Cheap, reliable family auto?

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Mon 17 Oct 2005 23:24
Cheap, reliable family auto? - jjuggle
Hello,
I am on the lookout for yet another automatic family car, one that will carry one very tall husband and two monkeys/children -low budget, of course. Any recommendations/suggestions? Preferably something low maintenance, if that exists!
Cheers,
J
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Tue 18 Oct 2005 00:30
Cheap, reliable family auto? - Avant
For reliability, go for a Nissan Primera, a Toyota Avensis or a Skoda Octavia. I had a taxi ride in one of the last-named from Glasgow Airport a few weeks ago - 320,000 miles without trouble or major replacements.
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Tue 18 Oct 2005 00:31
Cheap, reliable family auto? - Avant
I should add that the Octavia was a turbodiesel.
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Tue 18 Oct 2005 00:45
Cheap, reliable family auto? - AngryJonny
I'd second the Primera and Avensis. No experience of the Octavia. Might be worth considering a Honda Accord too. Or a Mazda 626. Basically anything Japanese of which there are plenty to choose from. That way you can afford to be picky and choose the right one.
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Tue 18 Oct 2005 09:29
Cheap, reliable family auto? - Aprilia
Definitely the Nissan Primera 2.0i automatic - but NOT any Primera with 'CVT' automatic.
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Sat 22 Oct 2005 12:12
Cheap, reliable family auto? - Ruperts Trooper
A few Astras are built with the bullet-proof Aisin-Warner auto box. The Mk4, '98-on, has plenty of head and legroom and higher trim models have good specification levels.

The '98-on Astra comes in at 37 in the Reliability Index, which is as good as any top 10 manufacturer.
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Sun 23 Oct 2005 11:24
Cheap, reliable family auto? - expat
I think the Mazda 6 auto uses the Ford FWD auto box which has a poor reputation. Same goes for any Ford auto in the UK. Don't touch them.
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