Are you searching for used family cars? You probably need something with lots of space and great fuel economy. The good news is that there are plenty of options. Whether brand name matters to you or not, we’re confident that pricing does. Today, we’re going to show you some of the best available used cars that you can get for an affordable price. These are models that you can finance or even buy outright in many cases. Plus, you’re not sacrificing quality with these models. Here are some affordable yet high-quality used family cars.
#1 – The Dodge Avenger
Sometimes the best used cars are the ones that aren’t made anymore. A unique find like the Dodge Avenger is one of those models, as it was produced from 2008 to 2014. Let’s look at the 2013 model specifically to get an idea of what this car offers. The 2013 Dodge Avenger gets up to 30 miles per gallon on the highway and 21 in the city. It can seat up to five people, it offers 100 cubic feet of passenger space, and there is even a powerful V6 engine available despite the Avenger being a casual mid-size family car.
Despite its age, this car comes with a Uconnect radio with SiriusXM compatibility, an audio jack, and a CD player. Plus, the 2013 Avenger includes power locks and windows, LED lights, and tire pressure monitoring. If you’re interested in a good commuter family car for an affordable price, a used Dodge Avenger is a great model to check out.
#2 – The Nissan Rogue
SUVs are great for families, largely due to their space. Crossovers are typically even better, mostly due to their better fuel economy. The Nissan Rogue is the perfect example of an affordable, spacious, and fuel-efficient crossover. The second-generation Rogue ran from 2014 to 2020 and is a great family option for used car buyers. A 2015 Rogue gets up to 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway for a 28 MPG combined rating.
Like the Dodge Avenger, this model can seat five people, but it has a total passenger volume of 105.8 cubic feet. The best part about this model, though, is its 70 cubic feet of cargo space. In addition to these features, the 2015 Nissan Rogue also comes with a RearView backup camera and is available with all-wheel drive for handling bad weather. It’s both easy and affordable to transport the family in this model.
#3 – The Jeep Compass
Another popular family-friendly used car model is the Jeep Compass. Sure, Jeeps are typically known for raw off-road performance, but don’t let the Wrangler speak for them all. The 2014 Jeep Compass offers a refined ride and gets up to 30 MPG on the highway. Plus, it also can seat up to five people, and it offers 53.6 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are folded down. The safety features don’t change from trim to trim on this one, so you might as well get the lowest trim for a more affordable price. The best part about this model is that it’s available in four-wheel drive, so you can tackle rougher roadways, further ensuring your family’s safety. A used Jeep Compass is affordable overall, but the 2013-2015 models prove to be both affordable and modern. It’s the perfect balance.
#4 – The Ford Explorer
Maybe you need a family-friendly used car model that also packs some strength along with it. That’s where SUVs like the Ford Explorer come in. Let’s look at the 2016 Ford Explorer model for some specific specs. This model produces up to 290 horses and 255 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged V6 engine. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, plus, it offers seating for up to seven passengers. Not only is it passenger-friendly, but it’s cargo-friendly as well, offering up to 80 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row.
In addition to its convenience and power, the 2016 Ford Explorer comes with several safety features as well. These include 911 Assist Emergency SOS, a backup camera with a washer, and a terrain management system. If you need a large and powerful SUV with some extra safety features, the 2016 Ford Explorer is the used model for you.
#5 – The Chrysler Pacifica
Truthfully, if you’re looking for used family cars, nothing is more versatile than a minivan. The Pacifica name was on hiatus for years but recently made a return. The 2017 model is a great used family vehicle option, getting up to 32 MPG combined, thanks to its available plug-in hybrid powertrain. With 165 cubic feet of passenger space and seating for seven, this vehicle can fit the whole family with ease. Even more impressively, the 2017 Pacifica offers 140.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front row, which is more than a Chevy Suburban. Plus, it can tow up to 3,600 pounds. There’s no doubt that this minivan provides you with all the family space you’ll ever need.
#6 – The Dodge Durango
We’ve all seen those older blue Dodge Durango models from the early 2000s. While this may be the Durango you remember, it has improved greatly over the years. Even the 2015 model that we’re looking at today has an upgraded design. This sportier-looking SUV can get up to 25 MPG on the highway, seats up to seven passengers, and tows up to 5,000 pounds. Further, it has 84.5 cubic feet of cargo space and handy features like remote keyless entry and steering-wheel-mounted cruise control. Like the Ford Explorer, this is a great used family-friendly model for those who need the space along with a little extra power.
#7 – The Toyota Corolla
The 2016 Toyota Corolla is a great commuter car. This car model is best for those who are looking for fuel efficiency over space. It can get up to 30 MPG in the city and 40 MPG on the highway, landing at a 34 MPG combined score. Plus, these cars offer a 5-star overall safety rating, which is definitely something to look for on a family car. Despite its smaller size, the Toyota Corolla can still haul five people, and it offers 97.5 cubic feet of passenger space. Overall, this model is great for casual family commuters and vacation driving.
How Do I Pick Between a Used Car, Minivan, or SUV for My Family?
There are a lot of used options on the board when it comes to family-friendliness. Of course, one of the main family concerns is how to transport kids safely. You also want to make sure your kids are comfortable and entertained. Overall, if you have younger kids, minivans and SUVs are ideal. Oftentimes, these models come with entertainment systems and DVD players for those backseat riders. Plus, foldable seats and sliding doors really come in handy when you have to load up car seats.
However, if your kids are getting older and gas mileage is more important than space, buying a used car is also a great option. Unless you need to haul kayaks, skis, bicycles, or camping equipment, a car is usually cheaper and offers better fuel economy than a minivan or SUV. No matter which family-friendly used car route you choose, these models are sure to keep your family safe and happy on the road.
