Browsing through the classified ads for a family SUV can easily fool even the most stubborn buyer. There are now so many models entering the second-hand market that you are spoiled for choice, making it difficult to find which one best suits your needs.
Due to the recent increases in second-hand car prices, your money does not last as much as before. So what does £10,000 buy in terms of a family-friendly SUV? Space, practicality and reliability are big factors in this industry, but there are also options with a bit of style. Believe it or not, you don’t have to live with a car that’s as soft as boiled cabbage.
To prove it, here we present six of our favorite family SUVs, all priced under £10,000, along with an example of what you shouldn’t buy: a car that will run off the road due to its questionable reliability record.
6. Kia Sorento (2010-2015)
If you’re looking for driving excitement, look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for a sensible SUV that’s roomy enough for the whole family, the Sorento is a pretty good bet for that amount.
At its heart is a noisy but reliable chain-driven 2.2-litre diesel engine that powers a fairly bang-proof all-wheel drive system. The interior of the Sorento feels like plastic, but the interior is well designed and built to last.
There’s room for adults in the rearmost seats (barely), and even the lower-spec versions are well-equipped (though for this budget, you can also accommodate the top-of-the-range KX-4 in terms of equipment).
Although the Sorento’s ride is a bit clumsy, it provides a very smooth ride, making it a comfortable cruiser.
Price to be paid: From £3,000
We found: 2014 Sorento KX-4, 94,000 miles, full service history, £9,499
Pay attention to: Shaky timing chains, faulty electronics, slipping clutches, poorly used tow cars.
5.Toyota C-HR (2017-2023)
It may not be as practical as its Honda CR-V rival (see below), but the C-HR has a much better reliability track record; Not to mention Toyota’s service-activated warranty offer for cars up to 10 years old.
Although this is associated with later hybrid versions, the first C-HRs were available with a sweet 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine option, which kept weight down and made it surprisingly fun to drive. These are what was available for our £10,000 budget.
The usual C-HR caveats apply: rear headroom is a bit tight due to the fast styling, while boot space isn’t as good as more pragmatic rivals. But this is a car that values style as much as reliability; and if you can live without a lot of room in the back, that makes the C-HR a very attractive choice.
Price to be paid: From £9,000
We found: 2017 C-HR 1.2 VVT-i Icon, 63,000 miles, one owner from new, £9,950
Pay attention to: Electrical malfunctions, cracked windshields, wet carpets due to water ingress.
4.Dacia Duster (2017-2024)
Dacia’s cars are known for being affordable, and this one is no exception. Look at how much you get for your money in a new car; our budget gets you into the second-generation Duster, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor, especially when powered by one of the powerful petrol turbo engines.
Of course, there are some negatives; The Duster is not loaded with equipment and the interior plastics are quite hard. But at the end of the day, this is a useful, practical small SUV with enough room for a family, a good reputation for reliability and enough comfort to keep all but the most discerning buyers happy. This is a very good opportunity for the price.
Price to be paid: From £6,000
We found: 2020 1.3 TCe Comfort, 44,000 miles, single owner from new, £10,000
Pay attention to: Squeaks and rattles from the interior trim, faulty dashboard electricals, engine hesitation during acceleration.
3.Honda CR-V (2012-2018)
The great thing about the CR-V is that it combines lots of space (the trunk is bulky) with comfort, excellent build quality and reliability. You can choose between two diesel engines; the super frugal 1.6 and the almost equally efficient 2.2, but with more punch. There is also a gasoline alternative, although it takes a lot of work to make good progress.
The interior is tough enough to withstand the worst conditions a family can face; in fact, it’s rare for parts to fall off no matter how much abuse. Meanwhile, usage is safe and secure, although not exciting; The CR-V’s bent towards comfort ensures family days out are comfortable and hassle-free.
What’s more, the CR-V has one of the best reliability records of any SUV of this era. If you value practicality and reliability, there is nothing better.
Price to be paid: From £4,000
We found: 2016 CR-V 1.6 i-DTEC EX, 83,000 miles, full service history, £9,750
Pay attention to: Low mileage diesels with potential particulate filter (DPF) problems, neglected examples with a patchy history.
2. Seat Ateca (2016-present)
The Spanish company’s first SUV was a relatively compact product designed to compete with family favorites such as the Nissan Qashqai. And for a first try, it was quite impressive, combining the snappy handling and engaging driving experience for which Seat is known for its sharp styling inside and out.
But Ateca didn’t just appeal to the heart; Its interior was also spacious and practical, with a large trunk, wide rear seats and wide-opening doors that made it easy to strap children in the back.
These days, the Ateca has great value in the second-hand market, but it has one caveat: it is very sensitive to technical specifications; Larger engine models with all-wheel drive and large wheels can feel a touch on the sturdy side. Instead, opt for a smaller-engine, two-wheel-drive car that offers the perfect balance between ride quality and driver enjoyment.
Price to be paid: From £7,000
We found: 2018 1.0 TSI SE Technology, 55,000 miles, full service history, £10,000
Pay attention to: Faulty electronic parking brakes, faulty electronic tailgates, rusty rear doors, clogged diesel particulate filters.
1. Skoda Yeti (2009-2017)
Its looks probably won’t be to everyone’s taste, but if you like them – or can see through them – the Yeti remains the most practical, family-friendly SUV available at this price, earning it the top spot.
What makes Yeti so special is its flexibility. Each of the three individual rear seats can be slid forward and back, folded, rolled forward or even removed entirely; thus allowing a wide variety of configurations to suit passengers and cargo.
What’s more, the Yeti rides well, with surprisingly good body control meaning it won’t roll over at the first bend, while its petrol and diesel engines are plucky but efficient. All in all, an excellent all-round product.
Price to be paid: From £2,500
We found: 2016 1.2 TSI SE Exterior, 58,000 miles, full service history, £9,995
Pay attention to: Smoky turbochargers, inoperative air conditioning, clogged diesel particulate filters, oil consumption in old 1.8-litre engines.
And what to avoid…
Range Rover Evoque (2011-2018)
The Evoque might appeal at this price, with serious off-road capability, a smooth driving experience and the kind of badge accolades that will make you feel like a superstar at the school race. However, the first-generation model doesn’t have the best level of fit and finish on the interior; The back seats and trunk are quite narrow.
But the biggest question mark concerns the Evoque’s spotty reputation for reliability; it often ranks at or near the bottom of its class in reliability studies. So avoid it if you can, and if you must have the smallest Range Rover, tread carefully.