THE original VW Sharan and its sister cars, the SEAT Alhambra and Ford Galaxy have long been stalwarts of the school-run-to-Tesco's-to-football-to home-to-ballet-etc routine that anybody with more than two kids will know only too well.

They are perfect for the big family.

With the appearance of the new Alhambra, all three cars have now been replaced. The new Galaxy is nearly three years old and the second generation VW Sharan has been out for a nearly a year.

The Galaxy is an entirely new Ford design, closely related to the brilliant S-MAX but, as before, the Sharan and Alhambra are exactly the same under the skin.

Unfortunately one thing the three cars now share is an eye watering new price.

The question is, why would you pay around £25,000 for a new Sharan or Alhambra when you can get a lightly used older version (or a new model Galaxy) for £12,000 less.

If you have three kids, you will know that there are many alternative uses for that money. So here are three much cheaper ways to get yourself big, shiny family wagon.

The Galaxy (and it's closely related sister car the S-MAX) is a real quality item. It rides and handles brilliantly though the S-MAX, which shares comparable used values, is a slightly better steer. The Galaxy looks a real quality item on any drive. It manages to seem properly up market while remaining resolutely Ford in terms of running cost and depreciation. A very, very easy car to recommend.

Pay no more than £13,500 for a well looked after three year old Ford Galaxy with less than 40,000 miles on the clock.

The previous model VW Sharan is a still graceful, very big MPV with a premium badgewhich offers proper seating for seven and swallows most of their luggage. The car still looks smart and the new model is not really any bigger inside - the VW group 1.9 turbodiesel units are tough and powerful. Servicing is inexpensive and parts are plentiful and cheap.

A well cared for three year old 1.9 TDi can be yours for less £10,000. Mileage should be below 60,000.

The SEAT Alhambra offers 100% of the ability of the VW Sharan for about 85% of the cost. A highly underrated vehicle that still feels contemporary and looks smart on the school run. Save yourself lots over the Sharan and get a car that is exactly the same.

A well looked after SEAT Alhambra 1.9 diesel should cost around £8,500 at a mere four years old with less than 60,000 miles already covered.