Used car recommendations...family car under 5k

Miss_Ratty

Hi there,

As the post would suggest, me and hubby are thinking of getting rid of my rust bucket fiesta (which I actually love dearly) as we have a baby coming and are looking for something that we can fit everything in to, and something a bit safer, as my car is very old and rusty and although it may pass its MOT, it won't be without spending more than what the car is worth in repairs.

Essentially we'd like a five door car with a decent sized boot, something fairly reliable, reasonable to tax and insure, decent on fuel, cheap for parts etc. (basically everyone's dream car from an MSE perspective!) and safe.

Not very good with cars are either of us, both own ford fiestas which are 14 years old and we've had them both for yonks!

Anyone know of any car makes and models to start looking at? Our budget is £5k max, but the cheaper the better (within reason!).

Thanks so much x

Rolandtheroadie

Yonks, now theres a word you dont hear much these days.

leveller2911

I can recommend a diesel Skoda Octavia.We have had 2 in the past and they were excellant. First was a 90bhp which averaged 65mpg at worse and even up to 73mpg in the summer months.Last one was a 110bhp which gave an average of 56mpg and £120-00 a year tax.

Huge boot space for shopping/holiday luggage etc. Look for a low mileage one as many taxi companies use them and the reason is they are cheap to run,large boot and reliable.

We now have a Ford Focus Titanium which is a decent car but the only reason we don't have another Octavia is because once you have had a couple the interiors look bland.

marleyboy

We have recently upgraded our Ford C-Max to a Ford S-Max. I can highly recommend the C-max as a spacious family car. We sold our 04 plate C-Max for just short of £3000, that was on low mileage, so you can pick them up cheap enough.

fivetide

How many miles are you doing? Anything less than 12k a year and you are unlikely to see the benefits of a diesel.

You can pick up a 1.8 petrol Toyota Avensis for under 5k no problem. Comfy, reliable, cheap to insure, chain driven engine so no cambelts etc to worry about and 40mpg easy on a run.

Bit of a minger like but if you want something to get to A to B with the family and want some toys thrown in you won't go far wrong.

Tigerprint

5 Dr car with a big boot has to be the Ford Focus. Good sized family car with a very large boot space....

BlueC

The Octavia is a great shout but fivetide is right the mileage you do is important.

There is a massive choice of cars at the £5k mark. You can even get a Prius at that sort of money but I'm not sure how costly they are to maintain.

forgotmyname

Focus. hatch or estate. Not much bigger that the Fiesta outside but plenty inside.

Or if you want more car for less money a Mondeo.

I bought a 2004 car in 2009 and its still going well. Its a diesel which i didnt want. But if i try i can get over 60mpg...
No DPF on mine though. So thats a bonus.

Rolandtheroadie

Also like the Mondeo, I had a 55 plate ghia x TDCI for a couple of years.
The FIL still has it today, can only really remember it having brake work, couple of springs, a couple of abs sensors and tyres(over and above servicing).

mattyprice4004

I don't understand why people get so caught up in making sure their car is in a low tax group - focus more on economy and reliability.

You pay tax once (or twice) a year and it's rarely over £200 for most cars. One major bill could cost 5 times that amount.

Weird_Nev

Honda Accord Estate? good looking cars, nice to drive, big on space which will come in handy.
Or a Volvo of some description.

When I was in a similar situation to you I bought a Subaru Impreza WRX wagon. It was awesome, but I suspect it's not what you're looking for!

Avoid diesel unless you do significantly more than 12,000 miles a year.