Our first baby is on the way and we need a bigger car...

My wife and I are expecting our first baby in Jan 2014. She currently drives a '99 three-door 1.0L Toyota Vitz/Yaris (Jap import purchased five years ago - in pink). The Yaris has never given her an ounce of trouble but it's a three-door so getting a baby seat in and out will be a pain. So what I'm looking to know is what we could get for the Yaris (has less than 30,000km the clock) and what is the best five-door that's not too big that we could get from the proceeds of the sale and putting an additional €3,000 towards it?

Cheers, Ian

Ian Bennett (Dublin)

Aug 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Ian,

Right, the bad news is that the Yaris isn't going to be worth all that much at this stage. I'd say if you get €1,000 for it, either cash or as a trade in, you'll be doing well. The good news is that gives you a €4,000 budget and that puts an awful lot of really good cars well within your reach.

Now, funny story. When we had our first boy, he was born in February. That Christmas, I borrowed a Land Rover Discovery to bring us all down to my wife's parents in Waterford. And thanks to all the luggage, buggy, travel cot, bath etc. etc. etc. I couldn't see out of the back of the damned car for a whole week. That's a long winded way of saying you need to maximise your space.

So how about a Citroen Berlingo? €4,000 should get you into a 2005 1.4 petrol model and there's so much space in the back that all that baby gear will fit easily. Don't fancy a van with windows? Then how about a compact estate? There are some nice Chevrolet Lacettis around - not the most exciting car in the world but reliable, comfy, well-equipped and spacious. Your budget should get you into a 2006 or 2007 model. Or, if that's a bit too left field, what about a MkII Ford Focus estate? We found a 2005 1.6 diesel with air conditioning that's in your budget.

Best of luck with the car hunt and the baby!

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe