10 of the Best Used Family Cars

The Ford S-Max completely changed the family SUV segment. The original brought a more car-like driving experience but offered more space and versatility than even the largest of estate cars could deliver. We’re looking at the second-generation S-Max here, however, as it brought a slightly more refined driving experience without losing any of those practical features which made the original so popular.

It’s a car which brings very few downsides. It’s great to drive – and feels similar to the Focus in terms of driving style – yet it still has plenty of space and the ability to transport seven people. The only downside is the S-Max’s sloping roof, which means those rearmost seats are only really suitable for smaller children, but it’s still very handy to have them there.

The BMW 5 Series is an executive model that suits family life down to the ground. It’s spacious, of course, and has more road-going focus than others on this list – meaning that it devours the miles – ideal if you’re a family who is often doing longer journeys.

This generation of 5 Series is readily available on the used market and there are numerous specs and colours to choose from. You’ll need to be mindful that maintenance costs will be a little higher with a 5 Series but when well looked after, these cars simply go on and on. There’s also an estate – or Touring, in BMW speak – available for drivers who want a little extra space.

It’s the SUV which is often seen as a go-to for families these days and the Skoda Kodiaq is one of the most versatile and popular. Why? Well, in classic Skoda fashion, it’s been made to deliver excellent value without forsaking robustness and user-friendliness. It’s available in both five and seven-seater layouts, too, meaning that there’s an option for different-sized families.

There’s no sacrifice in terms of features, either, and while some might still find the Skoda badge off-putting, it’s those people who are at risk of losing out as the Kodiaq remains one of the best all-rounder family SUVs available today. A low as-new price also means that these are superb value in the used car market.

If you live in an area where things get a bit trickier over winter, the last thing you want is a family car that’ll let you down when the going gets tough. In this instance, a four-wheel drive could provide a good option, but you still want one that’ll be comfortable and usable when the weather is better.

Sure, there might be more ‘focused’ four-wheel drives, but when equipped with decent tyres the X-Trail can tackle some surprisingly difficult terrain.

It’s also got seven seats to provide that extra seating versatility, while the interior is covered in hard-wearing materials that are easy to clean and less susceptible to damage.

This third-generation X-Trail is also a potentially affordable used buy when compared to its competition, making it a good choice for value-focused drivers.

Though SUVs and crossovers have risen in popularity with family car buyers over the past few years, simple hatchbacks like the Ford Focus continue to deliver in all the key areas that drivers in this market are after. It’s a car which won’t cost the earth to run, yet still has the large boot and spacious cabin that families need.

You’ll find that servicing costs will be more than respectable for this generation of Focus while its efficient range of engines will ensure fuel bills don’t skyrocket.

Doors which open widely will make loading in child seats a bit easier, too, and the compact dimensions of the Focus make it straightforward to park and position.

You might be thinking about making the switch to an EV for your next family car, in which case The Mercedes EQC is a great option. The EQC was the first car to kick off the Mercedes ‘EQ’ range of electric vehicles and, since it’s been on sale for a few years now, makes for an appealing used purchase.

With a spacious and well-finished interior, it’s got the usual Mercedes niceties such as a large central screen and loads of other technology. The exterior looks pretty futuristic too with its full-width light bars making it appear like something fresh out of Tron. It’s also got that raised ride height which gives some drivers a little extra confidence when they’re behind the wheel. A range of up to 255 miles is decent, too.

If outright luggage capacity is what you’re after, then this humble estate car might be one to consider. Before SUVs and crossovers came onto the scene, it was usually the estate car which was the go-to for families, and while there might not be as many available as there once were, the estate still makes for a dependable and practical choice.

The Mercedes E-Class is one of the most spacious around. The recently taken-out-of-production generation seen here is easily accessible for a variety of budgets on the used market but still brings loads of features and a big, comfortable cabin.

The estate also has an enormous boot which can swallow up big trips to the shops or plenty of luggage and equipment when travelling.

The Volkswagen Golf is a car which has ticked many boxes for countless families over the years. It’s the Golf’s classless style which has enabled it to find its way into the top charts; this is a car which looks just as at home parked outside a high-end hotel as it does loading up at the local supermarket.

The seventh-generation Golf is often regarded as one of the best ‘modern’ incarnations of the famous hatch, as it’s superb to drive yet as practical as ever.

For drivers after a family car which isn’t overly large or cumbersome to use then the Golf makes for a fine option. Numerous engine choices and specifications mean there’s something for everyone.

Family cars can still be great fun and the Audi S3 is a model which delivers thrills in spades. As a standard hatchback, it remains just as practical and useable as the standard S3, but with a punchy turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine under the bonnet, it can give even a top-end supercar something of a surprise.

With an all-wheel drive ‘quattro’ system the S3 is very well suited to British weather and if you’re after the best possible spaciousness then we’d opt for the five-door model – called ‘Sportback’ by Audi – which can bring a little more practicality than standard three-door versions.

All models get a well-sized boot and lots of high-quality materials.

Perhaps, above all else, you want your next family car to be as fuel-sippingly economical as possible. One of the best that we can think of in this category is the Mazda 3.

Despite weighing up against cars like the Audi A3 and Volkswagen Golf, the Mazda 3 presents a fine choice thanks to its excellent build quality and top-notch efficiency. Opt for a diesel-powered Mazda 3 and you could be looking at well over 60mpg without too much effort.

Aside from its fuel economy, the Mazda 3 has plenty to offer thanks to a spacious cabin which feels very well made throughout. The standard of equipment on offer is great, too, and since Mazda has a good reputation for reliability, the 3 shouldn’t cause you too many issues further down the line.