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Buying a family car - need advice

I am planning to buy a used car and I would like to ask for some advice. Here are the main constraints:
- has to accommodate 2 adults (I am 6'3'') and 2 children and gear (large boot) comfortably
- 2x15 miles daily commute (with one child) and some weekend trips (full family)
- fuel efficient, not interested in "exciting drive"
- upper limit £3500-4000
- reliable, cheap to service etc. - least likely to break and cost a lot!

I am considering a range of cars: Citroen Xsara Picasso, Renault Scenic, Ford Focus estate, Skoda Octavia estate. My main question is: what cars to add/remove from this list?

Asked on 13 October 2011 by albapa

Answered by Honest John
The Xsara Picasso was the most popular MPV for years because it has three separate rear seats, holds quite a lot of luggage and the 2.0 HDI was 50mpg economical. Scenics can be more trouble. A Focus estate is best bought as a 1.6 petrol, not a diesel. Skoda Octavia, 1.9 diesel probably best. You could add the smaller Nissan Note to your list.
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