What do you think of Elon Musk? Have your say | No thanks
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?
- 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

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.
Similar questions

I am looking to replace my Y-reg Ford Focus 1.8 (130K miles) with something a bit more economical. I was considering the Focus 1.6 TDCi Zetec but was worried about the reported turbo failure. I have also...

I have a young family, and now require a larger car but I want it to match certain criteria.
I currently drive a Ford Fusion but this is quite a squeeze with 3 child car seats. I have a young baby, a...

I am looking to buy a used car, primarily for use on the school run. The car will do about 5000 city miles a year. It needs to be very economical on fuel, VED and servicing costs. It goes wthout saying...
Related models

Superb blend of keen handling and ride comfort. Seats five in comfort. five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.

Far better than the previous model. The Grand model seats seven. Practical and versatile. Excellent crash test rating.

Well thought of by owners. Huge boot. Spacious and comfortable cabin. Reasonable to drive. Efficient Greenline TDI models.