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BMW 5 Series

best-used-family-suvs-for-less-than-pound10000

Thanks to the popularity of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family&nbsp;SUVs</a>&nbsp;there's now more choice than ever on the second-hand car market, even if your budget is limited to a maximum of just&nbsp;£10,000.

But with so much on offer, which ones should you go for? To help you decide, we've collated a list of our top 10 favourites. We've even linked them to our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">used cars classified site</a>&nbsp;so if you're tempted by one of our 10 you could actually put it on your driveway.&nbsp;

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

Best used family SUVs for less than £10,000

Estate

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

YETI

The much-loved Skoda Yeti is an excellent family SUV; its only real downside is that its infotainment technology is a little dated now compared with more modern rivals. The Yeti isn't the biggest SUV on the outside, but thanks to its boxy exterior it's remarkably roomy inside, and versatile seating makes the most of that space. It's chunky, still funky and remarkably practical.&nbsp;

"The very definition of the go-anywhere, do-anything SUV. Affordable, chic, even though it's old now and there are far more modern SUVs out there I still love the Yeti. Buy one of the last in rugged 'Outdoor' trim." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2017 Skoda Yeti Outdoor 1.2 TSI Elegance, 50,000 miles, £8550

10: Skoda Yeti

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fun to drive for an SUV</li>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
	<li>Some efficient versions</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Too much wind and road noise</li>
	<li>Ride is jittery on poor surfaces</li>
	<li>Removable rear seats are fiddly</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

Suzuki is well known as a motorcycle manufacturer, but the car brand has been enjoying decent success in recent years, thanks to a line-up of neat, well-equipped and keenly priced models.

Its expertise focuses on smaller cars, although its high-riding SUV range is also hugely credible, especially the Ignis and Vitara, which are both rated highly by What Car?’s testers and which have enjoyed success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

Well priced, decent to drive and full of useful tech, Suzuki’s cars also generally stand out for delivering good fuel economy. The Ignis, Celerio and Baleno have all stood head and shoulders above the competition during our True MPG testing.

SUZUKI

SX4 S-CROSS

Another good family SUV choice and one that shouldn't misbehave is the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross because it comes with an excellent reliability record. Go for an SZ4 model like we have and you'll get everything you'll need, plus a perky 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that certainly doesn't have a drinking problem. It's understated and overlooked but definitely worth a gander.&nbsp;

"A car that's almost unknown, admittedly, but don't let that put you off. I think this is a good car to drive, practical and really reliable. It's also great value. I guarantee your neighbours will be asking you what it is.' - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 1.0 Boosterjet SZ4, 53,000 miles, £8999

9: Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Option of four-wheel drive</li>
	<li>Generous kit</li>
	<li>Handles neatly for an SUV</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor rear leg room</li>
	<li>Firm ride</li>
	<li>Interior quality</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

TIGUAN

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tiguan/estate/review/n17357">Volkswagen Tiguan</a>&nbsp;is one of the most sophisticated&nbsp;choices on this list&nbsp;and it still holds up well dynamically against its rivals, despite our money only buying you the previous generation car. Look for an example in&nbsp;Match trim, because this&nbsp;adds a number of worthwhile extras such as auto lights and wipers, dual-zone climate control, and front and rear parking sensors.&nbsp;It would have come higher in this list were it not for its age.

"A victim of its own greatness here. You see if you could buy a newer Tiguan for the money it'd finish much higher up our list. This old model is still worth a look, though. I like the way it drives and its stumpy looks." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2016&nbsp;Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI Match, 61,000 miles, £8500

8: Volkswagen Tiguan

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Refined interior</li>
	<li>Efficient engines</li>
	<li>Spacious</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride</li>
	<li>Limited off-road capability</li>
	<li>Comparatively expensive to buy</li>
</ul>

Nissan turned up early to the SUV party, with its Qashqai paving the way for the countless models we see today. The Qashqai continues to sell in big numbers in the UK, too, and was also our overall Car of the Year in 2014.

Don’t think Nissan is just about SUVs, though. As well as the Qashqai, the smaller Juke and the larger X-Trail, the Japanese brand has the Micra hatchback, GT-R sports car and Navara pick-up truck.

Nissan was also one of the first big car makers to launch a fully electric car, with its latest Leaf being one of the best on the market.

Despite being based in Japan, Nissan has long committed to building cars in the UK, making several of its best-selling models at a huge factory in Sunderland.

NISSAN

QASHQAI

Speaking of good fuel economy, diesel versions of the ever-popular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai&nbsp;</a>can embarrass much smaller cars when it comes to efficiency. Mid-range Acenta examples are the ones to go for because you get dual-zone climate control, cruise control, auto lights and wipers, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Reliability can be an issue, though.&nbsp;

"The one that started the trend for family SUVs and still a good car today. This model I ran as a long-termer and found it spacious and comfortable for my family." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi Acenta, 38,000&nbsp;miles, £9999

7: Nissan Qashqai

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Quiet and comfortable</li>
	<li>Sips fuel</li>
	<li>Lots of equipment</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor reliability</li>
	<li>Ride suffers on 19in wheels</li>
	<li>Limited rear visibility</li>
</ul>

Hatchbacks, SUVs, hybrids, electric cars: Renault makes them all, in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning&nbsp;it has a line-up designed to tempt pretty much everyone.

From the roadside, the standout feature of all its cars is design, with them instantly recognisable as members of the Renault family, without being so similar that they fall&nbsp;into the Russian doll trap. However, in terms of ability they're a mixed bag,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from very good to no better than average.

Models that fall into the former camp include the Clio small hatchback and Megane E-Tech electric car, while the smaller Zoe electric car is also impressive in most respects; it's just a pity Renault omits key safety kit.

On the other hand, the Captur, Arkana and Austral SUVs are all outclassed by several rivals.

Renault has some exciting new models planned, including a new Scenic (this time it will be an electric SUV instead of a conventionally powered MPV) and two cars that reimagine classic Renaults: the 4 and 5.

RENAULT

KADJAR

Despite being essentially the same underneath as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan&nbsp;Qashqai</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/renault">Renault</a>&nbsp;Kadjar is a fraction more practical than its sibling thanks to its bigger boot. Fuel efficiency is slightly better if you go for the diesel, but we'd suggest you go for the entry-level petrol that's much more refined. A great reliability result for the diesel-engined Kadjars in our most recent reliability survey seals the deal.&nbsp;

"When is a Qashqai not a Qashqai? When it's a Kadjar. This is the unknown twin and a good car for SUV work. Good value too. And look at that great reliability rating." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2019&nbsp;Renault Kadjar 1.2 TCe Dynamique Nav, 30,000&nbsp;miles, £8995

6: Renault Kadjar

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
	<li>Bigger boot than sibling Nissan Qashqai</li>
	<li>Quiet petrol engines</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>So-so quality</li>
	<li>Grabby brakes</li>
	<li>Choppy ride on big alloys</li>
</ul>

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mg-motor-uk/zs/hatchback/review/n17318">MG ZS</a>&nbsp;has many strengths, including its relatively classy interior, decent handling and roomy rear seats. It's available from new with a choice of two petrol engines, a 1.0-litre and a 1.5, and you should be able to find an early example of either for our budget now. Safety ratings are only average and some rivals are more practical but there's plenty to like here.&nbsp;

"A highly left-field choice. The thing about the MG is it's much better at everything SUV-related than you think. It's also really good value. Only its safety ratings and mixed reliability count against it." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2020&nbsp;MG ZS 1.5 VTi Excite, 30,000 miles, £9995

5: MG ZS

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plenty of space</li>
	<li>Responsive infotainment</li>
	<li>Big boot</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Poor quality interior</li>
	<li>Unsettled ride</li>
	<li>Average range in EV version</li>
</ul>

If you want a new car but would rather not spend much, Dacia is a great place to start your search.

This budget brand builds some of Britain’s cheapest new cars, including the Sandero hatchback. And don’t think cheap automatically means corners have been cut, because the Sandero has been commended at the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards on numerous occasions.

Other Dacia models include the&nbsp;higher-riding Sandero Stepway, seven-seat Jogger, and rugged Duster SUV. And while these cost slightly more than the Sandero, they’re still priced aggressively enough that they’re really only competing directly with used cars.

Dacia manages this by borrowing mechanicals and technology from its owner, Renault, to minimise development costs.

DACIA

DUSTER

Some people just want a no-nonsense car to see them through, and the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/dacia/duster/estate/review/n67">Dacia Duster</a>&nbsp;delivers on that promise and more. You can get into an entry-level example of the much improved latest model for our budget, and it'll have below-average mileage too. Plus, it isn't as basic as you might expect – this one even has a stereo and air-con thrown in.&nbsp;

"You gotta love the Duster. I do. It'll do all the practical stuff that all the other cars here do but at a lower cost, age-for-age." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Dacia Duster 1.6 SCe Essential, 21,000 miles, £9500

4: Dacia Duster

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>A lot of car for the money</li>
	<li>Big boot</li>
	<li>4x4 version very capable</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sparse equipment on lower trims</li>
	<li>Interior feels very cheap</li>
	<li>Disappointing Euro NCAP safety rating</li>
</ul>

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

TUCSON

You could apply the Ronseal tagline of 'Does exactly what it says on the tin' to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/tucson/4x4/review/n103">Hyundai Tucson</a>&nbsp;because it gives you everything you'd expect of a family SUV: lots of space, plenty of equipment and an easy drive. Go for a front-wheel-drive 1.7-litre diesel over a four-wheel-drive 2.0-litre and it'll be inexpensive to buy and to run.

"Separating the Tucson from the Sportage is like choosing your favourite child but whichever you go for you'll get a highly competent and practical SUV. I like the fact the Tucson looks rather butch, as its name suggests." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2018&nbsp;Hyundai Tucson 1.7 CRDi SE Nav, 50,000 miles, £9495

3: Hyundai Tucson

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plenty of space</li>
	<li>Lots of equipment</li>
	<li>Relatively cheap to buy used</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plasticky interior</li>
	<li>Firm ride</li>
	<li>Some thirsty engines</li>
</ul>

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

SPORTAGE

Compared with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/tucson/4x4/review/n103">Hyundai Tuscon</a>&nbsp;it is closely related to, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a>&nbsp;is a slightly better drive and comes with a longer (seven years from new as opposed to five) manufacturer's warranty – which gives it the edge, because if you shop around you might find one with some warranty left. It was a popular new choice too, so there are loads of examples out there to pick from.

"The Sportage is a car that has improved immeasurably over the years. This model was the first that was good to drive and really practical. I love the looks of it and at this price it's very desirable." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2018&nbsp;Kia Sportage 1.6 GDi ISG 2, 48,000 miles, £9995

2: Kia Sportage

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Spacious and practical interior</li>
	<li>Good value for money used</li>
	<li>Neat steering</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Diesel engine can be noisy</li>
	<li>So-so ride and handling</li>
	<li>No automatic emergency braking on some models</li>
</ul>

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

ATECA

You'll have to shop around, but early examples of the award-winning&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ateca/estate/review/n111">Seat Ateca</a>&nbsp;are just starting to fall into the sub-£10k category, giving buyers yet another reason to go for this great family SUV. Even the base 1.0-litre petrol is remarkably capable, and the Ateca drives far better than everything on this list. What's more, it is incredibly&nbsp;practical with a huge boot that's perfect for family life.

"I love the Ateca. It was the first family SUV that was good enough to please keen drivers. It was a deserved winner of our What Car? Used Car of the Year Award in 2019." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2017 Seat Ateca 1.0 TSI SE, 70,000&nbsp;miles, £9999

1: Seat Ateca

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Spacious interior</li>
	<li>Class-leading handling</li>
	<li>Boot space pips rivals</li>
	<li>Good value used</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some rivals offer more flexible seating</li>
	<li>Interior isn’t that plush</li>
	<li>One or two are more economical</li>
</ul>

You can put a practical and desirable family SUV on your driveway for less than £10,000 if you buy used, but which one should you choose? Here are our top 10 favourites

NEW REVIEWS:

Best used family SUVs for less than £10,000

You can put a practical and desirable family SUV on your driveway for less than £10,000 if you buy used, but which one should you choose? Here are our top 10 favourites...

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