With a budget of £10,000 you can get a great family car that can be all-but new. This is a competitive market, so the standards are high and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Whether you’re after a hatchback, or an economy model or something with space and sophistication, this sector has it all. But which would suit you best? We profile our favourite top half dozen.

6. Nissan Pulsar

This is one for those with a sensible head on. It’s not fabulous inside, with some cheapy placcy bits but equipment levels are high and the whole car is a very practical choice. Quiet to drive, very reliable and cheap – look at the mileage and age of the car we found.

Real example: 2015 1.2 DIG-T Visia (3,000 miles): £9347

5. Hyundai i30

What sort of risk would you be running by buying this? It’s not even two years old, yet it comes with most of its five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty. There’s lots to like. It’s robust, well equipped, comfy and has a spacious cabin. It’s not a great driver’s car, nor is it particularly economical, but it’s still a very safe bet.

Real example: 2015 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive SE (11,000 miles): £9988

4. Kia Cee’d

Kia’s warranty is even longer than the Hyundai. A seven-year warranty is highly desirable, but there is a 100,000-mile limit. Like the Hyundai, the Kia has a rather unremarkable engine range and a similar rather low level of driving fun, but as a sensible family transport it’s hard to beat.

Real example: 2014 1.6 CRDi 2 (10,000 miles): £9995

3. Volkswagen Golf

Because of its higher price, to get a Golf in this price range means adding a bit more mileage and age to the equation. However, you can get a Mk7, so you gain a fabulous cabin, responsive handling, comfy ride and a good safety record.

Real example: 2013 1.6 TDI 105 SE (34,000 miles): £9988

2. Seat Leon

In some ways this is like a simpler Golf, and none the worse for it. It looks a bit crisper in our eyes too. The cabin isn’t quite as high-quality but it’s still a fine place for the family and there is a decent amount of space. The engine range is very similar so you get an engaging drive, and save some money into the bargain.

Real example: 2014 1.4 TSI SE (13,000 miles): £9999

1. Skoda Octavia

The top three here are all variations on a VW theme. But the Octavia takes the qualities of the other two and adds some of its own. Plus it’s cheaper than the Golf and bigger than the Leon. As a spacious long-distance driving machine this represents fabulous value for money.

Real example: 2014 1.4 TSI SE (17,000 miles): £9995