Five door Korean or Japanese small hatchabck. Suzuki Swift, Hyundai Getz etc.

How about a Nissan Note 1.6 auto.

Seems to be a few around at your budget.

Reliable, refined.Chain cam engine and fitted with a reliable "proper" auto box with overdirve(not nasty CVT or modern fragile twin clucth). A friend of mine has had two over many years both of which have been suprisingly economical with real life driving and both have never gone wrong.

It is a 5 seater, but probably you may struggle a bit with 3 large adults in the back. Amazing interiour space for 4 though - loads of leg room. 5 a bit tighter but OK for short trips. It also has the a high driving position.

Chevrolet Lacetti 1.6 Auto.

Hyundai Accent.

Kia Magentis 06 to 09...2.0 litre but frugal Diesel.

Honda Civic 01 to 05

Mazda 323 or 3

Mitsubishi Colt or Lancer, latter better IMO and an undervalued car.

Toyota Corolla.

Also strongly consider a Toyota Avensis, it will be a 1.8 but if you find a good one will be surprisingly economical and roomier than most of the above.

Notice i've avoided non Japanese or Korean makes, mainly this is due to proper auto boxes being scarce and those that are fitted sometimes being unfit for purpose IMHO, also Korean and Japanese cars are usually more reliable especially given your budget.

Good luck in the search.

Edited by gordonbennet on 21/04/2013 at 22:33

Welcome to the forum.

I'd go with the Nissan Note, as your son and his cousins will g-r-o-w. At the moment if the cousins are of similar age, 3 will fit into all of Gordonbennet's suggestions.

Good luck and do let us know how you get on.

thanks for the recommendation so far everyone, its really appreciated

i am going to read some reviews and get some prices, try out some

i forgot to say i really like mpvs-small mpvs any recommendations other than the note??