AN MPV is the definitive sensible car. The idea was kicked off by Chrysler back in the late 70’s with the original Voyager and developed and improved by Renault with the all conquering Espace and Scenic over the next two decades. It’s a superior design to the three-box saloon or family estate in many ways and the MPV’s total dominance of the school run is no surprise. Consider that the Ford S-MAX has room for seven people and their luggage in the footprint of a Mondeo and you can see the point. They usually drive well too and the high driving position is a real advantage. The trouble is that high demand has kept second-hand prices high in comparison to more conventional cars. If you don’t need an extra row of seats then the cheaper family estate is still the better choice but if you must have an MPV then there are still canny choices to be made. A petrol automatic is the best option. The highly complex diesel engines, with all the attendant emissions technology, are not really suited to the kind short urban journeys these cars are likely to make and an automatic gearbox makes the rat race that little bit more bearable. Diesel models also carry a heavy premium of around £1,000, the avoidance of which should offset the extra fuel costs. With this in mind, and with the £5,000 to £6,000 typical budget, here are three of the best from UsedCarExpert. Vauxhall ZafiraThere is no better choice in this sector than the Zafira and it’s the obvious place to start. Firstly there are lots about and this combined with the mass-market badge keeps prices relatively low. It’s surprisingly good to drive, well built and looks smart in an anonymous kind of way. UsedCarExpert.co.uk Cars for sale: A 2007 car with the 1.8 petrol and automatic gearbox combination and 45,000 miles on the clock is available for £4,990 Mazda5Sister car to Ford's brilliant but five-seat only C-MAX, the 5 has that cars brilliant handling and ride compromise coupled with highly useful sliding doors and an extra row of seats. An often overlooked and excellent car. UsedCarExpert.co.uk Cars for sale: A 2008 model Mazda5 with a 2.0 petrol engine, an automatic gearbox and 50,000 miles on the clock can be had for £5,800 Renault Grand ScenicThe original small, seven seat MPV. The Grand Scenic doesn’t drive as sharply as the cars above but it rides better and Renaults experience in this sector shows in the huge, well-resolved interior. Cheap too. UsedCarExpert.co.uk Cars for sale: A 2007 car in top end Privilege spec with a 2.0 engine and only 20,000 miles on the clock is up for sale at £4,990. | 
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