First car - what to pick?

[HereIsNoWhy82]

I've got a 5k budget at a push and although I really wanted a Honda Jazz for the boot, the insurance is quite high and they're expensive - can't afford a model below 50,000 with air conditioning.

So:

I have 2 kids, a 5 year old and a baby. I need boot space but cheap runner and low insurance. Shortlist:

Hyundai i20 - seems to have a lot of extras and could get a decent lowish mileage one in my budget

Skoda Fabia - but I really hate how they look

Nissan Note - but would struggle to get one under 60,000 miles

Kia Venga - though quite rare here.

Any experience of the cars above? Any wisdom appreciated.

Another consideration is car tax. My Citroen C1 (2 door hatchback) is low emission and costs only £20 a year in tax. There is a 4 door version - not sure about boot space or level of tax - realise the car may not be roomy enough for you. I have been very pleased with the car. Just another one to look at perhaps.

Citroen C1 has a small boot and is also 3 door - would prefer a 5 door due to faffing with car seats. I am very very short so can't actually reach enough with 3 seaters!

If it’s got a full service history mileage isn’t an issue.

We’ve just bought a Hyundai i20 having looked at the others.

Before I read boot space I thought fiat panda, so easy to manoeuvre, wheels at the corners.
Hyundai I20 is nice, but the visibility for reversing on the older models is a bit crap. I haven't driven the newer shape one.
Can't comment on the others, as haven't driven them. I will say every Kia I have driven has been lovely not been in a Venga but can highly recommend a Rio.

The model I've got my eye on is a 2014 one. Kia Venga actually seems perfect but they're not around a lot!

We have always had Mazdas,very reliable, decent boot in all the models we have owned. No idea what insurance group it is because we have full no claims but it's only £300 a year.

Rio / i20 basically the same car. Ours in a 68 plate one

Don’t think you’ll go wrong with a Kia even a 2014 will have 2 years warranty left.

Heya, I wouldn't overlook an older Honda Jazz, I had a 56 reg for 4 years and it was amazing, such a good runner even with 100,000+ miles on the clock, only sold it as I moved abroad (and charged £1,300 for it) and I really miss it now I am back! I would definitely not overlook a cheaper, older HJ if you can get one. They're such reliable cars and the only work mine ever needed was replacing the brake pads 😊

Mazda 3. They're brilliant and practically bomb-proof. Big enough for a family car, with a large boot, but compact enough to get into some fairly tight spaces.

Got one for my first car, and despite being 15 years old it's sailed through every MOT. I drive it like it's a tank, too.

Take a look at the Hyundai ix20, its essentially a high up i20 and the same as a Kia Venga (only the Hyundai version). I had a 65 plate one with a 5 year old and a baby and it easily fit a rear facing car seat and had a massive boot.

They are not a bad price and do come with a lot of spec such as folding mirrors and are easy to park. I loved mine but someone hit the back of it on the motorway and it was written off. I would have kept it for a few more years as it was super practical and cheap to insure

All the Honda Jazz I can afford are top of my budget and the basic S model at about 60,000 miles. Is that not too much when I can get a far lower mileage Hyundai for cheaper?

VW polos are fab really safe and big boot