Depends how many kids you've got, and how many dogs. C-Max is pretty good for the money, but the ones I've seen on the forecourt are pretty bashed up by the busy mum drivers! You don't seem to get much extra on an S-Max other than the extra seats. The other guys at work all rate Zafiras, but they seem to be pretty thirsty. Octavias are also popular, since they do nearly 60 mpg on a diesel, and are pretty nippy too. Mitsubishi Lancer estate is great value as a new car (as low as 9k), with a great warranty, and you can pretend it's an Evo if you like... We plumped for an X-trail, which does 40 mpg on a 2.2 diesel and is cavernous enough for 3 kids, pets in the boot and buggies. Handy. Not too popular with the tree huggers, despite the fact it has lower emissions than most of the Mondeos and Vectras out there, so you may feel embarrased inside one. If money is no object and you are transporting football teams then an XC90 is quite durable; though my mate just bought a five year old one and had not much change from 20k.

The new shape golf is amazing as we've just purchased one. The boot is massive and is a comfortable drive. I've even sat in the back and there's room to swing a cat!! Obviously a 4 door is better.

Go for the TDI S or SE as there's a sportyness about it. The prices range and there's loads on autotrader. They're reasonably priced and built to last.

Good luck with the purchase

Depends on budget. If money wasn't a issue I'd personally go for a Chrysler Grand Voyeger of the Renault version. If your looking at more of a car than a MPV you can't go wrong with a Mondeo. Someone told me once the best car to have is the one that all the taxi drivers have so around here its Toyota Avensis or VW Passat. I haven't any of these cars so I'm just guessing really

I am looking at getting a new car since our family is bigger. Does anyone know of some decent family cars?