Best family cars models under 1000 out there

Tinuel

Hi all,
My old and reliable Ford Focus was written off by the insurer, as it costs more to repair than the value.

They offered 750 for the car (a fair value) and I can add another 250 on top of that.

For a family car, for that price, what cars/models within that sort of budget would you recommend?

One of the candidates is a Ford Focus again (I have seen some 2000/2001 ones for that price).

What else would you recommend? Considering the low budget, all I ask is a model known to be reliable and space (no Ka's, Polo, that sort of class).

I heard good things about the Citroen Xsara, the VW Passat and Golf also being recommended.
Many thanks

pinkteapot

I recently sold my 52-plate Mk4 Astra for £800.

It's a fab family car, and was bought by a young family. Plenty of space in the back and, more importantly, for the size of car the boot is huge (much bigger than the Focus, even though they're a similar size - never did understand how they managed it!).

They're common as muck which is a good thing because parts and repairs are cheap. Even its tyres are cheap!

I loved it - it took us all over the country on holiday. Really miss it.

The police used to use them as police cars - surely a recommendation! (Or, they got a good deal from Vauxhall)

Sold ours at 112k miles and it hadn't suffered any major problems and was still running well. A mechanic friend of mine said that if looked after they'll keep going to 200k miles.

AlexisV

I'd avoid the Xsara. I used to have one and it didn't make it past 120,000.

pinkteapot

p.s. Top Gear roadtest of the Astra Mk4 from 1998.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQoLsm03Fs8

Mine was a 2002 and had a CD player instead of a tape player, and did not have a wood-effect stereo surround.

motorguy

I'd go for another focus. Hard to beat.

Okydoky25

I got a 03 Scenic for £750

Hoof_Hearted

Focus, if well looked after, is the best bet. Even the older ones are nice to drive. Lots around 2000-2002 for £1000.

forgotmyname

Old shape mondeo. MK2, Petrol or diesel, Or maybe a MK3 petrol car, Not diesel though.

I find biggers cars can cost less to buy, And cost little more to run if at all.

Rolandtheroadie

Family member just bought a cracking Passat Tdi Estate (2000 reg)for under £900. Looks great, good MOT and some tax on it.

waynedance

Focus most certainly, superb budget motoring.

s_b

at this end of the market you really need your wits about you and whatever you choose do it carefully and double check
remember cars here can be scrap for something as simple as needing a clutch or a failed injector pump
bare in mind also road tax bands before commiting
me?
xsara sounds good if clutch nice and light (petrol)