Suggestions for a first family car

[stargirl1701]

Hello. I need some help. I need to change my current car for a more family friendly model and I have no idea what would be suitable.

I currently drive a 3 door Ford Fiesta ST (which I love). Other than the 3 doors it has numerous 'issues' that make it unsuitable. MPG ranges from 13-26, needs new drive tyres every 2500 miles (£145 each) and the insurance costs are pretty high. Being on mat leave makes it pretty uneconomical.

So, what to replace it with? I drive about 3000 miles a year so I don't think I would benefit from a diesel. I do LOVE driving so I need something that is fun to drive. All I can think of are the Audi A3 or a Ford Focus. Engine size 1.6? Injected? Anything else spring to mind?

1.6 s40 Volvo! - we are longstanding Volvo drivers in our family - at 1 point my Dad, Mum, Brother, Husband and myself all had one! They have proved really reliable and the 1.6 should be quite reasonable to insure and run plus you get 3 proper seatbelts in the back seat and a nice big boot as well as being very safe and strong!

Thank you! I am trying to prepare a list of test drive cars for the summer hols. I'll add the Volvo

We have a Golf GTI which is definitely fun to drive. Hoping it's big enough for a family car as am expecting DC1 in December...

I've had two focus estates, rest of my family have had Focus cars. Very very little trouble.

My present ones a 1800 turbo diesel, stupidly fast on the motorway if your not careful, but I think I preferred my 1600 petrol on our narrow lanes.

I did lots of research and focus estates have the largest boots in their class. Next size up is lots more insurance and worse petrol consumption etc.

Choice depends on whether you need space for suit cases and pushchairs or as we do now just more cases and junk.

Love the Golf GTI idea - what's the mpg? What size engine? The ST is 2 litres injected - about 150 horsepower. How much does the maintenance and insurance cost, on average?

I am tempted by the Focus. I like the dash layout in a Ford. It won't be our only family car so don't need suitcase space.

MPG is about 25 to 30 I think (depends on speed!) 2 litre engine 200 brakehorsepower.

Insurance for us is c. 800 a year but that's on street parking in London, so high end. Maintenance, don't know yet, only had it a few months!

I can't explain how much I love my focus zetec s :)

5 doors, 35ish mpg so not great but much better than the ST, still got all the fancy digital display sat nav, body kit, upgraded wheels etc but just about gets away with calling itself a family car.

We bought ours at the end of last year whilst I was on mat leave, 10 plate, 8k miles, through the ford options finance scheme. At least I think that's what its called? Paid under £10k and part ex'd my old knackered car at our local ford dealer. Our monthly payments are under £200 and I can swap it for a shiny new one in 2 and a bit years. I've already got my eyes on a Ford Kuga if DP's promotion goes to plan!

The Focus S does seem like a good option too, thank you. It is a lower insurance group than the ST but still fun