On the hunt for a family car? Think outside the box!

By Martin Pretorius

Why stick to the same formula when you can add some individuality?

Let's be honest: R300,000 won't get you anything spectacular on the new car market anymore. A mere decade ago, that kind of money would have put you behind the wheel of a pretty nice SUV, or even an entry-level compact executive car, but nowadays, that would barely be enough for a low-spec Corolla, Elantra, Focus or Jetta. If you're feeling the need for something interesting or quick, while still offering the space, versatility and comfort you need in a family vehicle, you might want to look at the pre-owned market instead. We decided to help by scouring the classifieds for some enticing options, so you don't have to hunt for it yourself. Here are five alternative suggestions:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

What's the coolest thing about driving an older Mercedes? Onlookers will think that you've been rich for a while! And while it's true that ageing luxury cars are best avoided for fear of massive maintenance costs, much of that worry falls away when you look at the lower-spec variants. This 2012 E250 CDI is a case in point: it uses the proven 2.1-litre turbodiesel and 7-speed autobox, doesn't have complicated gimmicks such as air suspension to break, but it still looks and drives like an expensive, luxurious machine. And with 150 kW and 500 Nm under the bonnet, it's pretty quick too. There's lots of space for the family and holiday luggage, and it's really comfortable to boot. Budget shopping has never been classier!

Volkswagen Golf SV

This model range was recently discontinued in South Africa due to slow sales, and that's a real pity: the super-sized Golf does all the things the normal one does so well, but adds a heap of extra space and comfort to the equation. The cabin is wider and longer than that of the standard Golf, yet it drives with the same verve and refinement as its smaller sibling. There's a massive luggage area too, and the rear seats can move around to give you everything from limousine-like room to van-like versatility. Best of all? It looks much like a normal Golf from the outside. This Golf SV 1.4 TSI Auto  comes with a nice spec level, and uses Volkswagen's bullet-proof turbo 1400 engine and smooth-shifting 7-speed DSG transmission. It's not very fast (there's only 92 kW and 200 Nm on tap), but it's very economical and should last you along time. It's a van without being an actual van.

Nissan Pathfinder

Maybe you want a large SUV for those trips to the nursery or into the bush, but don't feel like driving just another Fortuner or CR-V. So how about this Nissan Pathfinder SE?  It only has 5 cloth-upholstered  seats (which leaves a massive luggage area), but features one of the best four-wheel-drive systems around, and sends 140 kW and 450 Nm to the wheels through a reasonably smooth 5-speed autobox. It's even pretty comfortable, thanks to its coil-sprung rear axle, and that 2.5 dCi engine is a well-proven unit. It's not beautiful, but it's imposing enough to impress on the school run, and it has enough presence to clear the fast lane in no time.

Volvo V60 D5

If one manufacturer can lay claim to being Masters of the Wagon, it's Volvo. This V60 D5 is a good case in point: that swoopy styling disguises a really practical wagon, and because it's not an SUV, it's already taken a massive depreciation knock. Powered by a 2.4-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesel, there's no shortage of power (158 kW and 440 Nm) but it's impressively economical as well (6.2 ℓ/100 km claimed average). It also has the most comfortable seats in the business, rides like a luxury car, and has all the safety features to keep your family safe. The legendary Volvo audio system is a nice bonus.

BMW 3-series

We have a number of 335i alternatives listed under our R300,000 price cap, but the fuel- and maintenance bills will probably kill you in the long run. Rather look at a 320d like this one if you want to get all the executive-car image without the executive-car outlay. It's still a current model, so nobody would know that you decided to save some money, and the oily bits are proven to be very reliable. With 135 kW and 380 Nm, it's pretty quick too, but the best bit is the very real possibility of average fuel.