With used car values starting to fall, 2024 feels like the time to act for buyers who have been waiting for the bubble to burst. For many, that will mean models that were previously out of reach become more attainable – and for as little as £5,000 it’s possible to bag a very useful, very reliable family-friendly SUV. That said, at this price there are some examples of fairly underwhelming cars. Never fear, though – we’re here to help you work out what’s what.
We’ve lined up five great examples of used SUVs that are achievable within a tight budget. All are spacious enough for family use, with five roomy seats and boots big enough for anything a family might throw at them. As an added bonus, we’ve included one model we think you should steer clear of, even if it seems like a brilliant deal.
Best family SUVs to buy in 2024
Best for comfort: Volkswagen Tiguan (2008-2016)
Volkswagen was rather late to the SUV party, but when the Tiguan arrived, it brought a welcome level of attention to detail. Today, the first-generation Tiguan is regarded as one of the most comfortable SUVs of its generation, with excellent seats, a smooth ride and low levels of noise.
It’s also very practical, with plenty of room for passengers and luggage alike, while a wide choice of engines combine good mid-range punch with excellent fuel economy. The caveat is that the Tiguan isn’t quite as reliable as some of the best SUVs, so choose wisely, buy the best example you can and avoid anything that feels tired or abused.
The SE and Match versions are probably the best all-rounders, although don’t turn down a well-priced Sport or the Escape version, which is more off-road oriented and therefore has different front and rear bumpers to improve the car’s approach and departure angles.
Price from: £3,500
We found: 2009 Tiguan 2.0 TDI Escape Auto, 83,000 miles, full service history £4,999
Watch out for: Power steering faults; glitchy electrics as a result of faulty fuse boxes; defective climate control; child lock failure; fuel leaks