Vroom vroom. Have got three grand for a new set of wheels. But what to buy?

[Toots]

Just wiped up the drool caused by reading about the nice big cars in the people carrier post.

Can the more modest of molecule and moolah advise me on upgrading. Currently squishing dp and dd and mountains of tat into Fiesta for multi-annual sojourns to Wales. Looking for an upgrade on limited budget (£3,500). The brief: Big boot, five doors, cheap to insure and fix.....that's probably a good place to start. Was looking at Almera but boot seems small. DP needs persuading out of another Fiesta as I definitely want to go a bit bigger for the next baby. Are Japanese makes much more expensive to fix?

Toots, we have had a focus for 3 years and its great, very easy to drive, park etc and not a bad size, we have 2 kids 1 and 4 years and they fit in fine, the boot is not huge but big enough for our needs. HTH

dadslib, whats wrong with trendy? I am another clothie BTW

I am super trendy and have a porsche boxter - pink with a private number plate!!

Cannot fit any of the kids in but have decided to leave them at home when I go out anyway - saves lots of time, shopping gets done quicker and is so much quieter!!!

Actually am a bit squiffy and am lying, have Astra (V good car!!) and DP an Audi (Topless so DD looks like a looney with mad hair if we go anywhere in it and she won't go in it with the roof on even when raining!!!)

Would buy a Fiesta just for a run around (new one if I had dosh) or Focus as I think they are nice. If you get one from Ford dealer make sure you get a Nectar card as you can et points and buy your shopping.

I have a 1994 Citroen Xantia. It's very reliable, has a nice chunky 2 litre engine, and is so boring that vandals walk past it to smash up my neighbours' car (obviously I take no pleasure in my neighbours' misfortune, my point is only that my car is so dull as to be invisible, whilst at the same time going like a bomb). Can't really comment on repair costs as so far it hasn't needed anything significant. Citroen mechanics seem to be friendly, though.

Thanks one and all for your suggestions. We think a Focus is the answer. Toot toot, love Toots.

Toots, haven't read all of thread but have Focus and two kids, wouldn't swap it for the world. One thing don't go for anything less that a 1.6 engine as it will really pull up hills, mines a 1.6 and still pulls when fully loaded.