depends on miles you are doing etc

streety-travel-system-oxygen-black-bebe-confort can be had for about 170 quid, which has child seat and pushchair all of which fits a small car (which many dont)

small car we have a fiat panda, which can be had from 6300 quid brand new on the road from places like http://www.fiatsupasaver.com/, and we find a brilliant car, and bigger inside than you would think
new car guarantee etc is hard to beat for that price, and fine for 2 adults plus one baby

for longer journeys go for the diesel version though, probably force you to go 2nd hand on your budget

if you want a slightly bigger car I think the current model Suzuki Swift is hard to beat, not sure what you would get for your budget, but there are 2nd hand ones on suzuki web site etc

Well - during our time in Canada (in Vancouver to be precise), we have done without a car and used the excellent public transit system. Before Canada, we had a Jazz 1.4 SE (manual) Excellent car, but boot space not quite big enough to fit our pushchair. And you are right - with the possibility of No. 2, perhaps a bigger car is worth it!

Also, my commute will likely be short mileage-wise (circa 20 miles a day) but taking a long time in start-stop traffic. I assume a diesel is not a great suggestion then...

I'd prefer manual, but not too fussed.

Edited by MarkinCanada on 26/03/2010 at 17:03

Thanks - I'll check out the Colt and Fusion. We appreciate your suggestions.