What family car suits our needs for €9,000?

I need advice on which car to buy. I have one child in a car seat, and am planning to have two more children pretty quickly, so I need a car that can accomodate two car seats and a booster seat, that also has plently of boot space for buggies and shopping. Fuel economy is really important for me, as is annual tax charges, as I don't have a lot of spare cash every month. So I have been looking at 1.5 diesels. I have about €9,000 to spend. I love the Nissan Qashqais, I think they are gorgeous, and am really considering buying a 2007 model. However I have been told that they are very hard on fuel, is that true? Do you have any idea what mpg I can expect? My second and third choices are Citroen Xsara Picasso or a Renault Mégane (2009 hatchback). Do you have any advice for me, or any suggestions of a car that would suit my needs?

Thanks in advance.

Dawn Higgins (Edenderry)

Aug 2013 Filed under: family car

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Expert answer

Hi Dawn,

The problem here is that you need space for three child seats across the back, and it's getting harder and harder to find a car that can accommodate that. The Qashqai is a fab car, no doubt, but yes, unless it's the 1.5 dCi diesel model you're talking about, they can indeed be hard on petrol. Besides, it will also fall down on the three-across-the-back test. The Xsara Picasso should be able to manage three across though, so is the best suggestion out of the ones you've been looking at, but here's another possibility: if you're looking for space on a budget, try going for a van-based MPV such as a Citroen Berlingo or Renault Kangoo. They're surprisingly nice to drive, have masses of space both in the back and boot, and both can be found with 1.4-litre petrol or 1.5- or 1.6-litre diesel engines so tax and, generally, fuel economy shouldn't be an issue. Also, being van-based, they're often more reliable and ruggedly built than their car cousins.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe