What to look for
The Volkswagen parentage should mean that the VW Sharan and Seat Alhambra are pretty reliable, although the early examples of both had some problems with patchy paintwork and with transmission noise. The current versions can have problems with the air- conditioning and are popular as taxis so beware of those tired high milers.

Used prices
Although the cheapest, the Seat performs better used than its VW cousin, losing around £4k in its first year while the similar Sharan drop by about £5k. They then depreciate by £1k a year. So find a 18 month old Sharan 1.9 TDi SPort and you're looking at just £15,000, not bad since it was £20k new.

Our Choice
Like all modern cars from the VW Group, you want a diesel. Economical yet powerful, they're a long way from the smokey oil- burners of the past. Go for the newer two-litre diesel, they still have a premium, so stick with the 1.9 TDi. They're not as smooth and can be loud, but they still provide excellent fuel economy. Don't bother with the 2.8 V6 - you may be tempted by all that power, but it's a bit pointless in a MPV. Try the Sport trim level - it has everything you want and looks good too.

Volkswagen Sharan rivals
Citroen C8
Renault Espace
Ford Galaxy
Seat Alhambra

Volkswagen Sharan road tests
Volkswagen Sharan 1.8T Tiptronic - October 16, 2003
Volkswagen Sharan - February 22, 2001
Volkswagen Sharan - May 1, 2000
Volkswagen Sharan Sport 1.8 20V Turbo - September 1, 1998
Volkswagen Sharan Carat 2.8 VR6 - February 1, 1997
Other VW Volkswagen Models
VW Volkswagen
VW Volkswagen Polo
VW Volkswagen Golf
VW Volkswagen Golf Plus
VW Volkswagen Beetle
VW Volkswagen Eos
VW Volkswagen Fox
VW Volkswagen Jetta
VW Volkswagen Passat
VW Volkswagen Phaeton
VW Volkswagen Sharan
VW Volkswagen Tiguan
VW Volkswagen Touareg
VW Volkswagen Touran