If you’re looking for a family car, you might think that you have to give up on a fun car — but you don’t. There are many family cars that are surprisingly enjoyable to drive, and this list is proof. But most importantly, this list is affordable.
Here are five fun family cars that are exciting, fast, spacious and not excessively overpriced. All these cars let you enjoy family transportation without losing out on fun or spending a fortune.
The BMW X5 M was — and is — the high-performance version of the BMW X5 midsize SUV. In 2015, the X5M used an amazing 570-hp turbocharged V8 engine, and it can seriously move — 0-to-60 mph time is just 3.8 seconds. Even though this 5-year-old X5M was likely more than $100,000 when new, it has lost value quickly — it’s offered by Galleria BMW in Mississippi with 42,000 miles for a mere $46,226. Find a BMW X5 M for sale
The Chevrolet SS is one of the best-kept secrets in sedans, as it touts an impressive 415 hp from its V8, along with a 0-to-60 mph time in the high four-second range — and yet few were sold and basically nobody knows what it is. Think of it as a 4-door Chevy Camaro and you’d be on track — except the SS has more forgettable styling and a more luxurious interior. The SS has also lost value fast — this 2014 model is offered by Sunset Chrysler Dodge Jeep in Florida with 60,000 miles for just $26,988. Find a Chevrolet SS for sale
2013 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Wagon – $47,800
The Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Wagon is a special car, as it’s a high-performance AMG Mercedes, except … a wagon. It’s very contrary to what you’d expect from a wagon, and this car has the 520 hp and four-point-something-second 0-to-60 mph time to prove it. Finished in white with a black interior, this 2013 E 63 AMG Wagon is offered by Chicago Motor Cars with 48,000 miles, and it’s listed for $47,800. Find a Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Wagon for sale
2012 Porsche Cayenne Turbo – $37,688
The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is a fantastic example of a fast family vehicle, as it touts midsize SUV interior room combined with a 500-hp turbocharged V8. While new Cayenne Turbo models easily crest $120,000, used ones fall in value quickly. This example, finished in an unusual green color, is a 2012 model offered with 60,000 miles by iCars Chicago for a mere $37,688 — just a fraction of its original price. Find a Porsche Cayenne for sale
2018 Volvo V60 Polestar – $39,999
The Volvo V60 Polestar is a special car: a modern high-performance wagon with exciting styling, particularly when finished in this bright shade of Rebel Blue. I love this car, and I think it might be one of the last fast Volvo wagons ever as the market shifts towards SUVs. This particular example is listed by a private seller in Southern California for $39,999, and it has a salvage title — but it’s traveled just 1,580 miles from new. If you get a trained mechanic to confirm that damage has been repaired to meet high-quality standards, this could be a bargain — or you could search for another one. Either way, the V60 Polestar is a worthy choice for a fun, fast family car. Find a Volvo V60 for sale
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Guess this was Doug’s last post!
Actually, the E55 AMG Wagon is a way better bargain than the E63. Cheaper to buy, much cheaper to maintain (E63 is susceptible to corroding head bolts, brakes are four times as expensive.). Still 467hp, 0-60 in 4.1, and best of all: two-wheel drive!
They are great cars, but they also haven’t been made since 2006. The M157 did have headbolt issues in the early models, but the last two years are largely problem free. Not to mention they discontinued the 6.2L in 2012 for the twin-turbo 5.5L.
That SS is an anomaly. It’s the least desirable model year (14’s are all automatic and don’t have magnetic ride) and has unusually high mileage. Manuals with lower mileage are still $35-45k give or take.
Nobody ever talks about the Acura RLX Sport Hybrid. Big car, 4.something 0-60, and Honda reliability. Forget the used Germans unless you want to write a blog about how much $$$$ you piled into it.