If you are like me and have a young family, spending out on a brand new car simply isn't going to happen. Instead you probably have a relatively small budget but still want a car that is safe, comfortable and reasonably reliable for your money. With a thriving used car market in the UK a budget of just £2,000 can stretch surprisingly far if you delve into the classifieds. We have put together a shortlist of five of the best family cars for those who have £2,000 or less to spend.
Ford Mondeo (2000-2007)
The MK3 Ford Mondeo was widely praised at launch for its cavernous interior, respectable running costs and fun drive. Slightly bigger than the version that went before it has a massive boot, bags of room for five adults and comes with ABS, EBD and four airbags as standard which earned it a four star Euro NCAP crash rating. Theres a range of trim levels to choose from starting with the LX which still comes with four electric windows, remote central locking, air conditioning and a CD player. Pip for a Ghia X or Titanium model and you get climate control, alloy wheels, a CD multi changer, fog lights and cruise control. There's a choice of engines which are all very decent including 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrols, 2.5 and 3.0-litre V6 petrols and 2.0 and 2.2 diesels.
Pick of the range
The smaller petrol engine is a little breathless so if you really want a petrol model go for the 2.0-litre which can still return around 47 mpg. For your money you should be able to pick up a tidy 2005 Mondeo which benefits from a mild facelift which includes restyled bumpers and revised switch gear including plusher materials. It also saw a boost in standard equipment such as cruise and climate control even on the base LX. The best engines are easily the diesels particularly the 2.0-litre unit which comes in either 115 bhp or 130 bhp. Either offer excellent pulling power and good economy of around 50 mpg. We would recommend the Zetec trim level which comes with sportier seats, silver trim inside and smart alloys and foglights.
What to look out for
Generally Mondeos are very reliable but there are a few things to look out for. The first is tatty high mileage examples that have been used as taxis. With so many Mondeos on the road walk away from battered examples with worn out interiors and damaged body panels as a few miles away there will probably be a mint one. That said Mondeos are capable of extermetly high mileages so as long a it has been well maintained they should be trouble free. The only real issues to look out for are knocking or vibrations from the rear suspension of hatches which could require a new rear subframe which is costly. There are also issues with very early TDCis which can suffer from common rail system failure. If you can only stretch to an early Mondeo go for the TDDi which although unrefined is bombproof but still economical.
Citroen Xsara Picasso (2000-2010)
Citroen's egg-shaped MPV was Britain's best seller for a reason. Based on the Peugeot 306 it has a vastly spacious interior with lots of neat storage areas and space for five adults. It also comes with three equally sized individual rear seats that can be reclined, slide forward, tumbled or removed completely. It also has a boot that offers around 500 litres of space for the family's clobber. It also has beautifully supple suspension that makes for a comfortable ride and it is also impressively refined. That said it isn't much fun to drive with too much roll in corners and little grip. There are three trim levels to choose from; LX, SX and Exclusive the latter is lavishly equipped with twin sunroofs, electric rear windows, climate control, powerfold mirrors, alloy wheels, foglights and cruise control on later models. Theres a good range of engines from the 8v 1.6-litre petrol, 16v 1.8 and 2.0 petrols and a 1.6 and 2.0-litre HDi diesel.
Pick of the range
Firstly don't bother with the smallest petrol engine as it's an old design and lacks punch. The 1.8-litre is much better suited but isn't particularly economical. The 2.0-litre is much more spritely but can only be had with a jerky automatic transmission. Therefore the ones to go for are the brilliant HDi diesels that are smooth, refined and offer superb economy. The larger 2.0-litre produces 90 bhp but is an older engine so needs to be worked a little to get the best from it. A budget of £2,000 will probably make this engine your best choice but you may be able to stretch to a newer 1.6-litre HDi which is still fitted to new Citroens today. It's more flexible and much more economical. If you can find one go for the Exclusive as it looks nicer with colour coded bumper inserts, alloys and the twin sunroofs will be loved by kids. Avoid the base LX as it doesn't even come with air conditioning which is a must for a car with windows as big as the Picasso's.
What to look out for
Major problems on Xsara Picasso's are rare as its mechanicals are well proven across the Citroen and Peugeot ranges. As the interior is made of brittle plastics expect lots of rattles but make sure everything works as electrical niggles are the biggest annoyance. They don't cost much to repair however. HDis are robust as long as they have been maintained with regular oil changes and make sure you check the cambelt has been changed in good time. Also look out for heavy steering and knocking noises from the suspension as wishbones, top mounts, bearings and drop links can wear out quickly due to the Picasso's supple suspension that is always working hard. Don't be alarmed by a gear change that is wobbly and loose as it is like that from new.
Ford Focus (1998-2004)
At launch the Ford Focus completely turned the family hatch market on its head with its cutting edge styling, engineering and cracking driving experience. It made the Escort that went before look ancient. Thanks to its pioneering independent rear suspension the Focus brought new levels of driver enjoyment to the class with its direct steering, adept chassis and excellent grip levels. It also rides incredibly well considering the fun on offer. It's looks also drew a crowd with its sharp angles, exaggerated wheel archers and high mounted taillights. It's also available in a range of body style including a three and five door hatch, a cavernous estate and an ugly saloon. Trim levels range from the base CL which is very sparsely equipped to the Ghia which has electric windows all round, alloy wheels, a CD player, foglights, chrome exterior accents and wood trim inside. There is also a wide range of engines starting with a breathless 8v 1.4-litre petrol (only available in CL trim). Then there are 16v 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre Zetec petrols and two diesels both of which are 1.8-litres badged TDdi and the far superior later TDCi available in 90 and 100 bhp.
Pick of the range
The Focus' success resulted in steady used prices but now that the market is saturated with used models and the introduction of two further generations the original Focus is now very good value. For your money you should be able to get your hands on a facelifted model (2002 onward) which has revised front lights with integrated indicators, new bumpers and different interior trim. ABS was also fitted as standard across most of the range which should have featured from the start. The best trim level to go for is then Zetec which has sporty alloy wheels, slightly firmer suspension, air conditioning, remote central locking, foglights and a CD player. The best engines are the 1.6-litre petrol which blends good economy with decent performance but if you must have a diesel the TDCi is superb in either power output. Avoid the older TDdi diesel as it's slow, noisey and not as economical as rivals.
What to look out for
Focus' are generally very reliable if well looked after. As there are so many around walk away from a car without decent service history or poor bodywork. Minor electrical issues are the biggest problem so make sure there are no nasty lights flashing on the instrument binnacle. Also look out for fast idling on petrols and stalling or misfiring which could indicate problems with the ECU. Repair costs are some of the lowest around so maintaining a Focus shouldn't break the bank. Some may find the boot a little on the small side so the cavernous estate is the one to go for although it's not as sharply styled as the hatch.
Rover 75 (1999-2005)
From birth Rover's 75 had a lot placed on its shoulders tasked with saving the brand. The lovechild of Rover and BMW it actually turned out to be a very likeable executive saloon later joined by an elegant Tourer. What impressed the most was its superb refinement thanks to a limo-like smooth ride. Although it divided opinion the 75 had classic British looks and a swish looking cabin. There are more than ten trim levels to choose from all of which are well equipped from the base Classic to the top spec Connoisseur. Engines range from a base 1.8-litre K-series petrol, a 2.0-litre V6 petrol and a 2.5-litre V6 petrol. There's also a 2.0-litre CDTi diesel sourced from BMW. Later on the smallest engine was replaced by a vastly better 1.8-litre turbo petrol which is just as economical.
Pick of the range
With the exception of the base 1.8-litre K-series petrol there isn't a bad engine in the range. You will however need deep pockets as the 75 is a large car so the petrols aren't cheap to run. For those reasons the diesel engine is the one to go for as it's punchy, quiet and economical. It's also bulletproof if looked after. Go for any trim level and you won't be wanting for kit. The Tourer makes the most sense as a family car as it has more rear headroom for passengers and a large boot which can be extended by folding the rear seats. The saloon also has a big boot but its usefulness is limited by the narrow opening. Since the demise of Rover used prices have hit rock bottom so a 2005 model is in easy reach which benefited from a facelift which saw it loose its elegant quad headlights. There are also minor trim changes but not much more.
What to look out for
Thanks to BMW engineering the 75 is probably one of the most reliable Rovers out there. Always go for a car with full service history and avoid models used as taxi cabs with colossal mileages and you should have years of trouble free motoring. The interior looks good but can be prone to squeaks and rattles and it's not uncommon for trim to come loose. It's easy to get sorted if you wish so shouldn't be a deal breaker. Before taking the plunge and bagging a Rover 75 make sure there is a local garage that can maintain the car as dealers have now closed leaving only an handful of specialists.
Audi A6 (1997-2004)
Don't think that a budget of just £2,000 means you can't afford a little luxury. Audi's A6 is a mid size luxury car with a peerless image as a robust, sophisticated executive car. Thanks to double wishbone suspension the A6 rides very well and although not as agile as its BMW rival it still offers a satisfying driving experience with its good levels of grip, chassis composure and cosseting ride. Available as a roomy saloon or gargantuan Avant (estate) there is a car to suit everyone's taste and budget. For £2,000 you can bag an A6 on a 2001 51 plate but be prepared to buy with a fair amount of mileage on the clock. There are a range of trim levels which all come loaded with kit and there is tons of cabin space. In true Audi fashion the interior is a work of art thanks to its faultless layout and brilliant build quality. On the engine front there are two diesels, a 1.9-litre four cylinder and a 2.5-litre V6. Both are super smooth and fairly economical, the larger unit packs up to 180 bhp so is no slouch. Petrol engines comprise of both four and six cylinder units including a 1.8 Turbo, 2.0, 2.4, 2.7 Turbo, 2.8 and a blistering 4.2-litre petrol. It's also worth noting that the A6 was available it Quattro four-wheel-drive giving superb traction and was very popular when fitted with automatic transmissions.
Pick of the range
All of the engines in the A6 range are very good indeed but you will need deep pockets to run most of them so stick to the 1.8-litre Turbo petrol which is brisk and not too thirsty. If you want a diesel the smaller 1.9-litre TDi is frugal and if you avoid the older 110 bhp version it has enough pull for most situations. Trim levels range from the base Standard Trim to the Sport but go for the mid spec SE and you get alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, cruise control, electric seats, a CD multi changer, remote locking and four electric windows. As a family car the Avant is far superior to the saloon as it not only looks better but has a massive boot and also makes a formidable tow car if needed.
What to look out for
Audi's are robust cars that can carry off huge mileages but make sure you buy an example with Audi service history as the A6 must be carefully looked after. Problems to look out for include body damage as it is a very large car that can be tricky to park and body repairs aren't cheap. Error messages and warning lights on the dash are the most common problems which could be costly to put right. There are also sometimes issues with the A6's front suspension which can wear prematurely so listen put for knocks or vibrations. Parts can be expensive so bear this in mind if purchasing a car that needs a little work. Otherwise A6 ownership should be hassle free.
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