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Here’s a list of the best family cars we have been able to find online for under £5k.
There are multiple different types of cars on the market that are designed to suit certain drivers and scenarios.
With cars ranging from estate or saloon cars that best suit executives to smaller vehicles designed for urban driving, there is an option for everyone.
One demographic of car owners is families. Families need to find a practical and versatile vehicle when looking to buy a car.
A family car will likely be used to take children to school and be driven to the shops, and it can also be a commuter vehicle, so it needs to excel in multiple aspects.
The best family cars will have a comfortable interior, enough space for passengers, good fuel economy for long or frequent trips, and also be fun and responsive to drive.
With so many factors to consider, you may think that getting the perfect family car that ticks all the boxes may be expensive. However, the truth is that this is not the case, and it’s easy to find great family-friendly vehicles for under £5,000.
When you use the second-hand market, you’ll find excellent options for well under this price point, helping you get the best family car for less. Here’s a list of the best family cars we at Car Adviser have been able to find online, which should help you with your car search.
If you have a larger budget, we also have a list of family cars under £10,000 and multiple other suggestions and car types available to browse here on Car Adviser.
These are the cheapest family cars you can get for under £5k in 2023:
Ford is a very well-trusted and respected car manufacturer in the UK, and the Fiesta is one of their flagship models. It’s a popular compact car with many impressive features that suit families.
One of its biggest strengths is its fuel efficiency, with this model getting excellent gas mileage both in the city and on the motorway. This makes it a great option for families who will be clocking many miles on the school run.
Furthermore, modern Fiestas are equipped with a wide range of advanced safety technologies, including lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking. Additionally, the Ford Fiesta has a comfortable and well-designed interior, making it an ideal choice for everyday driving.
While the Ford Fiesta does have many positive qualities, there are also some drawbacks to consider. For one thing, its acceleration can feel sluggish at times when merging into busy city traffic or changing lanes on the motorway, especially if you have a model with a weaker engine.
Another issue is that most Fiestas you’ll be able to get off the second-hand market for under £5,000 are going to be fairly old, meaning that there’s an increased chance that these cars have more wear than usual.
Despite these few downsides, most drivers will find plenty to love about the Ford Fiesta. Whether you’re searching for an affordable commuter vehicle or an exciting weekend cruiser, this model has something to offer everyone behind the wheel.
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Volkswagen’s Polo is a compact car that has become an instant hit with families looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle. The car is small, although it still manages to have great practicality, with its hatchback style offering good boot room and plenty of space for passengers.
With its compact size, nimble manoeuvrability, and impressive fuel economy, the Polo offers many key features drivers are looking for in a car.
The cabin is well-designed and comfortable, with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. Additionally, the car comes standard with an advanced infotainment system, including Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and touchscreen controls, helping to make longer journeys even more comfortable.
The Polo is also one of the cheapest family cars you can find online second-hand, with certain models being even more affordable than the quoted price range. That said, if you want a more modern option with advanced features, you may have to pay a bit more to get a model younger than 2014.
While there are undoubtedly many positives to the Volkswagen Polo, this car also has some drawbacks. For starters, critics have noted that the exterior design may be a bit bland and dated compared to some of the sportier cars on the market today.
Furthermore, while it offers reliable performance overall, some drivers have reported issues with responsiveness from time to time. This can make drivers less willing to trust the car at high speeds.
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Another great compact car that families have often used in the UK is the Vauxhall Corsa, mainly because of its impressive features. If you’re looking for a sporty option, the Corsa has a great sleek exterior design with exciting trims, helping to make it stand out and be a unique option.
The Vauxhall Corsa also boasts a comfortable interior with high-quality materials and ample space for passengers and cargo. It drives well, with good speed and acceleration from a standstill, helping to make it feel responsive and powerful at low speeds.
The Corsa isn’t flawless, though, and there are a few potential issues drivers need to weigh up. Some owners have reported that it can be challenging to manoeuvre in tight spaces, as its steering isn’t the most responsive and can be a bit floaty.
The car does have good fuel economy, helping it to suit the family life, although because of its compact nature, it may be a bit cramped when transporting an entire family full of people.
Despite these few drawbacks, most drivers agree that the Vauxhall Corsa is a quality choice for anyone looking for reliable and affordable transportation when looking for a family car.
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The Nissan Micra is an affordable, compact car with a reputation for excellent performance and driving dynamics. With its peppy engine, sharp handling, and roomy interior, the Nissan Micra has long been a popular choice among drivers searching for a fun yet practical vehicle.
It is much smaller than some of the other suggestions on this list, which may not be the best option for larger families. However, if you can cope with something small, it’s an excellent option for darting around town, as it’s nibble with a lot of driving performance.
The Nissan Micra does have a few drawbacks. For example, while it offers plenty of space in the front seats and boot, many reviewers have noted that headroom in the back seat can be cramped for taller passengers.
Additionally, some users have complained about excessive road noise inside the cabin at high speeds, meaning that driving becomes a bit less comfortable when on the motorway.
Despite these minor flaws, most drivers agree that there is no better option than the Nissan Micra for its price range, as it can be found at a low price when on the second-hand market.
You may have to settle for a model older than 2011 for this price range, but that’s still a competent and exciting family car. Whether you’re looking for an affordable first car or just a reliable daily driver, this model is an excellent choice.
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The Renault Clio is a popular hatchback among many types of drivers in the UK that has been on the market for nearly 20 years. Known for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride, the Clio is a favourite choice among families because it is cheap to run and maintain.
Some of the main pros of this vehicle include its agile handling and robust engine, which make it ideal for city driving as it’s quick off the mark and can handle tight parking and other manoeuvres.
Additionally, the Clio’s spacious interior and generous storage options make it easy to fit all your gear, whether you need room for groceries or weekend luggage. Its great cargo space for a hatchback makes it a fantastic option f
