Buying a small car for family use?

I'm buying my first car at the age of 35. What used car (excluding 2 door) do you suggest to buy for a family of 3? I will commute around 40 miles per day for the 5 days of the week with some long drives during the weekends. I want something reliable, economical and comfortable.

Asked on 28 April 2013 by Akash

Answered by Honest John
A diesel makes sense for that sort of mileage. 400 a week is 20,000 a year, excluding 2 weeks holiday. KIA Rio 1.1, for example. Most small diesels are now free annual tax.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
I currently own a Skoda Fabia 1.2 54bhp Classic which has done nearly 115000 trouble free miles and will do 47 mpg when driven carefully. I'm looking towards getting this replaced soon. I travel around...
Joining new company with company car opt out scheme. Will be doing around 30k miles per year business use and I am looking for small family hatch type car to buy new or nearly new. Looking for smartish...
My wife does 12,500 miles annually which is entirely urban short distances (community nurse). I would like to get her a car which would cost me ideally as little as possible to run, but be a decent car...
Related models
Much more stylish than previous Rio. Upmarket interior. 1.1-litre chain cam diesel emits just 85g/km of CO2. Three-door from £9,995.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer