They say if you want to score a bargain, buying a used car is your best bet. However, if your car is not reliable enough to get you from one point to another, is it really saving you money? On the other hand, if you are buying a car for your family, you need to take into consideration factors like kids and their stuff, fuel economy along with safety and reliability. Rather than getting a car that is new off the lot, sometimes it is wise to go with a used car. Reliability and affordability are two important factors you should consider when shopping for a used car. Otherwise, your saving won’t really be a saving as you have to pay for repair and towing often. Today, there is a wide array of used cars on the market, and a few come with extended warranties for reliability over the next few years.
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Best Used Family Cars 2018
Here, we provide you with a list of some of the 7 best used family cars based on J.D Power Dependability Awards.
1. 2015 Chevrolet Malibu
Available in three trim levels, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-sized sedan featuring OnStar 4G LTE and a built-in WiFi hotspot as standard. It is among our top best used family cars list because it received a five-star rating by NHSTA, while Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) titled it a 2015 Top Safety Pick. The vehicle is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 196 horsepower. Within the city, it delivers an ESP-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg while on the highway, it gives up to 35 mpg. There is an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which provides 259 horsepower, however, it takes a hit on fuel economy as EPA average numbers drop to 30 mpg/ 21 mpg (Highway/City), respectively.
2. 2014 Toyota Avalon
Keeping Toyota’s reputation for reliability and safety, the full-sized 2014 Toyota Avalon sedan received an overall five-star rating from NHTSA and Good rating across all crash tests by IIHS. The car features Smart Stop Technology that avoids unpremeditated acceleration. On the higher trim levels, it features pre-collisions, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Further, it boasts 6.1-inch touchscreen with FM/AM/CD along with 8 speakers, USB port, and Bluetooth wireless technology. One of the best used family cars, it has climate control, a back camera, cruise control and leather-trimmed heated front seats leaving you with an exhilarating driving experience.
3. 2015 Toyota Prius
Rendering an incredible fuel economy with the practicality of a hatchback, the 2015 Toyota Prius should be your best hybrid option for a family car. On the highway, it gives you an EPA-estimated 48 mpg, while in the city it goes up to 51 mpg, hence proving to be perfect for family road trips while ensuring economy of fuel with rising gas prices. Additionally, it accommodates five passengers with a 60/40 split-folding rear seats that can be adjusted to give you 21.6 cubic feet of cargo. It received Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS in 2015 as well as four-star rating from NHTSA. Tilt and telescopic steering wheel, auto climate and cruise control, and a push-button start are some of the salient features of this beauty.
4. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
While a 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan can be bought for $52,000, a 2008 model can cost you only 20 percent of that. The 2008 E-class may be an old model, but it still carries elegant styling, safety features and an array of powerful engines. Although the five passenger sedan remains a scale for luxury and comfort, the analysts are of the view that its backseat and cargo are not as roomy as other similar sedans.
5. 2010 Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion never gets old in the midsize car segment for its reliability, affordability (within $15k), sport handling and ample space for passengers as well as for cargo. One of the best used family cars, the 2010 model comes with a new design, manual and automatic transmissions and an updated engine lineup. What makes it a pertinent option is the safety score and driving dynamics.
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6. 2010 Lexus ES
Reliable and luxurious, the 2010 Lexus ES takes the 6th spot in our best used family cars list for its swish features. This five-passenger ES is known for its refined handling and a comfortable cabin. However, what ES lacks is the safety ratings compared to its competitors. The standard features include leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a power sunroof.
7. 2015 Buick LaCrosse
The 2015 Buick LaCrosse made it to our list of best used family cars for its touch of luxury. It proved that having children should not limit you to drive a nice car! Having strong dependability ratings, the LaCrosse never compromises on the comfort as well as boasts ample space and a fantastic interior. Available in both front wheel and all-wheel drive versions, the LaCrosse gives you a choice of two engines and five trim levels. The standard features comprise of OnStar, premium audio with AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM, heated and power outside mirrors, and remote start.
