RELIABILITY has always been a watchword for Nissan and if you're looking for a family car that lasts and lasts, try an Almera.

It does have a rather lowly image, but if that doesn't worry you the hatch, saloon and Tino midi-MPV are all well-built and long lasting.

The cars were produced until 2006, making way for the very successful Qashqai crossover, but the Tino lasted a bit longer.

They are good all-rounders that have more UK content than most Fords or Vauxhalls with either 1.5 88bhp or 1.8 114bhp petrol engines or a very good 2.2-litre turbo diesel with 110 or 134bhp.

Hatches are available with three or five doors but the four door saloon is perhaps the best looking in the range and the Tino is a great family holdall.

Comfort is good, road-holding fair and reasonable prices. Full history should be normal and I would not buy without it.

Upper models get a six disc autochanger, aircon and alloys, safety is up with the best and there is good legroom front and rear.

: Ford Focus