Kia makes this a hugely attractive – and sensible – option.

MG4:

The sale of electric cars in the UK is growing by the day, and an ever-increasing number of EVs are now finding their way onto the used market.

Whilst some of those may be older models with less efficient battery technology than those now available in showrooms, the MG4 is a notable exception having rewritten many of the rules with it was introduced – showing that EVs didn’t have to be a more expensive option.

The MG4 is highly competitive on price when new, and the same is true on the used market where the long range – and extended range – variants are particularly attractive thanks to the fact they are offer well over 250 miles between charges.

Although the boot isn’t the largest, there is plenty of space in the cabin for all of the family whilst you get plenty of equipment across the range.

If you are looking to move into an EV as a family and want to stand out from the crowd at the same time, the MG4 may well be the perfect option.

Skoda Octavia:

It’s hard to believe that Skoda was once the butt of so many jokes. Who is laughing now?

The Octavia in particular is a model that changed opinions of the Czech manufacturer and is now one of the best options available as a used family car. From the third generation on, the Octavia has been hugely popular with diesel engines in particular offering high MPG figures and estate models that have a cavernous load space for everything you may need to throw in the back.

As well as being spacious, the Octavia is a comfortable place to be on longer trips and the fact that so many have been sold means they are readily available on the used car market.

There’s a very good reason why the Octavia remains such a big seller at a time when a lot of people are transitioning towards SUVs.

Volkswagen Golf:

If you’ve never owned a Volkswagen Golf, there is a good chance you’ll know someone who has such is the popularity of a model that has been on sale since the 1970s.

The Mk7 Golf in particular is one of the best versions there has been, offering a smooth ride and premium feel in a smart and practical package. The Golf also benefits from the fact that there are so many different trim levels available that is really does cater for everyone – from those looking for the efficiency of a hybrid or EV version through to those who want the extra performance of the Golf R.

Across the board there is no shortage of equipment as standard and you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank to get behind the wheel of a later Mk7 model.

The current Mk8 model is just as popular and also benefits from an expansive list of engine options to cater for everyone, whilst continuing to offer a comfortable ride and plenty of space.

Let’s just say, there’s a reason why the Golf has been a best-seller for more than 50 years.