Car purchase - what would suit?

[Lavenderhoney]

I need a car for short runs and pick ups. It might have to go camping and drive down to south of France once a year, maybe twice.

I have 2 dc, 6 and 4, and don't mind petrol/ diesel, automatic or manual.

I have about 3k to spend, must be a garage purchase as I am buying unseen as coming from abroad ( I'm not changing this option for various reasons)

I have had golfs in the past but dh is set on a Renault megane as it does so many mpg and low tax. What would you suggest? The megane has terrible reveiws I have seen, and I don't think it will have much room in the back for the dc? We are starting to argue and neither of us really knows about cars!

If anyone can help that would be great!

I'd run as far away as possible from a 3k Megane. Your low fuel costs are likely to be offset by huge repair costs - people seem obsessed with fuel economy these days as if nothing else matters. For 3k I'd be looking at something Japanese with a small petrol engine (1.4/1.6) and a manual gearbox.

I was also going to reccomend a Japanese make for reliability if only spending 3k. Midsize cars to consider would be Mazda 3, Toyota Auris, Nissan note. I wouldn't worry too much about extra space for occaisional trips - just get a roof box

I can't recommend a kid ceed highly enough

I've got a 58 plate, just had its first mot failure and all that needed doing was the handbrake needed tightening

Thanks for replying - I've just reported on chat as I thought I wouldn't get any replies here!