by With used car values starting to fall, 2024 seems like the time to act for buyers who have been waiting for the bubble to burst. For many, this will mean that models that were previously out of reach will become more affordable, and for as little as £5,000 it is possible to get a very useful and reliable family SUV. That said, at this price there are some pretty disappointing examples of cars. But fear not: we’re here to help you figure out what’s what.
We’ve rounded up five great examples of used SUVs that can be had on a tight budget. All are spacious enough for family use, with five spacious seats and boots big enough for anything a family can throw at them. As a bonus, we’ve included a model we think you should avoid, even if it seems like a brilliant deal.
The best family SUVs to buy in 2024
Best in comfort: Volkswagen Tiguan (2008-2016)
Volkswagen was fairly 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 considered one of the most comfortable SUVs of its generation, with excellent seats, a smooth ride and low noise levels.
It’s also very practical, with plenty of space for passengers and luggage, while a wide choice of engines combine good mid-range power with excellent fuel economy. The caveat is that the Tiguan isn’t as reliable as some of the best SUVs, so choose wisely, buy the best model you can and avoid anything that feels tired or abused.
The SE and Match versions are probably the most versatile, although do not reject a Sport version, at a good price, or the Escape version, more oriented towards off-roading and which therefore has different front and rear bumpers to improve the attitude of the car and angles. exit.
Price from: £3,500
We find: 2009 Tiguan 2.0 TDI Escape Auto, 83,000 miles, full service history £4,999
Careful with: Power steering failures; electrical failures as a result of faulty fuse boxes; faulty climate control; child lock failure; fuel leaks
Best in reliability: Toyota RAV4 (2006-2012)
The third-generation RAV4 is here for one reason above all others: reliability. Like all Toyotas, it has an excellent reputation for longevity that few of its SUV rivals can match. Owners tend to love their cars simply because they rarely break down and most say they only need to perform regular maintenance and replace perishable parts.
But reliability isn’t the RAV4’s only strong point. Our £5,000 budget will now be extended to an example with the excellent 2.2-litre diesel engine, making the RAV4 one of the most frugal options on the market.
The RAV4 handles well too, even if its light steering removes the last layer of involvement compared to something like the Tiguan or Qashqai. But the body is well controlled, has plenty of grip and responds predictably when cornering, making it an easy car to drive. What’s more, the ride is reasonably comfortable and there’s a decent amount of space inside.
Price from: £1,500
We find: 2010 2.2 D-4D XT-R 4WD, 92,000 miles, full service history, £4,995
Careful with: Rigid and notchy gearboxes; clutches that slip or make noise; warped brake discs; rusty floors and wheel arches; signs of off-road abuse
The best for seven seats: Hyundai Santa Fe (2006-2012)
The idea of buying a used Hyundai may not fill everyone with joy, but don’t rule out the Santa Fe just because of its badge. This is an attractive SUV that is not only immensely practical, but also tremendously versatile, with the option of seven seats on offer.
On the one hand, thanks to its heavy weight and robust construction, the Santa Fe is a great tow vehicle; If you’re looking for a cheap SUV to tow a caravan, look no further. It’s also reliable: Obviously, these older models will need occasional repairs, but they’re cheap to maintain, and a Santa Fe in good condition should be reliable and cheap to repair, too.
To drive, you’ll find the Santa Fe comfortable and welcoming, and while it obviously won’t corner with the alacrity of a sports car, it’s safe, competent and responsive enough for the needs of most SUV buyers. Inside, the dashboard is constructed from fairly cheap-looking plastics (there’s some obnoxious fake wood too), but everything is well designed and the Santa Fe is fairly well equipped, particularly in its top-spec Premium form.
Price from: £1,500
We find: 2010 Santa Fe CRDi Premium 4WD 7th, 87,000 miles, service history, £4,989
Careful with: Problems with the diesel particulate filter; chipped or cracked windshields; head gasket failures in diesel engines; broken/cracked interior plastics
Best in affordability: Nissan Qashqai (2010-2013)
The Nissan Qashqai was introduced in 2006, but early models had a harsh ride and a cheap-looking interior. The 2010 facelift improved these issues dramatically, making it a much better option if your budget allows.
This is the SUV to choose if you don’t want the gargantuan dimensions normally associated with these types of cars. The Qashqai is compact: about the size of a normal family hatchback in length and width, but taller, so you still get the better view of the road and the easier entry and access to the rear seats expected from a SUV.
Because it’s smaller than most SUVs, it’s also cheaper, not only to buy but also to run, so you tend to be able to get a newer, lower-mileage car for your money.
Inside, the Qashqai is attractive and easy to find your way around, and although it’s not as spacious as a larger SUV, there’s still plenty of room for a family in the rear seats and boot.
Meanwhile, its surprisingly involving handling means it’s predictable and genuinely fun to drive, and while this latest model’s revised suspension isn’t yet the last word in comfort, it should be soft enough for most people.
Price from: £2,000
We find: 2012 Qashqai 1.5 dCi Tekna, 87,000 miles, full service history, £5,000
Careful with: Hitting the rear suspension; weak automatic gearboxes; loose exterior accessories; clogged diesel particulate filters; Turbo failures and rough operation in 1.5 diesel engines.
The best all-terrain vehicle and our best purchase: Honda CR-V (2007-2012)
The Honda CR-V has been around for more than 20 years and this third-generation version is one of the best in the model’s history.
For starters, there’s the way it drives. It rides smoothly and resists the kind of plump behavior that SUVs in this price range often exhibit. What’s more, while not their best, the CR-V’s well-damped suspension will be comfortable enough for most.
It feels robust inside, too, with the kind of no-nonsense build quality you’d expect from a Honda, and many CR-Vs come with a long list of standard equipment, especially if you opt for the top-spec EX.
What’s more, there’s a choice between two good engines (one petrol and one diesel) and, although the latter’s reputation for reliability is not as impeccable as the former’s, neither should prove problematic if well maintained. And all this before we’ve even talked about the CR-V’s asset, which is its voluminous interior, with room for three adults to sit comfortably in the back and a large trunk.
Price from: £1,700
We find: 2010 CR-V 2.2 CTDi ES, 91,000 miles, full service history, £4,990
Careful with: Failure of the dual-mass flywheel and injectors in diesel engines; premature clutch wear
And the £5,000 SUV to avoid at all costs…
Dodge Nitro (2007-2010)
Of course, the Nitro is not without its good points. You get a lot of car for your money, which means it’s big inside and, as is often the case with American models, it’s also generously equipped.
However, the same can be said for many other cars that could be purchased for this money. With either of them, you wouldn’t have to live with the Nitro’s terribly cheap interior, with its rough, sharp plastics. You also wouldn’t have to live with the noisy 2.8-litre diesel engine or the rampant fuel consumption. The Nitro isn’t very good to drive either, with a sluggish ride quality and errant steering.
So yes, while it is cheap, there is a reason for it. Nitro is best left on the shelf.
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