Which small family car with a diesel engine?

We have a 2-year-old and another on the way, so are looking to purchase a diesel (used mostly as a family runabout with the odd commute) for less than £4000. But it'll be the wife driving most of the time, so it can't be too cumbersome. We are choosing between the Mk2 Focus 1.8TDCi or SEAT Leon Mk1 1.9TDi cars (either the 90 or 110). We are ultimately looking at reliability and economy over anything else, so assume the Leon to be the better choice.

Asked on 9 March 2013 by MW, via email

Answered by Honest John

Avoid anything with a diesel particulate filter, but your £4000 budget probably avoids them anyway. Peruse www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar entries very carefully before opting for anything in particular. For the sake of your backs when lifting kids in and out, an upright car such as a C-Max or Altea makes more sense than a conventional hatchback. An Altea 1.9TDI is more reliable and nicer to drive than the 2.0TDI. The Ford 1.8TDCI is a dated engine and would not be on my list.

Tags: economy dpf diesels family cars reliability

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