{"id":5446,"date":"2026-09-29T09:58:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/?p=5446"},"modified":"2026-09-29T09:58:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T07:58:17","slug":"car-for-a-family-of-5","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/","title":{"rendered":"Used Car for a Family of 5: How to Buy Safely"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac0c39ea5d3d\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"ez-toc-cssicon\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ac0c39ea5d3d\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Key_takeaways\" >Key takeaways<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#The_ideal_family_car_%E2%80%93_what_does_it_actually_mean\" >The ideal family car \u2013 what does it actually mean?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#The_ideal_family_car_should_have_3_sets_of_ISOFIX_mounts\" >The ideal family car should have 3 sets of ISOFIX mounts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#A_good_boot_isnt_just_about_capacity_%E2%80%93_loading_matters_too\" >A good boot isn\u2019t just about capacity \u2013 loading matters too<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Modern_systems_keep_passengers_safe\" >Modern systems keep passengers safe<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#No_compromises_with_a_family_car_Check_the_vehicle_history\" >No compromises with a family car. Check the vehicle history<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Estate_SUV_or_MPV_A_big_boot_isnt_everything\" >Estate, SUV or MPV? A big boot isn\u2019t everything<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#The_best_car_for_a_family_of_five_Recommended_models\" >The best car for a family of five. Recommended models<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Renault_Espace_V\" >Renault Espace V<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Volkswagen_Touran_II\" >Volkswagen Touran II<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Toyota_RAV4_IV\" >Toyota RAV4 IV<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Peugeot_5008_II\" >Peugeot 5008 II<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Skoda_Superb_III_Estate\" >Skoda Superb III Estate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#FAQ\" >FAQ<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Does_it_make_sense_to_buy_a_7-seater_with_extra_seats_in_the_boot\" >Does it make sense to buy a 7-seater with extra seats in the boot?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#The_biggest_possible_boot_or_a_roof_box_%E2%80%93_which_is_better_value\" >The biggest possible boot or a roof box \u2013 which is better value?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/car-for-a-family-of-5\/#Which_optional_equipment_is_worth_paying_for_in_a_family_car\" >Which optional equipment is worth paying for in a family car?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>The best family car has to be safe, but it also needs plenty of boot space and a comfortable ride \u2013 whether on the school run or on a long trip. Even so, \u201cfamily car\u201d can mean something different to everyone.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many modern cars, even two people can feel cramped once the luggage for a long weekend is packed. With more people on board, the problems grow accordingly. Three children on the back seat, a boot filled to the roof, a dog that wants to come along too\u2026 and then that one extra suitcase that absolutely has to go, but for which there is simply no room left. That\u2019s the sign it\u2019s time to think about a bigger car. There are several options, and the most popular are estates, MPVs and, more and more often, SUVs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_takeaways\"><\/span><b>Key takeaways<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A roomy cabin and a large boot are essential when the whole family travels together.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even with three seats in the back, not every model can take three child seats.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advanced safety systems are a must, but knowing the car\u2019s past matters just as much.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a family of five, the best choice is usually an estate or an MPV, although SUVs are becoming increasingly popular.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-magnifier info-iframe-border--red\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-magnifier\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-red\">Important<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Buying a used family car is a big responsibility, so order an autoDNA vehicle history report in advance and check the information the seller gives you. All you need is the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vin-number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> VIN number<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_ideal_family_car_%E2%80%93_what_does_it_actually_mean\"><\/span><b>The ideal family car \u2013 what does it actually mean?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people picture a fast estate as the perfect family car, others a seven-seat MPV with a big boot and a trailer on top of that. Most agree, however, that what really matters is safety, boot space and low running costs combined with good reliability. After all, even the most spacious model is no use if it spends most of its time at the garage. To combine as much luggage space as possible with compact exterior dimensions \u2013 so the car is easy to live with every day \u2013 you need practical solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_ideal_family_car_should_have_3_sets_of_ISOFIX_mounts\"><\/span><b>The ideal family car should have 3 sets of ISOFIX mounts<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First and foremost, that means ISOFIX, which makes it easier to fit child seats safely. A large family car should let you secure three child seats comfortably, but only a few models actually offer this. Most cars have a rear bench designed for two passengers \u2013 and not too tall ones either, or they\u2019ll run out of leg and head room. In that layout, two sets of ISOFIX mounts are the most you can expect. To take a third child safely, you would need an extra child seat in the middle, secured with a standard seat belt. It isn\u2019t impossible, but it is certainly very impractical and far from comfortable. Ideally, the second row should have three individual seats.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_good_boot_isnt_just_about_capacity_%E2%80%93_loading_matters_too\"><\/span><b>A good boot isn\u2019t just about capacity \u2013 loading matters too<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In many cases, the real test of whether a model works for a large family is the pushchair. Then it\u2019s not only the boot capacity that counts \u2013 ideally at least 600 litres, and the more the better \u2013 but also its shape. If the boot floor has lots of bulges and the opening is narrow when the tailgate is up, it seriously limits what you can fit. That\u2019s why some models \u2013 estates, for example \u2013 have a huge boot on paper but don\u2019t work well for families with small children. If you\u2019re planning to buy a car, it\u2019s worth checking in person, before you decide, whether your pushchair actually fits.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Modern_systems_keep_passengers_safe\"><\/span><b>Modern systems keep passengers safe<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safety in a family car depends on many different things. Above all, it\u2019s about advanced driver assistance systems \u2013 lane keeping assist warns you when you drift out of your lane unexpectedly, blind spot monitoring alerts you to vehicles you can\u2019t see in the mirror, and autonomous emergency braking helps you react faster and improves the chances of avoiding a collision. Well-designed front seats matter too \u2013 comfortable seats make driving more pleasant and help the driver stay focused on what\u2019s important. Finally, safety also depends on an engine that suits the size and load of the car. This isn\u2019t about driving fast, but about a comfortable journey and being able to join traffic smoothly when you need to.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"No_compromises_with_a_family_car_Check_the_vehicle_history\"><\/span><b>No compromises with a family car. Check the vehicle history<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good car for a family of five has to be practical and safe, and ideally comfortable and economical as well. But there\u2019s one more thing that even the best equipment can\u2019t make up for: its history. With a small car used only now and then for a quick spin round the block, you might accept a few compromises \u2013 but with a family car, there\u2019s no room for them. Ideally, you\u2019d buy a family car new from a dealer, knowing for certain it has no suspicious or unwanted past. For financial reasons, though, that\u2019s not always possible \u2013 which is why many families turn to used cars.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A car that\u2019s meant to keep you safe every day and on long journeys can\u2019t be one that was crashed and then patched up in a backyard garage by a trader looking for a quick profit. Any structural damage should automatically rule a car out. If the vehicle history shows damage records \u2013 especially a total loss (write-off) \u2013 look at them closely, ideally asking the seller for photos taken before the repair, so you know exactly what was damaged and how badly. Remember, though, that not every write-off means a safety risk. In some cases it simply means the insurer decided the repair would cost more than the car was worth, making it uneconomical \u2013 while in reality only two or three panels may have needed repainting, with no effect on anything but looks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When going through a vehicle history report, don\u2019t just look at any accident history. Check the mileage too (any irregularities are a warning sign of trouble ahead), as well as the equipment \u2013 it may turn out that what the seller says doesn\u2019t match reality. It isn\u2019t always about hiding important information \u2013 sometimes it\u2019s a genuine mistake or oversight, for example when a previous owner made modifications (such as removing the extra seats from the third row). In an autoDNA report, you can also check the recalls the car was or still is covered by. All this information helps you understand the car\u2019s real condition better and gives you extra arguments when negotiating the price.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Estate_SUV_or_MPV_A_big_boot_isnt_everything\"><\/span><b>Estate, SUV or MPV? A big boot isn\u2019t everything<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When choosing a car, think not only about your current needs but also about the future \u2013 children grow up, and parents won\u2019t always have the same energy. At first, things like easy access or high ground clearance may seem secondary, but experience shows that a well-thought-out purchase pays off twice over when you least expect it \u2013 for example on a summer holiday, when four-wheel drive and good all-round visibility make it easier to manoeuvre a caravan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because every family\u2019s needs are different, it\u2019s impossible to say which model, or even which type of car, will be best. It might be a compact petrol SUV used only occasionally on longer trips, or an electric car \u2013 greener than a combustion model \u2013 used every single day. In general, MPVs offer more space than estates, but estates have bigger boots than SUVs and are easier to handle in town.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s an overview of the pros and cons of the car types families choose most often.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 144px;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px; border: 2px dotted #000000;\">\n<td style=\"width: 24.68%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25.32%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">Estate<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">SUV<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\">MPV<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 24.68%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Space in the second row<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25.32%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Usually limited, max. two child seats, middle seat practically unusable<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Usually tight, no chance of fitting three child seats<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Usually three individual seats, making it easy to fit three child seats<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 24.68%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Boot capacity<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25.32%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">550\u2013650 l depending on the model<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">450\u2013550 l, even less in crossovers<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">650 l and up<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 24.68%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Running costs<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25.32%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Low (similar to other passenger cars)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">High (worse aerodynamics, higher fuel consumption, more expensive parts)<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Medium (larger size increases fuel consumption, but parts cost the usual amount)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 24.68%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Typical advantages<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25.32%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Good handling and high comfort, low running costs<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Higher driving position and ground clearance, fashionable look<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Plenty of room for passengers and luggage, three ISOFIX points, sliding doors<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 24.68%; height: 24px; background-color: #1ab366; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #000000;\"><b>Typical disadvantages<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25.32%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Limited space in the second row, hard to fit three child seats<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Small boot, little room in the second row, high purchase price due to SUV popularity<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px; background-color: #7fdeb0; text-align: center; border: 2px dotted #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 12pt;\">Falling popularity on the used market, unattractive looks, average ride comfort<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_best_car_for_a_family_of_five_Recommended_models\"><\/span><b>The best car for a family of five. Recommended models<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are five used cars for a family of five worth considering. Used car prices vary between markets and change quickly, so treat the price notes below as a rough guide and compare current listings in your area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Renault_Espace_V\"><\/span><b>Renault Espace V<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An MPV that became a crossover \u2013 the fifth-generation Renault Espace, built from 2015 to 2023, broke away from its boxy predecessor and ushered in a new era in terms of style. It\u2019s still a very spacious family car, now with a modern character, and thanks to generous equipment and decent build quality it offers excellent travelling comfort. With five seats in use, the boot holds a very satisfying 680 litres, but with the extra two seats up it shrinks to just 247. Importantly, the second row has three individual seats with ISOFIX mounts, which makes travelling as a family of five much easier. Another plus of the Espace V is its excellent sound insulation. On the downside, there\u2019s slightly less head room in the second row than in its predecessor, and the third row is probably best treated as an emergency option. Instead of sliding doors, it has conventional hinged doors, so you always need a fairly wide parking space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re buying a used Renault Espace V, the 2.0 Blue dCi diesel is worth a look, as it\u2019s known for durability. Both the 160 hp and 200 hp versions cope well in everyday driving and on long journeys. The 1.8 TCe petrol has 225 hp and is very enjoyable to drive, but you have to accept a bigger appetite for fuel. Speaking of costs, prices for the fifth-generation Espace vary widely: the oldest, fairly well-used examples are the cheapest, while facelifted versions can cost more than twice as much.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Volkswagen_Touran_II\"><\/span><b>Volkswagen Touran II<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The second-generation Volkswagen Touran was built from 2015 to 2026 \u2013 a thoroughly practical, well-thought-out car that works brilliantly as a family car or people carrier. It\u2019s 453 cm long, and its standard boot capacity \u2013 depending on the version, with five seats in use \u2013 ranges from just under 700 to over 800 litres. That\u2019s more than enough for a pushchair and the rest of the luggage. The second row has three individual seats, so you can fit three ISOFIX child seats, and the large windows give excellent visibility in every direction. The result is a car that\u2019s hard to fault.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Volkswagen Touran II with the 150 hp 1.4 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrol engines is a safe choice, offering enough performance with sensible fuel consumption. For people who drive mostly in town, this set-up seems the most cost-effective. Among the diesels, it\u2019s worth sticking with the classic: the 2.0 TDI works faultlessly in this model too and rewards regular high mileage with low fuel consumption. Before buying, be aware of possible clutch problems with the less powerful engines and of leaking panoramic sunroofs \u2013 repairs to the latter can be very expensive. Using TSI engines only in town on short trips can also lead to carbon build-up. As with the Renault Espace V, Touran II prices vary widely \u2013 the most expensive examples can cost around three times as much as the cheapest, depending on the year and the car\u2019s history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Toyota_RAV4_IV\"><\/span><b>Toyota RAV4 IV<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If typical \u2013 and less typical \u2013 MPVs aren\u2019t quite what a family is looking for, the Toyota RAV4 is an alternative. The fourth generation of this Japanese former off-roader was built from 2013 to 2018, and hardly anyone ever thought of taking it off the tarmac. As a fashionable urban SUV, however, it did very well, offering a higher driving position and reliability. That\u2019s why, to this day, a used Toyota RAV4 is a pretty good \u2013 and very practical \u2013 way to hold your money\u2019s value. To protect that value, it\u2019s best to steer clear of the diesel engines. The 2.0 Valvematic petrol with 152 hp or the 2.5 hybrid with 197 hp are safe bets. The latter in particular is lively, economical and won\u2019t expose the driver to excessive servicing costs. It\u2019s also more proof that hybrids are a good choice for short urban trips under heavy load.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, the fourth-generation Toyota RAV4 isn\u2019t as roomy as you might wish. The boot in the petrol version holds 547 litres, and in the hybrid even less \u2013 just 501 litres (because of the battery under the boot floor). The outdated infotainment system is a letdown, as are the only two sets of ISOFIX mounts, which makes life harder for families of five with small children. If someone does sit in the middle of the second row, though, the absence of a transmission tunnel is a welcome bonus. The RAV4 holds its value well, so even the cheapest examples cost more than an entry-level Touran or Superb. Late-production cars, especially in higher trims, can cost nearly twice as much as the cheapest ones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Peugeot_5008_II\"><\/span><b>Peugeot 5008 II<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At first glance, it\u2019s hard to tell that this car was designed with families in mind \u2013 and yet the optional seven seats, three ISOFIX mounts in the second row and 780 litres of boot space (with five people on board, not seven) make the Peugeot 5008 undeniably practical. The second generation, built from 2017 to 2023, looks great \u2013 fresh and modern \u2013 especially after the facelift. And not just on the outside, because the cabin features the futuristic i-Cockpit. Combined with high-quality, soft-touch and well-fitted materials (in the upper part of the cabin \u2013 lower down, there\u2019s room for improvement), it makes a very good impression. When looking for a used Peugeot 5008, the 2.0-litre BlueHDi diesel is worth considering, as it\u2019s ideal for long journeys. The 1.6 PureTech petrol with 180 hp is also a good option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fortunately, that 1.6 has little in common with the 1.2 PureTech (130 hp), an engine that was also fitted to the 5008 and is definitely best avoided \u2013 both because of its factory defects and because it\u2019s underpowered for a car of this size. The 1.2-litre unit has only three cylinders. Those who aren\u2019t fans of modern tech won\u2019t like controlling functions via the touchscreen, which tends to freeze from time to time, although this isn\u2019t particularly frequent or annoying. AdBlue system failures in the diesels can bring some costs \u2013 but that\u2019s typical of most modern diesel cars. Among the models in this list, the oldest 5008 IIs have one of the highest entry prices, and the most expensive examples cost more than twice as much. That\u2019s not cheap, admittedly, but the third generation is already on sale, so there\u2019s hope that prices will fall in the near future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Skoda_Superb_III_Estate\"><\/span><b>Skoda Superb III Estate<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Executive car, mobile office, workhorse for a small business or family car \u2013 whatever role you think of, the Skoda Superb will handle it with ease. It might be a little less at home off-road, although who knows \u2013 four-wheel-drive versions are available. Sticking to more conventional uses, though, the Superb proves that even an estate doesn\u2019t have to lack anything. It has a very large boot \u2013 660 litres \u2013 with a regular shape that makes it easy to pack not only suitcases but also a pushchair or a child\u2019s bike. There\u2019s also loads of leg room in the second row. Speaking of the second row, fitting three child seats is a bit harder. There are only two ISOFIX points, and the rear bench is shaped to give maximum comfort to two passengers. Fitting a third child seat will take some juggling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite its near-premium ambitions, the Superb III is still a Skoda, which means reasonably priced spare parts and repairs, as well as huge popularity (it shares components with other Volkswagen Group models). The engine line-up follows the same pattern as other models. The recommended options are the 2.0 TDI diesels (150 or 190 hp) and the 1.4 TSI and 1.5 TSI petrols in 150 hp form. It\u2019s better to avoid the smaller diesel (1.6 TDI), which feels too weak for such a big car (especially when it\u2019s loaded to the roof with passengers and luggage). The third-generation Skoda Superb is one of the most affordable cars on this list, although if you look hard enough you\u2019ll also find examples priced at three tim<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">es as much. Leaving the extremes aside, though, it\u2019s certainly not a bad investment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><div class=\"info-frame-container info-frame-exclamation info-iframe-border--green\">\n      <div class=\"info-frame-icon info-frame-exclamation\"><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-header info-frame-header-orange\">It is good to know<\/strong><strong><\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"info-frame-content\"><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>At autoDNA.com, the market-leading\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/decoder-vin-checker\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN decoding<\/a>\u00a0tool, you can\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free VIN lookup<\/a>\u00a0on a given vehicle. All you need for this is the\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vin-number\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN number<\/a>. In the reports, on used cars, you can find information that will allow you to check whether the seller is telling the truth or not. In the report, you can find data on various topics. One of them is the\u00a0vehicle history\u00a0or stolen vehicle bases. You can do a\u00a0<a class=\"waffle-rich-text-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/vin-check\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">VIN check<\/a>\u00a0for free 24\/7 throughout the year.<\/p>\n<p><strong><div class=\"check-vin-btn-container check-vin-btn-container--orange\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"check-vin-btn--arrow\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe id=\"ASD-PA-0005010200-31-906\" title=\"Purchase the autoDNA reports in a bundle\" src=\"https:\/\/afilio.autodna.com\/ext\/load\/0005010200\/31?p_label=Check+VIN+number&p_color=orange\" style=\"width: 271px; height: 59px; border: 0;\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><script type=\"text\/javascript\">PA.load(\"0005010200-31-906\", \"packages\");<\/script>\r\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/div>\n    <\/div><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ\"><\/span>FAQ<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-5447 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-5447.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-5447.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-5447.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-5447.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-5447.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1790668271\">\n<div id=\"sp-ea-5447\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"\" data-scroll-active-item=\"\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\">\n\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_it_make_sense_to_buy_a_7-seater_with_extra_seats_in_the_boot\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-54470\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse54470\" aria-controls=\"collapse54470\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> Does it make sense to buy a 7-seater with extra seats in the boot? \t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse54470\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-5447\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-54470\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It\u2019s not a solution for long journeys at all. Unfolding the rear seats means you can\u2019t use the boot. People sitting in the resulting third row are very close to the back of the car, which is an extra risk in an accident. As a result, two extra seats in the boot only make sense for very occasional use.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_biggest_possible_boot_or_a_roof_box_%E2%80%93_which_is_better_value\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-54471\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse54471\" aria-controls=\"collapse54471\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> The biggest possible boot or a roof box \u2013 which is better value?\t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse54471\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-5447\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-54471\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It all depends on how you\u2019ll use the car. If you\u2019ll only need the full boot capacity once or twice a year, a roof box is a better choice than buying the biggest car possible, which would be both impractical and expensive in everyday use, especially in town. A roof box also makes it easier to take sports equipment when you\u2019re planning an active holiday.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<!-- Start accordion card div. -->\n<div class=\"ea-card  sp-ea-single\">\n\t<!-- Start accordion header. -->\n\t<h3 class=\"ea-header\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_optional_equipment_is_worth_paying_for_in_a_family_car\"><\/span>\n\t\t<!-- Add anchor tag for header. -->\n\t\t<a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-54472\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse54472\" aria-controls=\"collapse54472\" href=\"#\"  aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> Which optional equipment is worth paying for in a family car? \t\t<\/a> <!-- Close anchor tag for header. -->\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\t<!-- Close header tag. -->\n\t<!-- Start collapsible content div. -->\n\t<div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse54472\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-5447\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-54472\">  <!-- Content div. -->\n\t\t<div class=\"ea-body\">\n\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Any system that improves driving safety is an investment you barely notice day to day, but in a critical situation it\u2019s worth its weight in gold. Leather upholstery is a good idea, as it\u2019s easier to clean. On the other hand, there\u2019s no need to pay extra for things like headrest screens \u2013 with electronics ageing as fast as they do now, holders for a separately bought tablet are a better choice.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div> <!-- Close content div. -->\n\t<\/div> <!-- Close collapse div. -->\n<\/div> <!-- Close card div. -->\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{ \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does it make sense to buy a 7-seater with extra seats in the boot? \", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It\u2019s not a solution for long journeys at all. Unfolding the rear seats means you can\u2019t use the boot. People sitting in the resulting third row are very close to the back of the car, which is an extra risk in an accident. As a result, two extra seats in the boot only make sense for very occasional use.\" } },{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"The biggest possible boot or a roof box \u2013 which is better value?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"It all depends on how you\u2019ll use the car. If you\u2019ll only need the full boot capacity once or twice a year, a roof box is a better choice than buying the biggest car possible, which would be both impractical and expensive in everyday use, especially in town. A roof box also makes it easier to take sports equipment when you\u2019re planning an active holiday.\" } },{ \"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Which optional equipment is worth paying for in a family car? \", \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Any system that improves driving safety is an investment you barely notice day to day, but in a critical situation it\u2019s worth its weight in gold. Leather upholstery is a good idea, as it\u2019s easier to clean. On the other hand, there\u2019s no need to pay extra for things like headrest screens \u2013 with electronics ageing as fast as they do now, holders for a separately bought tablet are a better choice.\" } }] }<\/script><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The best family car has to be safe, but it also needs plenty of boot space and a comfortable ride \u2013 whether on the school run or on a long trip. Even so, \u201cfamily car\u201d can mean something different to everyone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":5448,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[361,359,176],"tags":[411],"class_list":["post-5446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all","category-autodna-advises","category-blog","tag-related"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5446","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5446"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5446\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5449,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5446\/revisions\/5449"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5448"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5446"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5446"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.autodna.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5446"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}