5k to spend on 2nd-hand family car - what would you recommend?

[policywonk]

Just what the thread title says, really. I am completely clueless about cars.

I have a renault scenic that cost about 5k second hand, really like it, loads of space and good features but doesn't feel big to drive.

we have a fiat stilo estate and love it.
not as big as other estates which is a plus point for me & parking but loads & loads of room,
reasonably priced too

Will watch this as our car rolled over and died at the weekend.

Thanks for responses so far. Stilo comes out quite well in NCAP tests, Scenic not quite so good.

I do have a bit of a bias in favour of Japanese cars - we bought a Mazda 626 for £500 a few years ago, and it ran for two years with no probs at all (until it comprehensively failed its MOT and had to be scrapped).

nissan, always nissan

i am in love with my tino, its mine, mine not peters mine! (ok its mobilitys but i want to keep it lol)

nissan, always nissan

i am in love with my tino, its mine, mine not peters mine! (ok its mobilitys but i want to keep it lol)

"The latest Scenic has become the first small MPV to gain five stars for occupant protection" one of the reasons we chose it!

Dh has had a mazda 6 which I loved (he wasn't as keen) I quite fancy a mazda 5 next.

VW Passat - reviews are fab!

Oh right, thanks anchovies. Can only see up to 2004 on NCAP site for some reason. (Not sure our budget would stretch to more recent models though?)

Nissan - it seems we could go for an Almera or Primera. Anyone have any views on those?

Will go look at Passat now, ta.

both are good. peter had the primera, was lovely, sad to see that one go when he went bankrupt due to illness.

MIL has the almera, again very realiable and a good sized car.

we currently have the almera tino, which is a small MPV.