FAMILIES across the UK are always on the lookout for a bargain, and it’s no different when the time comes to look for a new set of wheels.
A combination of strong used prices and increasing interest rates mean that family car buyers are facing a tough time trying to find the best bang for their buck.
Handily, the experts at What Car have put together a list of the best models you can still get hold of for less than £10,000.
Ford Focus
The Focus remains a quality used buy
What Car says the Ford Focus is good to drive, decent value and cheap to maintain, although it can feel a bit cheap in the cabin and you might find the boot on the small side.
Pros
Class-leading handlingLots to choose fromWell equipped
Cons
Small bootAutomatic gearbox reliabilityButton-heavy interior
Volkswagen Golf
The VW Golf is a classy choice with a range of petrol and diesel engines
The experts say that the Golf can be a bit expensive, although older versions still offer a classy interior, a comfortable ride, involving handling, a spacious interior and impressive safety standards.
Pros
Smooth rideEnjoyable to driveUpmarket interior
Cons
Not as cheap as some rivalsCould be more spaciousQuestion marks over reliability
Audi A3
The Audi A3 offers a sporty image and great build quality
The What Car experts rate the A3 as one of the finest family cars around – comfortable, practical, great to drive, and every engine in the range is impressively efficient.
Pros
Strong enginesBeautifully finished interiorGreat to drive
Cons
Not as spacious as the VW Golf in the backFirm low-speed rideLower trims sparsely equipped
SEAT Leon
More of a leftfield choice, the Leon is still a strong contender
What Car says that the Leon is great fun to drive and is a better value alternative to the Golf – not to mention, one wearing an arguably slightly sharper suit.
Pros
Good to driveWell equippedCheap to buy and run
Cons
Firm rideNot as refined as some rivalsBland interior
Skoda Octavia
The Octavia is pretty much perfect for families
The car experts think the Octavia offers better value than the Golf and the A3, and is more spacious than the Leon.
Its interior isn’t as classy as the Volkswagen’s or the Audi’s, but it’s much bigger.
Also helping make the Octavia’s case is the fact that it gets plenty of standard equipment and that it’s delightfully smooth at high speeds – it’s a terrific all-round car.
Pros
Smart, spacious and practical interiorCheap to buy and runWell equipped
Cons
Not as comfortable as a GolfPricier models best avoidedEntry-level S trim is a bit basic Read More