Second-hand family car for about 3k

[Highanddry]

Hi - I'd be very grateful for any family car recommendations. We've got about 3k to spend on a second hand car. I'm aware that we'll only get an older car for this price so reliability is really important (last few cars we've had have cost us an absolute fortune). Also fuel economy too. It doesn't have to look pretty! Thanks.

How many kids?

How big a boot?

Off the top of my head I'd say a ford focus. Cheaper than VWs, skoda and Toyota, but better reliability than Peugeot, Citroen.

2 kids - 2 and 4 years.
Would like to be able to go camping in it and carry bikes on the back.

See if you can find a Kia Ceed near you for that price - they come with a 7-year/100,000 mile warranty which is a recommendation in itself.

We are now on our second (DH does a lot of miles so we traded in the last one as it approached 100K miles) & have been v pleased with both - no issues of any kind.