£5-6k family car

[W201_190e]

We’re expecting our first child in the spring, our current cars are too small.

Criteria is safe, big boot, manual and petrol and reliable. Ideally with Isofix and top tether. The wife isn’t keen on any cars too big (like a 5 Series) It doesn’t need to have any kind of “PH” credentials. We’re not interested in stuff like DAB or Apple Car Play etc.


Quite like the look of a Ford C Max. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[georgeyboy12345]

Skoda Octavia is usually a popular choice as they are pretty compact, being based on the Golf platform, but they have a huge boot with a hatch. Problem is, as they are so popular, only quite leggy ones will be within your budget like this 1.4 TSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210160...


A better choice might be the Seat Toledo, same platform as the car above, again with a humongous boot, slightly less well known, so you'll get a newer, lower mileage one in budget. My Dad had a mk1 in the 90s and it was a brilliant family car. This one is from a private seller with the 1.2 TSI engine.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...


Other ideas

Mercedes B160
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210140...


Kia Ceed 1.6 SR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211101...


Dacia Logan MCV 0.9 TCe
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209240...


Ford Focus 1.6 Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209250...

[ZX10R NIN]

W201_190e said:

We’re expecting our first child in the spring, our current cars are too small.

Criteria is safe, big boot, manual and petrol and reliable. Ideally with Isofix and top tether. The wife isn’t keen on any cars too big (like a 5 Series) It doesn’t need to have any kind of “PH” credentials. We’re not interested in stuff like DAB or Apple Car Play etc.


Quite like the look of a Ford C Max. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

With your price point I'd look at reps cars as they make great family cars.

Mazda6 Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208259...

Takuya:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210100...

1.6T Mondeo Titanium these are great cars:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211091...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209290...

1.8i Insignia SRI Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209260...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211081...

The 1.4T is the better engine choice but they're a bit more elusive:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209059...

If you want a safe white good reliable car that'll come in well under budget then the MG6 is hard to beat:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206166...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210150...

[Bobupndown]

georgeyboy12345 said:

Skoda Octavia is usually a popular choice as they are pretty compact, being based on the Golf platform, but they have a huge boot with a hatch. Problem is, as they are so popular, only quite leggy ones will be within your budget like this 1.4 TSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210160...


A better choice might be the Seat Toledo, same platform as the car above, again with a humongous boot, slightly less well known, so you'll get a newer, lower mileage one in budget. My Dad had a mk1 in the 90s and it was a brilliant family car. This one is from a private seller with the 1.2 TSI engine.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...

Think the Toledo is a size class below the Octavia. Skoda Rapid and Seat Toledo are the equivalent cars in the range.

[ZX10R NIN]

I will say that having leather interior helps when cleaning up the best children can dish up to an interior.

If you like the C Max then also take a look at the Mazda5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210030...

[georgeyboy12345]

Bobupndown said:

georgeyboy12345 said:

Skoda Octavia is usually a popular choice as they are pretty compact, being based on the Golf platform, but they have a huge boot with a hatch. Problem is, as they are so popular, only quite leggy ones will be within your budget like this 1.4 TSI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210160...


A better choice might be the Seat Toledo, same platform as the car above, again with a humongous boot, slightly less well known, so you'll get a newer, lower mileage one in budget. My Dad had a mk1 in the 90s and it was a brilliant family car. This one is from a private seller with the 1.2 TSI engine.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211041...

Think the Toledo is a size class below the Octavia. Skoda Rapid and Seat Toledo are the equivalent cars in the range.

Well, I didn't know that! You are right - apologies. It threw me as previous gen Toledos were based on the Golf running gear. Still, could work as a car for the OP, along with a Rapid too.

[ChattingWham]

Skoda Roomster could be worth a look. Practical but reasonably compact, and quite good value.

[ZX10R NIN]

Any of the offerings work for you OP.

[W201_190e]

ZX10R NIN said:

Any of the offerings work for you OP.

Thank you to yourself and all who have commented. Yes the Octavia and Mondeo in particular are definite food for thought, and the Mazda 5 is interesting and not something I’d given thought to before. My concerns with the TSI engines are timing chain problems though. My sister had terrible trouble with her 1.2 Polo and it’s chain, and ended up letting the garage keep it rather than paying to get it fixed, and I believe the 1.4 has similar issues. It’s a shame as I’ve driven cars with both engines and they are pretty good. I’ll do more research, maybe there’s a safe model year where this issues were fixed.

I am being a little restrictive as I’ve kind of out ruled diesel. I actually quite like a diesel, but I’m worried about DPF issues as this car won’t do regular 40 minute trips (which is roughly the intervals for DPF regeneration according to my technical friends) I guess if once a week a longer journey can be undertaken I could consider one, which opens a lot more doors.

Edited to add another car I’ve not heard of, the Toledo. Again, looks a good option!


A mate has an MG6, don’t think he’s had any issues with it in four/five years.

Edited by W201_190e on Sunday 20th November 17:39

[ZX10R NIN]

VAG & timing chains are a common theme unfortunately they're still worth consideration as it won't be every car but I would budget for some preventative work at some point.

The MG6's are good workhorse cars.

[W201_190e]

ZX10R NIN said:

VAG & timing chains are a common theme unfortunately they're still worth consideration as it won't be every car but I would budget for some preventative work at some point.

The MG6's are good workhorse cars.

Indeed, I’ll look into them. I’ll arrange to have a poke around my mates MG6. I know they don’t have a super reputation but for the money I think they’re pretty good. I have been a passenger in his a few times and it’s at least comfortable.

[ZX10R NIN]

W201_190e said:

Indeed, I’ll look into them. I’ll arrange to have a poke around my mates MG6. I know they don’t have a super reputation but for the money I think they’re pretty good. I have been a passenger in his a few times and it’s at least comfortable.

Mechanically I haven't heard bad things but people knock them for being cheap inside.
I'll be honest at the top end of your budget the Ford/Vauxhall/Mazda but at around 4k the MG6 is hard to beat.

[W201_190e]

ZX10R NIN said:

W201_190e said:

Indeed, I’ll look into them. I’ll arrange to have a poke around my mates MG6. I know they don’t have a super reputation but for the money I think they’re pretty good. I have been a passenger in his a few times and it’s at least comfortable.

Mechanically I haven't heard bad things but people knock them for being cheap inside.
I'll be honest at the top end of your budget the Ford/Vauxhall/Mazda but at around 4k the MG6 is hard to beat.

It’s making sense to me, can get a much newer car than the alternatives too. Cheers for the suggestion.

[ninjag]

Honda CRV EX 2.0 and whist it's an SUV it is actually shorter than a 3 series.

Nice big boot for pram system, tons of room in the back for car rear facing baby carrier (even when behind driver's seat) and the height makes putting baby in and out even easier. AWD for added safety in poor conditions, higher up driving position for a better view of the road and it's reliable. Also has parking sensors, rear camera, heated seats etc. It's a great family car. Higher ground clearance is handy sometimes as well.

[ZX10R NIN]

W201_190e said:

It’s making sense to me, can get a much newer car than the alternatives too. Cheers for the suggestion.

I'd go for one with the leather interior as it's easier to (children have an amazing knack for projecting things onto seats etc) clean

[trevalvole]

W201_190e said:

My concerns with the TSI engines are timing chain problems though. My sister had terrible trouble with her 1.2 Polo and it’s chain, and ended up letting the garage keep it rather than paying to get it fixed, and I believe the 1.4 has similar issues. It’s a shame as I’ve driven cars with both engines and they are pretty good. I’ll do more research, maybe there’s a safe model year where this issues were fixed.

Edited by W201_190e on Sunday 20th November 17:39

In around 2013 (timing varies across VAG brands), the 1.4TSI engines went from timing chain to belt and from direct-injection only to mixed direct and port injection. I think the first linked car in this thread, the Octavia, has one of these engines, what with it being 140PS. I know somebody who has had a Seat Leon with this engine from new and I recall the only problems have been a wastegate actuator, wheel bearings and rusty disc back-plates.

[georgeyboy12345]

W201_190e said:

Thank you to yourself and all who have commented. Yes the Octavia and Mondeo in particular are definite food for thought, and the Mazda 5 is interesting and not something I’d given thought to before. My concerns with the TSI engines are timing chain problems though. My sister had terrible trouble with her 1.2 Polo and it’s chain, and ended up letting the garage keep it rather than paying to get it fixed, and I believe the 1.4 has similar issues. It’s a shame as I’ve driven cars with both engines and they are pretty good. I’ll do more research, maybe there’s a safe model year where this issues were fixed.

I am being a little restrictive as I’ve kind of out ruled diesel. I actually quite like a diesel, but I’m worried about DPF issues as this car won’t do regular 40 minute trips (which is roughly the intervals for DPF regeneration according to my technical friends) I guess if once a week a longer journey can be undertaken I could consider one, which opens a lot more doors.

Edited to add another car I’ve not heard of, the Toledo. Again, looks a good option!


A mate has an MG6, don’t think he’s had any issues with it in four/five years.

Edited by W201_190e on Sunday 20th November 17:39

Post-2013 VW group stopped using the EA111 TSI engine that had the timing chain issues (amongst many other problems) and started using the EA211 TSI engine that did away with the chain and went back to using timing belts. It’s a much improved engine.

[W201_190e]

I ended up getting something that didn’t meet much of our original criteria, but we love it! Came in less than £5k, 85k, full Volvo dealer history and the all important cam/aux belt service just done. Alloys need refurbishing, and there are a couple of imperfections but for the money it’s great.

[ZX10R NIN]

Nice choice they're a good car glad you got sorted.

[W201_190e]

ZX10R NIN said:

Nice choice they're a good car glad you got sorted.

Thanks, yes it’s really lovely. It doesn’t really feel like a 12 year old car.