Holiday haulers from £4000 - used car buying guide

You get plenty of space and storage. The middle row of seats can be folded or removed and the third row folds into the floor for extra load carrying. It promises to be a safe car, too, achieving a five-star Euro NCAP rating when tested in 2003.

It’s affordable to run and maintain and there are few reports of major faults, but the build quality can be sketchy and keep an eye out for electrical glitches.We found a 2010 1.5 dCi Expression with less than 60,000 miles on the clock for just £5295.

3 - Land Rover Discovery (2004-present)

Facing the prospect of a car full of excited kids, some of them yours, some of them your kids’ friends? Nightmare. Well, you need to treat yourself to a Discovery. Not only will you get some street cred over seven-seat MPV rivals, but you’ll also be cocooned in a luxurious cabin, spoilt by a supple ride and have all-terrain 4x4 mastery at your disposal.

A Disco is relatively expensive to buy and run, but you’ll retain more of your cash when you sell it. Major problems 
are few, with electrical and software glitches being the most common.

SE spec comes with air suspension, leather seats and plenty of kit. A 10-year-old 2.7 diesel, having covered less than 60,000 miles, will set you back £13,495.

4 - Volvo XC90 (2002-2015)

When the XC90 was launched in 2002, it became the first socially acceptable 4x4. It retained its popularity until it was replaced by a new model last year.

It isn’t the most dynamic of cars, but your loved ones will be treated to a luxurious ride, a well-built interior and the protection of a plethora of airbags. SE trim comes with leather seats and cruise and climate control, enhancing the experience. There’s plenty of room for five passengers, while the third row is best limited to two smaller offspring.

Check beneath for off-road damage and beware of internal creaks or ill-fitting trim, both hints that it’s been in a crash.

We found a 2006 2.4-litre diesel with 51,000 miles for less than £10,000.

5 - Citroen C4 Grand Picasso (2007-2013)