We know that choosing which used car to buy is a big decision and no one wants to waste any of their hard earned cash on something that will let them down. So to help you, like we’ve helped over 650,000 customers; we have put together this list. Based on a variety of factors, this list has been drafted by our resident Cargiant experts. They recommend that these are the best used cars for families which can currently be purchased for under £10,000.
For your information: 380 litres of boot space gives you adequate room for a pram, anything less than that and you may struggle to fit it in!
10) Nissan Juke 1.5 dCi Tekna
This will be at the top-end of your £10,000 budget, but as one of the best family SUV’s around it should be no surprise to see it in this list. You get a lot for your money as the Juke is full of features, including leather interior, sat nav, and heated seats; it is the perfect balance between the handling of a hatchback and the practicality offered by SUVs.
The Juke has 251 litres of boot space and manages an average of 50 mpg.
Key Info:
Tax Band: D - £110 PA
Insurance Group: 11E
Co2 emissions: 129g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £10
You can expect to pay around: £9,999
9) Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi Sri 130 BHP
These smart looking cars have evolved to be quite a staple on English roads; they evolved from the well-loved Vauxhall Vectra and certainly fulfil all the criteria for a cheap but full-featured family car. Features include parking sensors and cruise control.
The typical used Vauxhall Insignia has 530 litres of boot space and will give you around 60mpg.
Key Info:
Tax Band: E -£130 PA
Insurance Group: 18E
Co2 emissions: 133g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £7
You can expect to pay: £5,999
8) Volkswagen Passat 1.6 TDi 105 Estate Blue Motion SE
This car first appeared in 1973 and has evolved to be one of the classiest cars that VW produce today. Featuring as much technology as your budget allows, you are sure to find your perfect Passat. With air conditioning (great for those long summer journeys with the kids) as standard this used car will meet your every need.
Offering 603 litres of boot space and 68 mpg the Passat has all bases covered!
Key Info:
Tax Band: C - £30 PA
Insurance Group: 16E
Co2 emissions: 116g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £8
You can expect to pay: £5,999
7) Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Active 5 Door Hatch
One of the most common cars on British roads, The Vauxhall Astra has been a core of British motoring for many years. Although being a rather simple car it boasts real value for money, having lower tax and insurance payments than most other cars on this list.
With 370 litres of boot space and an average of around 76 mpg this is a true family economy vehicle.
Key Info:
Tax Band: D £110
Insurance Group: 9E
Co2 emissions: 129g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £7
You can expect to pay: £7,999
6) Ford Mondeo 1.6 TDCi 115 Eco Zecta
The Ford Mondeo has been a familiar sight on British roads for decades now; as a practical and good-looking car that’s not too surprising. The Mondeo has a generous boot space at 541 litres and the average used Mondeo manages around 43 mpg.
These family cars are spacious, well-styled and a real favourite for the driver due to their handling prowess. Complete with climate control and parking sensors the Ford Mondeo gives you the perfect balance between practicality and comfort.
Key Info:
Tax Bsnd: C - £30 PA
Insurance Group: 16E
Co2 emissions: 114g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £8
You can expect to pay: £6,999
5) Volkswagen Golf 1.2 TSi BlueMotion Tech S DSG MK 7
The VW Golf first entered the scene in 1974 and has been popular ever since; this used car will stretch your £10,000 budget to its limit, but it has been a reliable family choice for years! You can expect to have a Golf with VW’s efficient BlueMotion fuel saving system for this budget.
The VW Golf comes with 380 litres of boot space and will give you around 57 mpg.
Key Info:
Tax Band: C - £30 PA
Insurance Group: 11E
Co2 emissions: 115g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £8
You can expect to pay: £9,999
4) Audi A3 1.6 TDi105 Sport
Not many family cars come with the pedigree of an Audi, and although the A3 will be at the top end of your budget we recommend spending the extra cash. If green credentials are high on your list of concerns then this could be the car for you as it has such low rates of emission.
With a boot space of 380 litres and a generous amount of legroom; this car has all a family car needs, with added German charm! You can expect a used Audi A3 1.6 TDi to give you around 55 mpg.
Key Info:
Tax Band: B - £20 PA
Insurance Group: 18E
Co2 emissions: 109g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £6
You can expect to pay: £9,499
3) Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi 115 Titanium
The mighty Ford Focus has been a popular family car for generations and its popularity continues to grow. It won’t come as a surprise, but the Ford Focus was 2014’s best car according to What Car? Magazine. Always a pleasure to drive; the Focus is still the perfect crossover between driveability and practicality.
A used Ford Focus comes with 316 litres of boot space and will give you around 65 mpg.
Key Info:
Tax Band: B - £20 PA
Insurance Group: 15E
Co2 emissions: 109g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £11
You can expect to pay: £5,999
2) Peugeot 3008 e-HDi 112 Sport
The practical 3008 has been a popular family model since it came out in 2008; it won the WhatCar Car of the Year award in 2010 and continues to evolve.
The Peugeot 3008 has 432 litres of boot space and runs at about 58 mpg.,
Key Info:
Tax Band: D - £110 PA
Insurance Group: 16E
Co2 emissions: 127g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £9
You can expect to pay: £7,999
1) Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi 110 N-Tec +
At the top of our list is the stylish Qashqai from Nissan, is the perfect example of a compact crossover. Loved by critics and families alike; the Qashqai has gone from strength to strength over the past few years. With some models offering 4x4 and stunning panoramic roofs your perfect Qashqai is waiting for you!
With 430 litres of boot space and an average of 74mpg the Qashqai meets all the requirements of a good value family car. If you require any extra space there are other versions of this used car available. WhatCar of the year 2 years in a row and NCAPs safest small family car for 2015, this is the car to have.
Key Info:
Tax Band: E - £130 PA
Insurance Group: 18E
Co2 emissions: 137g/km
Fuel per 100 miles: £7
You can expect to pay: £9,500
We help thousands of families each year, whether it’s your first child or you need to upsize as you have a second or third child on the way we have a lot of choice. Browse Cargiant’s stock of used cars here.