Which small family car?

I am looking to buy a used car, primarily for use on the school run. The car will do about 5000 city miles a year. It needs to be very economical on fuel, VED and servicing costs. It goes wthout saying that reliability is paramount together with a 5 star Ncap rating.

I am looking to spend no more than £6K and would hope to get a car no more than 4 years old. I have been looking at Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec climate and Toyota Prius. I am going to keep the car for 10 years so I am not sure if the Prius will be suitable given the possible need to have the batteries changed.

Asked on 23 April 2012 by gs70

Answered by Honest John
Probably better to think previous shape Fiesta 1.25 than Focus. the 2004 - 2008 Focus had a lot of problems. Look them up in www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/
Similar questions
I am planning to buy a used car and I would like to ask for some advice. Here are the main constraints: - has to accommodate 2 adults (I am 6'3'') and 2 children and gear (large boot) comfortably - 2x15...
What is the best family car, with a good suspension for under £20,000 and no more than 6 years old?
I am trying to decide about which used car to buy for about £9000-£10000. After reading about Ford Focus, Seat Leon, Golf, Audi A3 and Hyundai i30 I am inclined towards the I30 as it seems to be a reliable...
Related models
Good handling and comfortable ride. Tidy design. Reasonably spacious. Plenty of choice second-hand. Good reputation for reliability.
Superb blend of keen handling and ride comfort. Seats five in comfort. five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating.