Family - Ford Focus

A former Used Car of the Year – and with good reason. The second-generation Focus is impressive to drive, handsome and widely available second-hand. Even LX models come with air-conditioning, and the excellent TDCi diesels provide decent performance and economy. The Ford is the ultimate used family vehicle.

Adding to its appeal is the fact that you can get hold of three and five-door models, as well as a practical estate.

Sun worshippers can even choose the rare CC, although prices for the folding hard-top start at a lofty £9,000. Within our £5,000 cut-off, hot hatch fans can opt for a late version of the original ST170.