How do you choose a family car that’s right for you? Share your experiences and questions for Autotrader expert - £100 voucher to be won!

[CeriMumsnet]

Whether you’re searching for your first family car, about to replace your current one, or you’ve recently upsized, one thing is clear: parenting brings a specific set of needs when it comes to cars.

We’d love to hear about your experiences of choosing a family car. What made you realise you needed a new one, and which features matter to you most? What advice would you give to parents currently searching for their perfect family car?

We're also pleased to announce that Autotrader's trusted car expert, Erin Baker, will be on hand to answer any questions you have around choosing a family car, from which make and model to choose, to whether now's the time to go electric, and everything in between - she promises there's no such thing as a stupid question!

Everyone who shares their experience or question by 12 February will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 VEX voucher.

About Erin
Mum of four Erin is Autotrader’s Editorial Director, and has spent most of her career as a motoring journalist on The Daily Telegraph. She also writes a monthly car column for Vogue, hosts She's Electric, and is a World Car of the Year judge. She has a motorbike licence, and used to have a race licence.

For me it's a combination of multiple things: cost and reliability obviously. But also size, leg/head space in the back, boot space and ride height.

I'm dreading my Nissan Note dying as there seems to be nothing equivalent on the market - raised ride height, loads of space for back seat passengers but small external dimensions.

And, as a pp has said, why are secondhand cars in the UK so ridiculously expensive?

Hi @LittleBigSister that yellow beachball of fun is the Jeep Avenger. Yours in petrol, hybrid or electric versions.

Hi @CoffeeSparkle Boy, are you going to be pleasantly surprised by how much cars have moved on in 15 years. Well done, by the way, for keeping your Golf running so long. No need to get a lemon: we can tick all your boxes (although tell DH that there are loads of very smart, cool-looking textiles on seats these days, and they tend to age better than leather while still looking premium). If you’re looking for Golf size again, while keeping budget down and reliability up, look at three-year-old Volkswagen T-Rocs (an SUV version of the Golf), Peugeot 308s, Ford Pumas, Kia Sportages, Skoda Karoqs, Nissan Qashqais and Dacia Dusters. Out of that lot, my all-round winner is the Skoda. Dacia is best for price and speed humps; Peugeot for driving and style; Ford for boot space, leather and speed humps; Kia for more space, leather and reliability. But the Skoda is your all-round winner for best sweet spot.

All are important to me - a hybrid or electric car would be something i'd look at - but I am not sure about resale and depreciation rates for these cars.
I'd look for a reliable car, with a good spacious design for the whole family, and a reversing camera, and inbuilt satnav.

Boot space, towing capacity, ground clearance and four wheel drive.

A heated steering wheel would be nice too.

It really needs to have reliability, and I'd read reviews for that, I'd love a new car which I'd have for the tech I'd want, but my last car bought at 2 years old, and has served be well - It's now 11 years old and I'm looking for a reliable, 4 door, economical car - which would not depreciate too much over the years.

Boot space and safety were my criteria coupled with low running and servicing costs plus reliability. It didn’t have to have the latest tech or be a really smooth ride. I kind of knew it was going to get battered about through kids being sick, muddy shoes, food, spilt drinks so I was less bothered about a swish interior. In fact, wipeable plastic came into its own.

For me being able to press that ignition button and know that when I gave got everyone and everything in the car in the morning - that it will start, even in the coldest of winters. I use snowtyres and a good antifreeze in the winter. So yes reliability is key.

Safety, reliability and boot space!

We realised we needed a new car when our family got bigger and it was no longer possible to have a smaller car.

Reliability and affordability, nothing too flashy.
Boot space is also important.

Most importantly I look at reviews for reliability and also the cost of purchase and tax are taken into account. After that I'd look at the boot size. I'd also want a five door car.

Quite honestly we went for one with largest boot we could find. We got Peugeot e3008. It can carry 3 huge cricket bags for 3 teen boys and a fold up chair for DH and me plus picnic basket. Not many cars will fit all this in the boot.

With first child, we had 3-door car and it worked okay, but when second child arrived we needed a 5-door.

Right now, our small car is sufficient for our small family so we haven't needed to upgrade yet. My advice would be to get one within your budget and don't get one on finance if you can afford outright, for ease of mind.

@MaddyMumsnet @CeriMumsnet @MNHQ @EllieSmumsnet

Bumping as seems like a winner has yet to be picked for this. Can you let us know the who the winner is please?

Thanks to everyone who posted about choosing family cars. I'm happy to announce that the winner of the prize draw is @Quietvoiceplease - congratulations!