Can you recommend a no-nonsense car with lots of space for luggage and passengers?

Having now retired I shall be looking for a secondhand car that will carry four people and luggage occasionally but is not in the big car league. I require low tax and insurance if possible and a minimum of gadgetry. I am not interested in any gutless Eco models. I prefer petrol as we will only do about 10,000 a year max. I would like to add that cars don’t impress me and I am not brand conscious. Reliability is more important than cosmetics.

Asked on 7 December 2013 by RM, via email

Answered by Honest John
If you are looking for economy and low CO2 tax in a small petrol engine then in theory a small turbo petrol engine. However, I have found that the Honda Civic 1.8i confounds this: 45mpg from the precious model. 48mpg from the current model. It might look like an upturned mixing basin, and not be in the lowest tax bracket, but it is efficient, drives well and is both versatile and roomy.
Similar questions
I'm after a Focus-sized petrol car up to two years old (not new) for around £10,000-£11,000. Two key requirements are reliability and boot space. I quite like the Honda Civic and Ford Focus but can't decide...
My wife and I both retired recently. We drive a 2003 Audi A3 and a 2004 Audi TT 3.2. Both cars are showing signs of ageing, such as engine management “lightitis”, high road tax and poor fuel economy. Our...
We recently had to scrap our second car, a 1996 Golf GTI that had fully foldable back seats, making it ideal for its later life of short journeys to and from the station, allotment and tip. I would love...
Related models
Punchy and efficient diesel engines, class-leading practicality, excellent reliability record.
 

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