THE last model of the Ford Galaxy made from 2000 to 2006 is now down to under £3,000 in petrol form, so if you need a big load lugger, get yourself a bargain.

This is the biggest selling people carrier on the market judging by the numbers I see on the roads. So many owners cannot be wrong.

Both petrol and diesel models are good to drive but those diesels are at least £1,000 more expensive to buy secondhand.

That said, with prices as they are, you'll get back the extra outlay in fuel savings over a year or less making them by far the best buy.

This series of Galaxy was available with 2.3-litre 143bhp and 2.8-litre 200bhp petrols, giving fuel consumption of 26 and 24mpg.

The three diesels are all 1.9-litre turbos borrowed from VW with 90, 115 or 130bhp. They will all do around 40mpg.

Galaxys have great power steering, a comfortable ride and much better handling than anything this size has a right to! They are also very reliable.

If less people or more stuff needs to be carried, the three or five individual rear seats can be unhooked and removed but it's a back-breaking job because they are so heavy.

: VW Sharan, Citroen Synergie