The pick of the bunch of used MPVs

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), August 22, 2007

AT CH RISTMAS they advertise Easter Eggs. At Easter you get the summer holiday offers. So as you pack for your summer holiday you won't be surprised to see "back to school" adverts everywhere.

As a little chap, a new uniform and pencil case was good.

But I was more excited about a new family car.

So while kitting your kids out for the new term, you might also want a car more suited to carrying them, their friends and an evergrowing amount of sports kit.

Here are three vehicles from when new MPVs were the thing to have; now they are used bargains.

Ford Galaxy (1995-present) The Galaxy is a best-selling people carrier because it raised the bar for the entire genre. It is easy and car-like to drive and has typically low Ford running costs. Comfy practical and lots around, so you can be choosy.

Most economical: 1.9 TD 90ps -52mpg Best used buy: 2.3 petrol engine, Ghia from 1995 on, LX model from 2000-on. UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 16.

Price: A year 2000 Galaxy with 70,000 miles will be around pounds 4,100 at a local dealer.

Fiat Multipla (1999-present) The scary looks frighten car dealers, which has meant soft prices. More than just a boldly-designed exterior, the interior is equally jolly without compromising practicality. Good choice if you don't care what the neighbours think.

Most economical: JTD - 44.1 mpg Best used buy: 1.6 ELX is cheap and well - equipped.

UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 11. Price: A year 2002 1.6 with 50,000 miles will be around pounds 4,000 at a dealer.

Peugeot 806 (1995-2002) The Peugeot has good equipment including seats like armchairs. It would make a good-looking minibus but it is not a good-looking people carrier. It is practical, reliable and better value than the well-known rival models.

Most economical: 2.0 Hdi - 42.2mpg Best used buy: 2.0 16 valve from 1998 with GLX specification.

UsedCarExpert.com buyers checks: 14. Price: A year 200 2.0 GLX with 70,000 miles will be around pounds 4,500 at a dealer.

MALCOLM TUMBRIDGE gives advice on buying a people carrier for the school run

CAPTION(S):

TOP TO TOE - Ford Galaxy, Fiat Multipla, Peugeot 806