Top 10: Family Cars for £15,000
You might think that a £15,000 budget won't go very far on the new car market today, but it'll stretch to a surprisingly versatile family vehicle. We've gathered 10 cars which we think represent a good combination of practicality, comfort and low running costs with impressive fuel economy.
Honda Jazz
The Honda Jazz is a very versatile little car. Its clever 'magic seats' will fold and flip in various configurations to allow you to carry surprisingly large items - like plants, upright vacuum cleaners and bikes. Perfect for family life. Our £15,000 budget will get you an entry-level S model, although there are pre-registered EX models around for less.
Dacia Logan MCV Stepway
It's almost impossible to blow our full theoretical £15,000 budget on a Dacia Logan MCV. Even the beefed-up Stepway model in top-spec Techroad trim requires a few options to break £15,000. Not only does the Logan represent excellent value for money, it's also very practical.
Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
Suzuki may not be the first name that springs to mind if you're after a family car, but the SX4 S-Cross has plenty going for it. This is a spacious and family-friendly crossover that's an alternative to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai. Like most cars, the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross has increased in price recently - but we reckon a bit of haggling will get you one for £15,000. I
Nissan Juke
A new Nissan Juke might be long overdue, but the current one still represents good value for money. It starts at just over £15k for a Visia model with the 1.6-litre petrol engine and five-speed gearbox. Shop around and you'll find one for less than £15,000 and according to Real MPG you should be seeing around 40mpg.
SsangYong Tivoli
Our leftfield choice - you may not have heard of SsangYong - but the Korean brand certainly knows how to offer value for money. The Tivoli is a perfect example. It comes with an impressive level of standard equipment and for less than £15k you can choose either a petrol or a diesel. Perhaps the best part is a five year unlimited mileage warranty that covers things like wheel bearings, suspension and steering joints, bushes and shock absorbers.
Dacia Duster
We make no apologies for including two Dacia models here. Just like the Logan MCV, the Duster is a low priced and no-nonsense car. With a start price of £10,995, it represents excellent value for money, and our budget will stretch to a Prestige model with the SCe petrol engine.
MG ZS
The Chinese-built MG ZS might not be the most polished crossover on the market, but it's extremely practical and, with prices starting at £12,495, it's also a bit of a bargain. Our budget will get a mid-range Excite model with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. If you need more space, the bigger MG GS starts at £15,095.
Kia Venga
The launch of the Stonic crossover makes the Venga's being axed from Kia's range. Now's a great time to buy one, though - there are lots of brand new examples in the country ready to be bought for very little money. Hit the classifieds and you'll get one with delivery miles for less than £13,000.
Fiat Tipo
Most car buyers overlook the Fiat Tipo in favour of pricier rivals like the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus. It's not the last word in refinement but it does represent excellent value for money. For £14,905, you can buy a Tipo Easy with DAB radio, cruise control and air conditioning. We'd haggle for a higher-spec model...
Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny is neither a sensible family car, nor does it cost less than £15,000. But it's only slightly over budget, is exceptionally good off road and has a big boot if you drop the rear seats. Just don't expect to take the kids and their luggage...
