Getting a family car is a milestone moment in car ownership. When looking for the best family car for your needs, it’s important that your potential new motor ticks a lot of boxes before you commit to buying. 

First and foremost, make sure it passes a vehicle history check with flying colours.

Then, you’ll want to check the safety features of the car. It’s paramount that both you and your little ones are well-protected while out on the open road. So, making sure you’re investing in a used vehicle that has proven safety features is vital. 

To speed this process up for you, we’ve put together a five-strong list of some of our favourite family vehicles, all picked with safety in mind. 

#1 Volvo V40

If there’s one manufacturer that’s synonymous with car safety, it’s Volvo. The Swedish company has taken the top spot of Co-op Insurance’s ‘Safe Used Car Award’ three years on the trot now. But, they don’t just focus on safety. As well as being packed with premium safety features, the V40 is very easy on the eye too. 

We recommend finding a used car that includes the Drive Support Pack from Volvo. This includes the likes of lane assist and pedestrian detection on top of the car’s heralded standard automated emergency braking system. 

#2 Honda Civic

Second place on the rather large car-sized podium, the ever-impressive Honda Civic. The Civic has scooped runners up used car safety awards to the V40 across the board, and with a five-star safety rating, it’s only right that we award it the silver medal here too. 

As is the case with most Hondas, the Civic is fun to drive as well as safe on the road. You’ll also enjoy a spacious, well-designed interior and a large boot for the all of those bags, prams and odds-and-ends that are ever-present during family travel. 

#3 Volkswagen Golf

Widely considered to be the best family hatchback around, if not of all time, we couldn’t have a list of the most reliable used cars without including the Volkswagen Golf. The German manufacturer just misses out on second place, but the Golf has long been considered one of the greatest all-rounders about, and with an impressive list of models, there’s a Golf to suit all tastes and requirements too.

Importantly, its five-star safety rating upholds the Golf’s reputation as one of the most durable and reliable cars available, making it one of the best cars to buy used. 

#4 Nissan Qashqai

We’re briefly stepping away from hatchbacks with our fourth entry, as we simply couldn’t ignore the incredibly popular Nissan Qashqai. A common sight on roads around the UK, it’s no coincidence that the Qashqai has proven such a hit with families everywhere; it’s one of the best safety-rated small SUVs around.  

Its eye-catching styling is complemented by a spacious, family-friendly interior and a top-of-the-class five-star safety rating to boot. The car’s popularity means that there’s plenty of models to choose from on the used market, so you shouldn’t be hard-pressed to find one of the best used SUVs to buy for you and your family. 

#5 Vauxhall Astra

Last but by no means least on our list is the Vauxhall Astra, a stalwart of the British roads. Though the Astra fell out of a fashion for a period, it’s back with a facelift and remains one of the most impressive, family-friendly and reliable used cars available. 

What’s more, the Astra is among the cheapest used cars out there too. With its five-star safety rating and a myriad of different models available on the second-hand market, it represents excellent value for money. 

If you’re looking for more handy information and advice on your road to buying a used car, be sure to browse our guides on buying a used car safely and how to test drive a used car. And last but by no means least, don’t forget to get that all-important vehicle history check before you sign on the dotted line.