Used Family Cars for Sale

They may not be the fastest or most exciting cars on the road, but this is one of the most competitive car sectors around with a huge range of family-friendly models available. They are great for everything from the school run, the regular commute to work, or just packing up for a few days away.

Though quite an all-encompassing term, a 'family car' best references a mid-size hatchback, models like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. With most mainstream manufacturers competing in this segment, there are plenty of options to choose from, and most are terrific all-rounders combining space, style, value and general everyday usability.

The family car class is a particularly competitive one, with all of the big-volume players competing here. From more run-of-the-mill options like a Kia Ceed and Hyundai i30 through to premium choices like the Audi A3 and Mercedes A-Class, there's no shortage of variety.

There's a big variation depending on what you're looking for, though. If comfort is a priority, for example, the Citroen C4 is a great option, while if spaciousness is a priority, it’s hard to better the Skoda Octavia.

All family cars competing in this area fare well when it comes to spaciousness, providing you’re realistic with your expectations. Many of these models are relatively small in terms of dimensions and are not seven-seaters, but offer plenty of room for those with one or two children.There's quite a difference between the best and worst choices, though, in terms of roominess, while some prioritise boot space over the amount of room on offer, so it's worth buying a car to suit your needs.

There's a clue in the name for family cars at who they're designed for, so unsurprisingly many manufacturers make safety a priority when making these models. Typically family cars are among some of the safest cars on the road, particularly when it comes to adult and child occupant protection, while many of the latest cars come with a whole range of driver assistance technology to enhance safety. It's worth having a look at how Euro NCAP rated a particular car for safety, though be mindful that the latest ratings are subject to tougher levels of testing than those done a few years. For instance, an older car might have a five-star rating, but the testing for current models will be more stringent.

A family car is a type of car that has been designed for safe and comfortable use by families. They are mostly hatchbacks and sedans (not always) that feature roomy interiors, good boot space, above-average fuel economy, and a comprehensive set of safety features.

You should pick a family car that works best for your use case. For instance, if you prefer safety to other parameters, you should pick a car with the best safety rating and modern safety features. Meanwhile, if cabin space and boot space rank high on your list, picking sedans over small hatchbacks might be a good idea.

There are many family cars that offer large amounts of space. But if you look at all the cars and the price, the Škoda Octavia or Superb (sedan and wagon) are fantastic family cars, offering one of the biggest boots and more than enough passenger space. However, if you are open to SUVs, there are many options, such as the new Hyundai Santa Fe, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery, etc, that offer the most space.

Yes, family cars are safe, especially modern family cars. They come with a complete set of safety features and modern driver aids, aimed at keeping you and your family safe. However, safety differs between different manufacturers and models. So before you take the plunge, make sure you check the crash test rating to get a full picture.