Buying a used family car: how to make the right choice

When it comes to buying a used family car, there’s plenty to consider. While you may have previously bought cars according to your own personal preference, with a family, there are wider issues to consider such as safety, functionality and budget. To help ‘steer’ you in the right direction, we’ve put together some key points.

Safety

Safety is paramount when it comes to carting around your offspring. Different models of cars have different safety ratings and therefore it’s best to check these ratings on the Euro NCAP. This is the European standard for car safety, which rates models from 0-5 depending on the safety features and results in crash tests. We’d recommend searching for a model with a score of five.

Budget

Family cars are usually bigger than city cars, and as such, can be pricier. However, if you know where to look, there are plenty of affordable second-hand cars out there. It’s important to know what your budget is and what your priorities are, so you can narrow down your choices and ensure you’re buying a used family that suits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

Size

Size matters when it comes to family cars – you need to ensure there’s enough room for your children and all of the baggage that comes with them (prams, luggage, travel cot etc). As well as boot space, it may also be worth considering whether you plan on having more children in the near future and if so, working out how many seats you will need.

Isofix Points

Mandatory for all cars built since 2013, Isofix points are a system for integrating child car seats – pretty important, considering children must use a car seat up until the age of twelve. Most cars come with two Isofix points in the back, but some family cars also have three – which will come in handy if you have (or are planning on having) a large family.

5-Doors

It’s essential when buying a used family car that you opt for a five-door model (four doors and a boot). Leaning over to put your children in their car seats is really not ideal. It’s also important to check the back seats have child locks.

Interior

Whilst cloth-covered seats may be more budget-friendly, it may be worth spending a little extra on a wipeable fabric such as leather or faux leather. It could save you money in the long run and means you won’t have to endure mystery stains and smells!

Running Costs

Depending on the size of your family, it’s likely that you will be using the car a lot, especially when your children have their own schedules. Therefore, it’s worth researching how economical your chosen car model is, with a particular focus on fuel efficiency. 

Optional Extras

If you have a little wiggle room in your budget, it may be worth considering a car with some family-friendly extras, such as USB ports for entertainment on those long journeys. Extra safety features like parking sensors could also be worth splashing out on, especially if you live in a built-up, urban area.

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