[greenthumbs]

It seems we may need to finally upgrade from our old rust bucket to a new car.

Has anyone done this recently? What did you go with?

I'm not a fan of station wagons or sedans, but love roomy hatchbacks.

We're not big earners, so need any economical car - to buy, run, service and repair.

We've got one bub so far but would like at least one more so no 3 doors

What would be your go to car? for somewhere in the 15-20k price range?

[lsolaBella]

I had a Honda Jazz as my car for two kids. It has a surprisingly roomy boot.

We upgraded for #3 as we needed a 7 seater then (as we have family visit often from interstate). If we hadn't needed a 7 seater I would have stayed with my Honda Jazz.

[BreezaH]

DH had a Toyota Corolla when we met and it was amazing. He had it 7yrs, it did 500,000kms and was serviced about a half dozen times. It finally packed it in around July last year when 2 of the cylinders were no longer working which he only found out well after it happened! I'd recommend them to anyone. If they can thrive on DH's tough love routine, imagine what they can do for someone who uses them less and takes care of them more, lol.

We stuck with Toyotas but upgraded to a Camry Altise.

[Julie3Girls]

Honestly, with 2 kids you can drive pretty much any car

It's when you are trying to fit in 3 carseats that you can have problems.

With 2 kids, we had a Hyundai elantra. Great little car, pretty cheap to run.

When #3 arrived I started driving our camry instead. Just traded it in for another Camry (Altise) because the backseat is great for 3 kids.

[mayahlb]

I like the i30's. They are surprisingly large inside, I have a friend with 3 car seats across the back and a big pram in the boot. The diesel version is also very economical, she gets a 1000kms to a tank. This is on the list for us to upgrade to when possible. They aslo have a wagon version though it isn't a big wagon it does have a bit bigger boot about double the normal version and still looks more like a hatchback then a wagon

[Bluenomi]

I'm lusting over a CX 5 at the moment.

[SlinkyMalinki]

I'd pick something like a VW Tiguan if I were getting a new family car.

Within your budget, probably a Corolla.

[WibbleWobble]

Are you looking at new or second hand?

When we were looking in a similar price bracket we based our decision on what had the best ANCAP rating so went with a second hand with a 5 star rating car rather than a new one that had less stars.

[greenthumbs]

I like the i30's. They are surprisingly large inside, I have a friend with 3 car seats across the back and a big pram in the boot. The diesel version is also very economical, she gets a 1000kms to a tank. This is on the list for us to upgrade to when possible. They aslo have a wagon version though it isn't a big wagon it does have a bit bigger boot about double the normal version and still looks more like a hatchback then a wagon

The i30 is nice! And the wagon not to fugly. Might have to check out IRL. Have heard good things about Hyundai as well.

Are you looking at new or second hand?

When we were looking in a similar price bracket we based our decision on what had the best ANCAP rating so went with a second hand with a 5 star rating car rather than a new one that had less stars.

New, I think. We've both always had ratty old cars and we're getting a little sick of sinking money into them. My little laser is still going great (fingers crossed, knock on wood and all that), but DP is over having so many things go wrong with his car and just wants to not have to worry about it.

[TiredbutHappy]

I'm lusting over a CX 5 at the moment.

Our CX 7 cost us a bomb to service each time, at least $500 (still under warranty, with no repairs being required). The CX-9 was the same, I'd never buy another Mazda 4WD.