KIDS are a privilege, but it doesn’t always feel that way when you’re trying to park your car and everyone is screaming at you.

Unless you’re in the centre of London, a family car is a vital expense, but when time and money are tight, what should you buy?

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The best family car should be affordable, reliable and practical. You can spend anything from a few thousand pounds to an average annual salary on a family car.

You’ll need to choose wisely to avoid getting stuck with something that won’t work for you and your family.

I’ve driven and owned a wide variety of family cars, from an 8-seater camper van to a compact SUV and am happy to share my insights into what makes a good (and bad family car). 

We can’t stop the kids screaming, sand getting everywhere and running out of space if your next pregnancy involves triplets, but here’s our choice of the best family cars.

Used family cars: What is a family car?

There’s no definition of a family car in any book that we can find, but common sense suggests these things are essential to families: 

• Most family cars have 5 doors with enough space in the rear for kids’ car seats
• Decent boot space for prams, shopping, bikes and any other hobby you can think of
• A high NCAP safety rating (they’re the most precious thing you’ll ever have to protect, after all)
• Large families (those with more than three children and two adults) will need a people carrier

Your family will have its own list of requirements.

In fact, before buying a used family car, it’s a good idea to write these down as it can help you in your search.

Is it safe to buy a used family car?

Used cars should be just as safe as buying a new car. You can check out the NCAP rating of how safe any car is here. 

Be aware that the ratings have recently changed and are *really* strict. Even a 4-star rating can be much stronger and safer than older cars.

What’s important is to buy one from a dealer that you can trust.

This will ensure that your car is safe and ready to go, with most used cars sold with a brand new MOT with all issues sorted out.

Where can I buy a used family car?

Starting to search for a family car? Sun Motors is the best place to pick up a safe, solid, and reliable runaround.

You can find everything from low-cost family cars to high-performance Range Rovers.

When you buy from a Sun Motors dealer, you’ve got the confidence you’re getting a car that has been checked over by a professional.

You’ll also find that many dealers offer warranties, too, giving you protection if anything does go wrong.

Yes, you’ll pay a premium when you buy from a dealer. For our money, it’s worth it.

Best family cars for sale on Sun Motors

This is an entirely subjective list of the best used family cars for sale in the UK today.

Remember, your family will have its own unique needs, so take time to choose a car that works for you

Best all-round family used car: Skoda Karoq

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Model: Skoda Karoq

If you want a family car that will deliver 10 years or more of reliable motoring, the Skoda Karoq is our choice.

The family-friendly SUV delivers on the road with fantastic visibility and excellent in-car extras.

Driving is quiet, fuel economy is high and handling is light, making it a breeze to navigate in tight spaces outside the school or in the supermarket car park.

It’s bigger than the Kamiq, which comes in handy when heading away on family holidays or carrying larger loads.

Skodas are known for reliability and can clock up high mileages if looked after.

Whether you’re ferrying your newborn baby back from the hospital or picking them up after their first time at the pub, the Karoq is our choice.

We’d go for the petrol-engined Skoda Karoq 1.5 TSI ACT SE, all for less than £15,000.

Best 7-seater family car used: VW Multivan

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Model: VW Multivan

It’s not cheap, but the VW Multivan is a brilliant choice for those with a big family.

It’s everything you expect from a VW, including a bullet-proof diesel engine (if you want that) and exceptional build quality.

The internals are great too. 

There’s nothing like the Multivan in the sector, says Car Magazine. Aside from the size, one of the benefits of the Multivan is its handling.

It doesn’t feel like a van at all, which is great – especially if you’re driving (as we do) in the city a lot.

You’ll need fairly deep pockets as the Multivan isn’t cheap. This petrol-powered Volkswagen Multivan 1.5 TSI comes in at £35,990. But as it’s a VW, used values will hold up well.

Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.

Best affordable family car UK used: Dacia Sandero Stepway

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Model: Dacia Sandero Stepway

The Dacia Sandero is the best-selling car in Europe. Dacia started as a challenger brand, but its no-nonsense approach to motoring is winning fans across the continent. 

It’s a pretty simple car, which works in its favour as there’s less to go wrong.

The turbocharged 0.9 litre engine is surprisingly good, because the car is so light. 

It’s not fast or big, but it’s economical and affordable. We prefer the Stepway model because it features an elevated driving position that gives a great view of the road. 

It’s a fairly joyless driven but it’s quiet, easy to handle and powerful enough. The interior features a lot of plastic, which is easy to clean and maintain. Trust us, you’ll welcome that. 

Oh, and you can buy one like this 2017 model Dacia Sandero Stepway for less than £5,000.

Best used small family car: SEAT LEON

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Model: SEAT LEON

The SEAT LEON is basically a VW Golf, but a bit cheaper. The FR model (our choice) features a much more refined in-car experience, although the suspension can feel a little hard to some.

The LEON isn’t an out-and-out family car like, say, the Skoda Octavia is.

That can be a plus point. Once you’ve dropped the kids off at school you can (almost) convince yourself you’re driving a cool hatch (if you ignore the car seats in the back).

You’ll struggle to get two growing teenagers in the back, but it’s still a great small family car. This 2019 SEAT LEON 1.5 TSI EVO FR is a snip at £10,495.

Best used family car under 10k​: Ford Focus

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Model: Ford Focus

This should really be the Dacia Sandero as that’s available for much less than £10,000, but as we’ve already featured it, we’ll go for the next favourite: Ford Focus.

It couldn’t be a family car list without the Focus. It’s such a familiar sight on the roads because it’s just such a practical and functional car, as you’d expect from a Ford. 

There are far too many options and variations to list, but if you’re looking for a cheap family car, check out this beautiful blue Ford Focus 1.0T EcoBoost Titanium for a few quid under £8,500.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.