We are looking to get a family car...

We are looking to get a family car...

Hi there, we are looking to get a family car; wondering what you would recommend? We have one two-year old and another baby on the way so need something with a decent boot, ideally a hatch or estate. We do approx 20k km per year and looking for something 2011 or newer for approx €17-€18k. Thanks a mil

Our answer:

Hi James,

From personal experience with two kids, you need an estate – something with a big ‘load up without thinking about it’ boot but without the running costs of an SUV. So, I think you need to look at a Skoda Octavia Combi 1.6 TDI, a Ford Focus Estate, also with the 1.6 diesel or perhaps a Toyota Auris Sport Tourer. All are excellent choices and long-lasting, and have plenty of space in the back and boot for the kids and buggies, travel cots etc.

Your budget could, if you fancied a bit of glamour, also stretch to an older Audi A4 Avant or BMW 3 Series Touring, both of which are very nice indeed but tread carefully as you’re looking at significantly higher repair costs if anything goes wrong.
Shane O'Donoghue

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