Which is the Best Used Family Car to Import? Our Top 8

Are you in the market for a reliable, spacious family vehicle but finding UK options a bit lacklustre? Importing a car from Japan to the UK might be your perfect solution. After years of importing and inspecting thousands of Japanese vehicles, we've seen first-hand how these cars consistently outperform their European counterparts for quality, reliability, and value.

In this guide, we'll walk you through our top 8 picks for the best used family car imports from Japan, highlighting which model might suit your family's specific needs. Each of these vehicles represents the best affordable family car UK families can access through the import market.

Why Import a Japanese Family Car?

Before diving into our recommendations, here’s why importing a family car from Japan to the UK makes so much sense:

• Japanese vehicles are renowned for their reliability and longevity
• Pre-2015 models in Japan often have significantly lower mileage than UK equivalents
• The best second hand car for family use often comes from Japan, where owners typically maintain vehicles meticulously
• You'll get premium features for mid-range prices
• Many models were never officially sold in the UK, meaning you'll stand out from the crowd

For a more detailed breakdown of the import process, check out our Japanese Auto Imports UK Car Buying Guide.

Our Top 8 Japanese Family Cars to Import

1. Toyota Alphard: The Premium Choice

The Alphard is the ultimate Toyota family car 7 seater for those who want business-class comfort. With its imposing presence and luxurious interior, it's essentially a limousine for families.

Perfect for: Families who value comfort above all else

Key features:

• Available as a 7 or 8 seater
• Captain's seats with ottomans in higher specs
• Powerful 2.4L or 3.5L V6 engines with hybrid options
• Supreme comfort with excellent sound insulation
• Enormous boot space when third row is folded

The Toyota Alphard is the best 7 seater family car for those who do regular long journeys and want to arrive refreshed.

2. Toyota Vellfire: The Stylish Sibling

Think of the Vellfire as the Alphard's sportier twin - a Toyota people carrier with a more aggressive front end design and luxury interior.

Perfect for: Families who want luxury but with a touch more personality

Key features:

• More youthful, sporty styling than the Alphard
• Same excellent mechanical platform and engine options
• 7-seater configuration with premium captain's chairs
• Often comes with higher-spec entertainment systems
• One of the best 7 seater people carrier options for those who still want to make a statement

3. Toyota Noah: The Practical All-Rounder

The Noah represents the perfect middle ground in the Toyota family car 7 seater range - not as large  as the Alphard, but more spacious than many European options.

Perfect for: Families seeking a versatile vehicle that balances space with reasonable running costs

Key features:

• Available in 7 or 8-seater configurations
• Sliding doors on both sides for easy access
• More compact dimensions than Alphard/Vellfire
• Great fuel economy from 2.0L engines
• Smart interior with flexible seating arrangements

As a 7 seater people carrier, the Toyota Noah offers exceptional practicality without excessive bulk.

4. Toyota Voxy: The Sporty Practical Option

The Voxy is essentially the Noah's sportier sibling - a Toyota people carrier with more aggressive styling but the same practical underpinnings.

Perfect for: Active families who want practicality with a more youthful design

Key features:

• Sportier external styling compared to the Noah
• Same practical sliding door arrangement
• Available in 7 or 8-seat configurations
• Often equipped with extras like rear entertainment systems
• Great for those seeking a best affordable family car UK import with character

5. Toyota Estima: The Sleek Space-Master

The Estima (sold as the Previa in some markets) has a distinctive profile that sets it apart from other 7 seater people carrier options.

Perfect for: Design-conscious families who want something a bit different

Key features:

• Unique, futuristic styling
• Available in 7 or 8-seat configurations
• Some models offer 4WD capability
• Excellent visibility from the panoramic windscreen
• Smooth ride quality

The Toyota Estima is particularly noted for its handling, making it one of the best used family car options for those who enjoy the open road.

6. Nissan Elgrand: The Luxury Cruiser

The Elgrand is Nissan's answer to the Alphard, a premium Nissan family car that delivers exceptional comfort and presence.

Perfect for: Families looking for luxury, technology, and statement styling

Key features:

• Available as 7 or 8-seater
• Powerful 2.5L or 3.5L V6 engines
• Often equipped with advanced tech features
• Excellent sound insulation and ride quality
• One of the best 8 seater family car UK imports for luxury-minded buyers

The Elgrand offers exceptional value in the premium MPV segment and is often better equipped than similar European models.  Learn more about this model in our Nissan Elgrand buyer's guide. 

7. Honda Odyssey: The Driver's Choice

The Odyssey is a Honda people carrier that balances an engaging driving experience alongside family practicality.

Perfect for: Families where the main driver still wants to enjoy the journey

Key features:

• Lower overall height than many rivals
• Car-like handling characteristics
• Available in 7 or 8-seat configurations
• Clever "magic seats" folding system
• Sleek external styling

Looking for the best used family car option? The Honda Odyssey particularly appeals to those transitioning from a regular car to their first MPV.

8. Honda Stepwagon: The Practical Box

The Stepwagon has a boxy design that maximises internal space, making it the hands-down winner when it comes to family cars with big boots.

Perfect for: Active families who carry lots of gear

Key features:

• Incredibly practical square shape maximises internal volume
• Dual sliding doors for easy access
• Split tailgate for easy access to the boot
• Flexible 8-seat configuration
• Low loading height
• Excellent headroom throughout

Among family cars with big boots, the Stepwagon is hard to beat for sheer carrying capacity relative to external dimensions.

Which is the Best Match for Your Family?

The best second hand car for family use depends entirely on your specific needs:

• For luxury seekers: The Alphard, Vellfire or Elgrand offer supreme comfort
• For everyday practicality: The Noah, Voxy or Stepwagon provide excellent utility
• For style-conscious buyers: The Estima or Odyssey offer more distinctive designs
• For outdoor adventurers: The Stepwagon or Noah win if you’re looking for family cars with big boots 
• For urban families: The more compact dimensions of the Odyssey or Estima might suit better

The Import Process: Easier Than You Think

Many people are intimidated by the prospect of importing a car from Japan to the UK, but with specialists like Davey Japan handling the process, it's remarkably straightforward.
The key stages include:

1. Vehicle selection: We help you find the perfect best affordable family car UK import
2. Bidding and purchase: We secure your vehicle at the right price
3. Shipping and documentation: We handle all paperwork and logistics
4. UK registration and compliance: We ensure your vehicle meets all UK requirements

The result? You get the best used family car that offers exceptional value compared to UK-sourced alternatives.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Family Car?

Whether you're looking for a Toyota people carrier, a Nissan family car, or a Honda people carrier, Japanese imports offer quality and features that often surpass expectations. From the best 8 seater family car UK options like the Alphard and Elgrand, to more compact choices like the Noah and Odyssey, there's a Japanese import perfect for every family. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements, and let us help you navigate the exciting world of Japanese car imports - where quality, reliability and practicality come as standard.