Vauxhall Insignia
Vauxhall Insignia
If you’ve got kids, chances are you need a reliable family runabout that won’t break the bank – or break down all the time.
To help you get real value for your money, we’ve rounded up some of the best used family car deals under £5000, featuring cars that are both fun to drive and tick all those family-shaped boxes.
The 2009–2013 VW Golf has everything you need from a family car. Despite being fairly compact, it feels much bigger than it looks, and it’s eerily quiet and smooth to drive. Even better, it offers superb economy, an absolute must if the family bank balance occasionally cruises into the red. Bluemotion models offer 99g/km of CO2 and 74.3mpg. However, for great all-round reliability, the best buy is a 1.4 TSI 5-door hatchback. Inside, there are heated door mirrors, ISOFIX points and a handy lined, cooled glovebox to keep your sandwiches in, as well as a comprehensive range of safety features and storage options.
The Ford Focus is the reliable Dad of the UK car market. He’s always there, picking up from football and loading the shopping into the boot. Look a bit closer, though, and he’s actually a well-built, handsome devil. The 2008–11 facelift is no exception, with a dashing, streamlined exterior and a range of responsive, powerful 1.6 or 2.0 petrol and diesel engines with ‘Control Blade’ rear suspension to add style and depth to the driving experience. Style trims have air con and Bluetooth, but there’s plenty of kit as standard, and with a five-star Euro NCAP rating on all models within this iteration, it’s a real keeper.
If you’re looking for a refined and safe family hatchback that’s fuel efficient, the second generation 2009–10 Mazda3 is a good bet. It’s no slouch when it comes to acceleration and handling, and it’s also skilled at cruising along the motorway in comfort. It’s a popular fleet car with a low depreciation rate and a range of cost-saving engines (the 1.6-litre diesel really impresses with 62.7mpg). In terms of economy and comfort, the Mazda3 works well for family life, with just enough touches to make it feel like a grown-up car, such as Bluetooth connectivity, tinted glass and cruise control.
Winner of the 2009 European Car of the Year award, the Insignia has been something of a bestseller in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. With engines starting at 1.8 litres and a fuel tank that can hold a whopping 70 litres, it’s a hard-working estate that does the job. The range of powertrains varies from petrol to super economical diesels with EcoFLEX technology, which improves both fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Add leather detailing, climate control, rear cupholders and 520 litres of boot space, and everyone’s happy.
The lovable 2005–2012 Leon is perfect for families who are looking for a bit of energy and zing when they’re driving to the soft play for the thousandth time. Despite its sporty exterior, it’s a reliable car, with engines built by Volkswagen and a strong emphasis on safety in its build and design. The Ecomotive model has the best fuel economy, at 74.3mpg, but if you find a Leon FR, you’ll get a bit more zip for your cash, with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that’s capable of 208bhp –more than enough to get the kids to school on time.
