Time to change the (wife's) family car (2002 MkIV Golf,63K,good runner but now too small for 3 kids & 2 dogs). (It's been suggested that my prized (but impractical) BMW E39 535i goes, but I reckon if I manage to get her a suitable replacement for the Golf, she'll back down on this!!)

We've looked at estates (doesn't want an MPV) - Focus/Astra good and cheap runabouts, but probably a bit on the small side. Ideally about 3 yrs old so there's still a bit of life in it.

Budget about 6K, so that effectively rules out a Mondeo/Octavia/Passat. Any other bright ideas or experience to share?

Ta very much!