Can you help us choose a new car for the family?
Hi, we're looking at buying a newer car. Our budget is around €6,000. We've got a baby and toddler so interested in estates or people carriers. Are there any in particular you would recommend or advise to avoid? We want one as low maintenance as possible. We've also got a 2000 Ford Focus Estate with 114,000 miles on the clock. How much could we expect as a trade in?
Thanks!
Sharon RobertsMay 2014 Filed under: choosing used car
Expert answer
Hi Sharon,
I always think an estate is better for a two-kid family, rather than going for the styling and dynamic compromises an MPV forces upon you. A good idea for that kind of budget might be to upgrade to a more recent Focus Estate. A budget of €6k would get you a high-ish mileage 2008 version with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, which will cost you buttons to run - an easy 58mpg.
It's spacious and comfy and as long as you like your current Focus you won't go wrong. Looking for more of a change? How about a Kia cee'd SW 1.6 diesel EX? Again, cheap to run, really reliable and lots of room in the boot for buggies etc. A cracking family car, that one. Fancy something a bit more rugged? Maybe try a Nissan X-Trail, front-wheel drive with the 150hp 2.0-litre diesel engine. A really terrific car that, but obviously it will be more expensive to run than a smaller estate.
As for trade-in on your Focus, I'm afraid I wouldn't expect too much. Probably only about €1,000 to €1,500.
Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser@neilmbriscoe