Family Cars For $600 A Month
Think a $600 monthly budget can’t get you a great family car? It’s a challenge—but it’s possible.
With car prices higher than ever, even $600 a month likely won’t cover a brand-new car in today’s market. That said, this budget can still go a long way toward finding a reliable, family-friendly car if you approach the process with the right strategy and priorities.
At the same time, I want to acknowledge $600 a month is no small amount—it’s a significant commitment for most families. But in today’s market, it’s often what people are spending to secure a dependable, feature-packed family car. While I don’t advocate for taking on unnecessary debt, I recognize that financing is part of the reality for many families. The good news? With careful planning and smart shopping, there are still plenty of excellent options that fit within this budget and meet your family’s needs.
Whether you’re hunting for a dependable daily driver or a spacious family hauler, I’m here to help you navigate the process with confidence if you’re new here—welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom, a CPST, a mom of four, and a family car enthusiast. My goal is to help you find a car that fits your needs without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into how to make the most of a $600 monthly budget and explore some top recommendations for family-friendly cars.
Is $600 A Month A High Car Payment?
No matter the family, a $600 car payment is a large expense, but in today’s market, it’s becoming more and more common. To better understand if it’s “high,” let’s compare it to the national averages:
New Cars: The average monthly payment for a new car in 2024 is $737. This is much higher than $600, which means most new cars might not fit into this budget unless you choose a basic model or shorter loan terms.
Pre-Owned Cars: The average monthly payment for a pre-owned car is around $520–$525. This is lower than $600, making the pre-owned market a great option for families who want to save money but still get a reliable, feature-packed car. With $600, you can even afford newer used models or higher trims with more features.
So, is $600 high? It depends. Compared to new cars, it’s below average, but it’s above average for used cars. For many families, though, $600 represents an investment in safety, reliability, and features that meet their needs. And while borrowing money for a car isn’t ideal, it’s often necessary.
The good news? With careful shopping—especially in the pre-owned market—$600 can still get you a great family car that fits your budget and lifestyle.
Aren’t Interest Rates For Pre-Owned Cars Higher?
Even though interest rates on used car loans might be a bit higher, the smaller loan amounts for pre-owned cars help keep monthly payments much lower. With a $600 monthly budget, you can explore a wide variety of options, including newer used models or higher trims with better features like upgraded interiors or advanced safety tech.
This means you can get more car for your money—whether that’s extra comfort, more modern features, or even a car that feels like new—without stretching your budget too far. Plus, you’ll often pay less overall compared to financing a brand-new car. It’s a win-win for families looking for quality and value.
Regardless Of Budget, Here’s Why I Recommend The Pre-Owned Car Market:
Buying a pre-owned car often comes with hesitation or anxiety, especially if you’re using it as a family car, but it shouldn’t! No matter your budget, the pre-owned car market offers incredible value and flexibility that’s hard to ignore. In fact, the used car market is thriving for a reason (and a very good one).
Here’s why test driving, and potentially buying, a pre-owned car might just be the best decision you’ll make:
Greater Value for Your Money
Pre-owned cars offer a better value compared to new ones. Depreciation is an unfortunate part of car ownership and new cars lose 30% of their value in just the first year. By purchasing a pre-owned car, you can score the vehicle you want at a significantly lower price, all while it retains its value better over time.
Tested and Trusted Reliability
I always recommend considering a car’s reliability score when searching for the right fit for your family. If a car has gracefully reached the 50,000 or 100,000-mile milestone, it's a promising indicator that, with regular maintenance and care, it has plenty of life left to support your family.
If you’re concerned about the big 100k mile mark, check out this blog post that answers the question: how many miles is too many miles here!
It's important to remember that no vehicle is free from maintenance and repairs, but this is just part of owning a car! Car manufacturers outline maintenance up to 200,000 miles for a reason—they're confident in their vehicles' longevity. Sometimes, dealerships even offer extended warranties to make the decision to purchase a pre-owned car even easier.
There Are Still Excellent Features Available
There's a common misconception that pre-owned cars fall short when it comes to safety features and technology. I'm here to tell you, that's simply not true. In fact, the evolution of what I like to call "enjoyable" safety and tech features in cars hit a sort of peak around 2017-2018.
For example, did you know that as of May 1st, 2018 every new car must be equipped with a backup camera standard? What this means is that vehicles from those years often come equipped with some of the very same features you'd find in the brand-new models on today's market. The differences, if any, are minimal and mostly cosmetic.
The real advantage of opting for a pre-owned car, especially from a cost perspective, is the potential to upgrade to a higher trim level. This upgrade can afford you access to an array of additional features, ones you might not have been able to afford if you were shopping for a new car. This makes going the pre-owned route not just a savvy financial decision, but a choice that doesn't compromise on safety and technology.
How To Shop The Pre-Owned Market
As The Car Mom, it’s my mission to help families of all sizes and budgets find a car that perfectly fits into their lifestyle. If you’re looking for a car for $600 a month, there are TONS of great options available. The best thing I recommend (regardless of the price, car brand, etc…) when car shopping is entering the dealership with confidence.
Before just blindly shopping around for cars that may fit your needs, the first step is figuring out how much CAR fits into your budget. I love using our FREE Car Payment Calculator because it allows you to work backwards. All you have to do is type in your desired monthly payment and it will calculate your max vehicle price.
Once you have a clear understanding of your budget, you can start narrowing down your options. Focus on cars that not only meet your financial needs but also align with your family’s priorities, like space, safety features, and fuel efficiency. Trust me, there is an option out there that will work!
My Pre-Owned Car Recommendations For $600 A Month:
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition (specifically the Max wheelbase) is our family car and I cannot recommend it enough! For families out there with 3+ kids looking for a full-size SUV, I truly believe this is one of the most flexible options on the market.
The second-row bench seat is a game-changer, fitting any three car seats across combination while still allowing access to the third row. With plenty of space, multiple tether and lower anchors for car seats and ceiling vents to keep kids cool, it’s built with families in mind. The trunk is also roomy enough for double strollers or groceries, and folding down the third row creates even more space.
While I cannot imagine our family of six (with four kids in car seats) in any other car, I will say it’s not perfect. No full-size SUV comes with incredible gas mileage, but the 20-21 mpg is decent. Lastly, I will note at times the infotainment system can be glitchy and I don’t like having the climate controls in it. Other than that, this is an incredible family hauler.
Kelly’s Year Recommendation: To get within a $600 a month budget, the 2020 year is what I’d recommend looking into.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a great option for families with 1-2 kids looking for a large mid-size SUV. It offers a roomy second row with thoughtful features like USB-C chargers built into the seatbacks, sunshades, and heated and ventilated seats. Getting into the third row is super easy thanks to its tilt-and-slide function, and there are some nice amenities back there too, like charging ports and heated seats.
That said, I have a few concerns with the car seat setup. The middle seat in the third row is pretty small and not very practical, and the placement of the lower anchors can make installing certain car seats tricky. The trunk space is decent and has extra storage underneath, but it’s not the best for bulky strollers.
Overall, I’d recommend the Palisade for smaller families who want premium features without breaking the bank, but it might not be the best option for those needing a ton of flexibility with car seat arrangements.
Kelly’s Year Recommendation: To get within a $600 a month budget, the 2021 year is what I’d recommend looking into.
Honda Odyssey
For families looking for a minivan that is HIGHLY functional, the Honda Odyssey is an excellent choice. Honda redesigned the Odyssey in 2017 and every year since, it has the exact same exterior with the latest features updated accordingly in the exterior.
The 2025 Honda Odyssey shines with family-friendly features like the Magic Slide second-row seats for easy third-row access with car seats installed, impressive car seat flexibility, and tons of storage. It offers six tether anchors, a spacious trunk, and flat-folding third-row seats. Additional highlights include built-in sunshades, a ceiling-mounted entertainment system, and plenty of cup holders, making it ideal for families seeking comfort and convenience.
While there is a ton of great things about the Odyssey, it lacks a hybrid option and all-wheel drive, which are available in competitors like the Toyota Sienna. Additionally, the second-row vents are not ceiling-mounted, affecting air circulation when multiple car seats are installed. That being said, I still think this is an incredible family car option.
Kelly’s Year Recommendation: To get within a $600 a month budget, the 2021 year is what I’d recommend looking into.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is an incredible car for families with 2-3 kids and it’s so great it earned the first Car Mom Car of the Year award! This is a solid large mid-size SUV that offers a ton of flexibility without jumping up to a full-size option.
The interior offers spacious seating for 6-7 passengers with a roomy second row that comfortably fits three car seats. It’s designed for families with practical features like a car seat tilt for easy third-row access, a roomy trunk, and excellent LATCH systems in both the second and third rows. Safety is a top priority with the Atlas, earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is a HUGE accomplishment and provides a lot of peace of mind.
One of my only complaints is the lack of ceiling vents, but no car can be absolutely perfect. This is one I cannot recommend test driving enough.
Kelly’s Year Recommendation: To get within a $600 a month budget, the 2022 year is what I’d recommend looking into.
Finding A Family Car For $600 A Month Is More Than Achievable!
A $600 monthly budget can certainly get you a great family car, especially if you're open to exploring the pre-owned market. This way, you can get more value for your money, allowing you to access higher trim levels or newer models that might otherwise be out of reach with a new car purchase.
I HIGHLY recommend using tools like our FREE Car Payment Calculator and focus on the features that are most important for your lifestyle. With the right strategy, you’ll secure a dependable, well-equipped car that will last for years.
Do you have any questions on how to find the right family car for your budget? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts:
