£3K Family car

[0iD]

Right, now I've driven my poor 1L Micra over 100 000 miles it's starting to show signs of wear & tear. Loved this car, (which is good as I generally hate cars), because of it's uber reliability & low running costs. If I have £3k to spend on a new family car what can I get that's just as reliable & cheap to run. Before I just go & get another Micra.

[tiggerai]

Want mine?

[5lab]

was the micra big enough? i would look at a ford - they're pretty reliable and unbelievably cheap to get parts for. anything from a focust to a mondeo to a ka would suit ya - you can probably get a ~1 year old ka for your money, which is a silly price.

[0iD]

The Micra was a bit small 4 kids etc. 2 of them still need child seats which meant that I couldn't take all four anywhere in my car I had to use Jac's Corolla. So bigger is better. Just want a no-nonsesne family car that's cheap to run, maitain & insure. And above all reliable, being a kid ferry

[jon bda]

Mid 90's Rover 218 SLD.

They stink and are built like tanks.

[5lab]

i think you could probably get an m-reg rover for a load less now.. i would say that £500 is nearer the mark

i would go for a diesel hatch a touch bigger.. a focus is pretty cheap to buy, there are *loads* around..and they should be cheap to run, cheap to buy parts, loadsa mpg etc..

[0iD]

Kewl, I'll keep mi eye out.

[J4MES]

Mazda 323f 1.5 (1994-1998); £2K should get you a minter, look in the private Autotrader adds... or a Corolla maybe... don't get an Almera... but definately buy another Jap car... not a Rover, especially not an old 200 series... eughhhh

[Tumble]

Don't get a Ka.... just had to get a quote to replace the rear suspension bushes.... Ford won't supply the bushes separately... you have to buy the whole rear axle assembly

[dkmech]

Something like a peugeot 406 estate Family. They got stonking great reviews on parkers. Have 7 seats and here's what you can get:
http://atsearch.autotrader.co.uk/WWW...00537207075508
We might be buying this one ourselves though Dad is after an estate.

[schmunk]

With 4 kids you MUST get a car with at least 6 seats. Otherwise, it's illegal and, more importantly, dangerous.

[0iD]

I know, it's a PITA taking 2 cars if we have a day out. But we've never ever crammed them into one. With the kiddy seats it's impossible anyway

However your advice has given me many more ideas than I did have

[Spud1]

Second vote for a 406 - great family cars, My dad's had his for 6 years now with no real problems, great to drive too, and plent of room

I really wouldnt get a KA though - a) they are fugly, b)they have a stupid cheesy name, c)they are fugly, d) they are tiny not big enough for you

Other than a 406 you could probably get a toyata corolla for around your budget (they last forever it seems) , or as 5lab said a mondeo?

[5lab]

i'd not read you had 4 kids. i'd go for something like a zafira if i were you.. you end up with a bit more boot than in a estate +2 seats..

actually, how about a multipla - you should just get a 2000 plate one for £3k. maybe not as good value as an estate but should hold its value better..

[0iD]

Not found a Zafira for the money I have available.

We also have a Corolla which is indeed a top car.

[nev_payne]

could pick up a decent Mondeo Estate 2.0TD for that price...or an Audi 80/100? Pretty decent for the price.