Best Second Hand Family Cars for Comfort, Safety, and Value

A spacious trunk packed for a weekend trip, rear seats filled with laughter, and a quiet, steady engine guiding you through the highway.

These are the qualities every family looks for in a car—not flashy extras or tech gimmicks, but real comfort, dependable performance, and space that fits the rhythm of everyday life.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked a selection of second hand family cars that have proven themselves in real-world performance, long-term dependability, and family-friendly features.

What Makes a Great Second Hand Family Car?

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand what really matters in a family car especially when buying used. The best used family cars typically offer:

Spacious interiors with flexible seating.
High safety ratings and reliable crash test results.
Fuel efficiency and affordable maintenance.
Strong resale value.
Features like rear AC vents, child seat anchors, and large boot space.

Buying a used car for your family should never feel like settling. You want a vehicle that protects your loved ones, adapts to daily routines, and still feels good to drive.

Top 5 Second Hand Family Cars That Are Actually Worth It

Not every used car is a smart buy but these five models consistently stand out in the second-hand market. Whether you’re focused on safety, space, or long-term reliability, these vehicles prove that second hand family cars can offer just as much value as new ones if not more.

1. Toyota Highlander

The Highlander is one of the most trusted names in midsize family SUVs. It offers three rows of seating that can fit up to eight passengers, making it ideal for growing families or those who travel frequently.

Key Highlights:

Engine options: 2.5L Hybrid or 3.5L V6.
Horsepower: 243 hp (Hybrid), 295 hp (V6).
Transmission: CVT for hybrid / 8-speed automatic for V6.
Drive types: Front-wheel or All-wheel drive.
Fuel economy: 13–15 km/l.
Family features: Rear AC vents, tri-zone climate control, ISOFIX anchors, power liftgate.
Safety: Toyota Safety Sense suite, excellent crash test ratings.

Why it’s great: It combines comfort with proven reliability. Even after years of use, the Highlander maintains a smooth ride, quiet cabin, and excellent resale value.

2. Honda CR-V

The CR-V is the definition of efficiency and family-minded engineering. Though compact in size, it delivers one of the roomiest cabins in its class and outstanding fuel economy.

Key Highlights:

Engine: 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder.
Horsepower: 190 hp.
Transmission: CVT.
Drive types: FWD or AWD.
Fuel economy: 14–16 km/l.
Family features: Flat cargo floor, rear AC vents, large boot space, Apple CarPlay.
Safety: Honda Sensing safety suite.

Why it’s great: Easy to park, light on fuel, and surprisingly spacious inside. The CR-V is perfect for families who want the practicality of an SUV with the maneuverability of a smaller vehicle. Among second hand family cars, it’s a favorite for urban lifestyles.

3. Mazda CX-9

The Mazda CX-9 is a rare combination: it’s a full-size family SUV that still feels fun to drive. With sleek design, turbocharged power, and refined interior materials, it delivers a premium experience at second-hand pricing.

Key Highlights:

Engine: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder.
Horsepower: 250 hp.
Transmission: 6-speed automatic.
Drive type: AWD.
Fuel economy: 11–13 km/l.
Family features: Captain’s chairs in higher trims, Bose sound system, heads-up display.
Interior: High-end finishes, leather seats, touchscreen infotainment.

Why it’s great: If you’re looking for second hand family cars that offer both style and function, the CX-9 delivers in both categories. It’s great for long trips, tech-savvy parents, and families who appreciate comfort and design.

4. Hyundai Santa Fe

The Santa Fe stands out in the second-hand market as a feature-rich SUV that doesn’t stretch your budget. With a wide range of engine choices and trims, you’ll find models that cater to both basic needs and luxury preferences.

Key Highlights:

Engine options: 2.4L NA, 2.0L Turbo, and diesel.
Horsepower: 185–235 hp.
Transmission: 6-speed or 8-speed automatic.
Drive types: FWD or AWD.
Fuel economy: 10–14 km/l
Family features: Panoramic sunroof, heated/ventilated seats, blind spot monitoring.
Safety: 7 airbags, lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert.

Why it’s great: Affordable to buy, easy to maintain, and loaded with features even in older models. The Santa Fe is a standout in the segment of second hand family cars, especially for families upgrading from smaller vehicles.

5. Volkswagen Passat

Don’t let the sleek profile fool you, this German-engineered sedan offers limousine-like rear legroom and a smooth, quiet ride that’s ideal for city and highway use alike.

Key Highlights:

Engine: 1.8T or 2.0T turbocharged 4-cylinder.
Horsepower: 170–174 hp.
Transmission: 6-speed or DSG automatic.
Drive type: FWD.
Fuel economy: 13–15 km/l.
Interior: Leather seats, dual-zone climate, rear vents.
Tech: Adaptive cruise control, touchscreen infotainment, excellent visibility.

Why it’s great: If your family prefers a sedan over an SUV, the Passat is a refined and roomy option. Its build quality, comfort, and handling make it one of the most underestimated second hand family cars—perfect for daily use or weekend travel.

Why Buy Second Hand Instead of New?

When you buy a brand-new car, it loses a chunk of its value the moment you drive it off the lot. In contrast, second hand family cars offer a smarter financial move:

Lower purchase cost = more features for the same budget.
Slower depreciation = better resale value later.
Proven reliability track record = fewer surprises.

And when you buy from a certified platform, you also get inspection reports, warranty coverage, and delivery to your doorstep making the used car experience feel as safe as buying new.

Where to Find Quality Second Hand Family Cars?

The challenge in the second hand market isn’t just finding the right car—it’s finding it in the right condition, from a place you trust. That’s where platforms like Soum stand out. Soum isn’t just a marketplace; it’s a curated experience for buyers who care about quality, transparency, and after-sale service.

Here’s what sets Soum apart:

Full Vehicle Inspections: Every car listed goes through a detailed multi-point check of engine, transmission, brakes, electronics, tires, body condition you name it. The inspection report is available to you before you buy.
Warranty Coverage: Many listings on Soum include warranties up to 12 months, giving you confidence even after the sale.
Transparent Pricing: What you see is what you get. No hidden fees, no last-minute surprises.
Flexible Financing Options: Need to pay in installments? Soum partners with financing providers so you can buy your next family car without straining your monthly budget.
Nationwide Delivery: No matter where you live in Saudi Arabia, the car can be delivered straight to your doorstep—clean, checked, and ready to go.
Dedicated Customer Support: Questions? Concerns? Soum’s support team is trained to guide you through every step, from search to purchase to after-sale service.

Whether you’re hunting for a 7-seater SUV to fit the whole crew or a fuel-efficient sedan that can handle your daily school runs, Soum offers second hand family cars that are tested, trusted, and tailored to real family needs, not just showroom promises.

Buying a car for your family is more than a transaction, it’s a long-term decision that affects your safety, comfort, and daily life. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend a fortune to make the right choice. There’s a growing market of high-quality second hand family cars that deliver everything a modern household needs: space, safety, style, and savings.

Explore your options, set your priorities, and buy smart.
And if you want a reliable, verified place to begin your search, let Soum guide you to your next family car with confidence.

FAQs

1. How many kilometers is acceptable for a second hand family car?

A good second hand family car can have anywhere between 60,000 to 120,000 km and still offer great value especially if it has a full service history and was well maintained.

2. What safety features should I prioritize in a second hand family car?

Look for models with multiple airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and rear-view cameras. Some newer used models may also include lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

3. Are hybrid family cars a good option in the used market?

Yes, especially if fuel savings and lower emissions matter to you. Models like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or the Camry Hybrid are excellent second hand choices. Just make sure the battery health has been checked as part of the inspection.

4. How old is too old for a second hand family car?

A car that’s 5–7 years old is often a sweet spot—old enough to be affordable but new enough to still have modern safety and comfort features. Anything older than 10 years may come with higher maintenance risks unless it has a very low mileage and full history.