Need help choosing a new family car.

[Blossomhill]

Currently have a 3yr old Hyundai Amica, which is a very small car.
We are now looking at getting a bigger family car as the children are growing and we need more boot space!
I quite like the Vauxhall Meriva, Mercedes A Class, Vauxhall Vectra and Renault Scenic. Any advice or recommendations gratefully received

We hired a Focus estate on holiday and the boot is massive.

(The boot on the ordinary car is pretty good for its size too.)

Hi - we don't want anything too old. My car is an 02 reg so don't want anything much older than that. really like the Ford Focus. Must be black though

Are they easy to park and how about boot space please

I have a Focus hatchback. For me the driving position is great (I'm 5'7"), but the seat and steering column is fully adjustable so it shouldn't matter what height you are. Leg room is great for the car's size. Good dimensions make it easy park and there's plenty of glass so visibility is excellent.

Mine is a 1.8 zetec petrol (manual) which is a really nippy little engine with decent economy, it really does go when you put your foot down, nice and responsive. Most of those in the know recommend the 'zetec' engines rather than the other Ford alternatives as hey tend to be smoother. Handling is great so it's fun to drive.

The gear box is good and the interior is of a good quality and doesn't look at all 'plasticky'. Parts and repairs are cheap in comparision to French makes and there's an excellent dealer network.

Boot space is great for a med family car, much bigger than that of the Golf we had on a 51 plate. I can get the buggy, school bags and £100 worth of food shopping in the back without so much as breaking a sweat .

Interior space is fab, I can get a 2nd stage Britax car seat (quite bulky) and 2 pre-teen DSs in the back without any fuss.

All in all I think it's a great car. If my space requirements haven't changed when we come to swap my car, then Id def consider another Focus.

Thanks that's really helpful

Blossomhill, janh and I both told you about boot space!

Okay, okay www. I have a hangover so am not with it today

Blossomhill, hope your head's better!

I've got an Astra and it is just the job Its a decent size inside and I can get 2 buggies (my big travel system pushchair and my stroller) in the boot, arm bands and swimming seat and some shopping - what more could a Mum ask for!

My Astra has been ever so reliable and most of the parts etc are cheap which is a bonus and it is pretty economical too. It is not the classiest car on the block but it suits me jsut fine

Two of my friends had Mercedes A Class and they say they are shite as the boot is too small and they are not all that they are cracked up to be.

I def. won't be getting Mercedes. Serioulsy considering the Ford Focus. Seems perfect for what we need