See all Motoring AdviceFamilies come in all shapes and sizes - and hence, so do their cars. One thing that all families value though is the extra space offered by a well-designed family car. Whether it’s for pets, friends or extra holiday luggage, an abundance of room in the back is a requirement of nearly everyone buying a car as a family load-lugger.
That said, while some might appreciate the roominess of a large, seven-seat SUV such as a Hyundai Santa Fe, others might feel that a car of that size is inappropriate for their smaller families. Similarly, a medium-sized estate such as a Dacia Logan MCV just mightn’t cut the mustard for active families with more than two or three kids. Luckily, whatever type of family car you’re in the market for, there’s plenty of choice out there.
Let’s take a look at the best used family cars for under €20,000.
If it’s a seven-seat SUV you’re after, the Hyundai Santa Fe fits the bill nicely. A popular model in Ireland thanks to its five-year warranty, the Santa Fe’s engine options aren’t extensive with just a 2.2-litre diesel available until the latest generation. Most buyers won’t have much need for all-wheel drive so it shouldn’t be a dealbreaker unless you plan on doing some occasional off-roading. The practical and competent third generation of Santa Fe, built between 2012 and 2017, is the best choice for under €20,000.
The Mondeo and cars like it are a dying breed, especially as they’re often overlooked by buyers in favour of crossovers and MPVs. The Mondeo shouldn’t be discounted though as it’s still a good-looking and surprisingly practical car with its hatchback opening and substantial 654-litre boot. There’s a wide range of petrol and diesel options to suit most buyers, from a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine up to a 2.0-litre diesel. For buyers in need of extra space, there’s an estate version too.
The Dacia Logan MCV is due to be replaced in 2022, but so cheap is the outgoing model that buyers can opt to either buy new or second-hand while still remaining under budget. It’s not handsome and it doesn’t feel particularly luxurious, but the Logan is simple, reliable, has most of the equipment a driver could ever really need and with a 573-litre boot (seats up), is amply spacious. The model to go for is the Logan Stepway, which, in addition to a little extra ride-height and Audi allroad-style plastic cladding, offers a better range of turbocharged petrol engines.
The Skoda Yeti is a quirkier choice even if the 2014 facelift removed some of the charm of the original. That said, the Yeti offers plenty of room and is a well-thought-out car for smaller families, being particularly rugged and solid. There’s a full line-up of petrol and diesel options from a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine up to a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. Skoda replaced the Yeti altogether in 2017, so even the newest models can be found for €17,000 and under.
Families in search of space and practicality really shouldn’t overlook the Citroën Berlingo and its ilk - even though most do. These van-based MPVs may not be quite as refined as their SUV or estate counterparts, but they’re designed with space in mind and are usually equipped with tons of cubbyholes and storage solutions throughout the cabin. Sliding doors too can be useful in tight parking situations and, for families that may need wheelchair accessibility, the Berlingo is a commonly converted vehicle. The Berlingo is available as a five-seater and a seven-seater, as are many of its rivals such as the Peugeot Rifter, Opel Combo and Volkswagen Caddy Life.
As far as seven-seat MPVs go, the Ford S-Max's looks are still good and the drive still sharp with practicality and quality levels high. The ST-Line model delivers the sportiest appearance, while Titanium versions deliver a nice cabin with plenty of spec. The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines are the most common and both offer plenty of power and torque. Given the S-Max’s long production life, there are cars out there to suit most budgets, though the older the car the more careful a buyer should be about mechanical condition and service history.
As family cars go the Volvo V60 estate is refined, luxurious and comes with an unimpeachable safety record. The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre diesels are the ones to go for as they offer plenty of pulling power and are the most populous. Although the 2011-2018 V60 is a stylish car, it’s a little on the smaller side when it comes to Volvo estates, so those in need of a bigger vehicle should opt for the Volvo V70 or XC70, though the engine choices aren’t as appealing. Good first-generation V60s are currently running anywhere from around €12,000 to €18,000 depending on the year.
The seven-seat Volkswagen Touran looks neat and is competent, spacious, exceptionally practical and well thought-out, with the seats folding easily and in varying configurations to accept large loads. When they’re not in use, the rearmost seats can be folded down to create a boot of 743 litres, which is substantial. There’s a wide range of engines, the most popular being the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol models and the 1.6-litre turbodiesel. Well-specced 2016 cars can currently be had for a shade under €20,000, though the mechanicals are familiar and well-proven, so those on smaller budgets can consider older examples.
The Mercedes E-Class estate brings tons of style, luxury and space as well as, in some 2012-2016 models, BlueTec hybrid powertrains. The diesels and hybrid diesels are the ones to go for with the 2.1-litre unit providing a smooth power delivery and plenty of grunt in E 200 and E 250 models as well as in the E 300 diesel hybrid. Mercedes has been building E-Class estates for donkey’s years, so there are models out there to suit a range of budgets, though the usual caveats about buying older luxury cars apply as a lot can go wrong if they’ve been neglected.
Despite being a hybrid, the fuel economy of the Prius+ isn’t stellar and nor will it return the same economy figures as, say, a 1.6-litre diesel. Some drivers will, nevertheless, prefer a hybrid such as the Prius+, which is a more spacious and well-equipped MPV version of Toyota’s pioneering eco-car. Though it may be bigger, it can still feel a bit cramped inside for larger families; however, the driving experience is a relatively calm and pleasant affair, and the cabin comes with plenty of kit. Prices for 2012 models start from around €13,000, though newer models push closer to the €20,000 mark.