Not so long ago, a family car was a simple thing. If you had a big family, it was a saloon or estate in the Cortina, Sierra or Mondeo mould. Less kids, or a smaller budget, and you were in Escort or Focus territory.

That’s all changed, with SUVs, crossovers and people carriers of all shapes and sizes coming on to the market in a segment-busting frenzy of imaginative (and, at times, baffling) model developments.

But what if you just want an old-fashioned family saloon or hatchback? Here’s a guide to the top ten choices currently available on the second-hand market.

1. Ford Focus

With great engines, great handling, pain-free running costs and plenty of space all round for people and luggage, the Focus is strong in every area.

Some rivals do have more legroom in the back, and you have to go higher up the range to get the best stereos. All current models have Bluetooth and digital radio, however – though some owners have complained about reception, so check this on your test drive.

The Focus was What Car’s Used Car of the Year in 2014. And with excellent reliability and a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating, it’s a good (if hardly imaginative) choice.

Best buy: 1.6 Ecoboost Titanium

2. Volkswagen Golf

The Golf is second only because the Focus has cheaper used prices. It’s very well put together and quiet inside – you’d be forgiven for thinking you were driving a big, premium car rather than a family hatch.

It’s not all rosy, though. A few buyers have reported dashboard rattles, as well as blocked particulate filters and rogue warning lights coming on.

It’s not the funkiest looking car around, either. But what you lose in eye appeal, you more than make up for with comfort and overall build quality. And the best engines give you a strong blend of performance and low running costs.

Best buy: 1.4 TSI

3. Ford Mondeo

You knew it was coming. And with cruise control, air-conditioning and Ford’s winter-busting heated windscreen as standard kit on all models, the Mondeo ticks plenty of boxes.

It’s a very practical car, too. But the seat bolsters can deteriorate, and listen out for rattles from the dashboard.

Don’t look past the diesel engines in the range, which leave the petrol units far behind for both performance and economy. But do follow the herd in terms of trim and look for the ubiquitous Zetec spec, which gives you alloys, climate and electric rear windows on top of an already worthwhile kit list.

Best buy: 2.0 TDCi 140 Zetec

4. Volkswagen Passat

The latest Passat is so good, it knocks on the door of C-Class and 3 Series territory. It’s economical and great to drive, and loads of well-used room make it a very practical way to carry people and cargo alike.

You won’t find many petrol-powered Passats on the second-hand market, which is fine because with the world-class 2.0 TDI at the heart of the range there’s no reason to look past the diesel options.

Look to the highest trim levels and the prices rack up, but mid-range models have everything you’ll need. That includes bomb-proof reliability – so long as all the cabin electrics behave on your test drive, you can buy with confidence.

Best buy: 2.0 TDI SE

5. Skoda Octavia

Closely related to the VW Golf, the Octavia might not look as groovy – but it’s more practical, and when it comes to family cars that counts for a lot.

You can comfortably fit five people in an Octavia, and behind them the boot will swallow all their luggage. It won’t struggle to shift them around, either – so long as you avoid the 1.4-litre petrol engine.

Steer clear of Classic and S models, too, as they’re super-cheap but short on kit. An SE will do for most people, with alloys and climate control to keep you happy, or go for the Elegance and you’ll get cruise and parking sensors too.

Lots of choice, then. But pick the right Octavia and for family duties you’ll have all the car you’ll ever need.

Best buy: 1.6 FSI SE

6. Vauxhall Astra

The Astra struggles to hold its value, which is good news if you’re buying used. You can decide whether it’s cool or anonymous to look at, but either way you should look for cabin damage, as the plastics don’t feel quite as robust as the best of the rest.

Elsewhere, it’s a sound all-rounder, with plenty of room for passengers and a spacious boot in the back. Air-con is standard across the range, and there’s a good choice of willing and economical engines.

Best buy: 1.4T SRi

7. Skoda Superb

If size matters, the Superb is… well, a superb choice. But it knows how to use all that room, too, with a vast boot accessed via a cavernous tailgate.

All models have alloys, air-conditioning, electric windows and an MP3 stereo. But track down an SE speccer and you’ll also get cruise, reversing sensors and a 6-disc stereo with touch-screen interface.

Being a VW Group product, the Superb comes with the strong and supremely economical 2.0 TDI diesel. There are other choices in the range, but none give you any reason to go against the flow.

Best buy: 2.0 TDI SE

8. Honda Civic

The Civic enjoys Honda’s mighty reputation for reliability, but there’s more to it than that. It’s a high-value buy on the used market, and there’s plenty of choice when it comes to willing, economical engines.

There’s a bigger boot back there than you might expect, though headroom isn’t the best for rear-seat passengers. No qualms about the car’s legroom, though, front or back.

Mechanical build quality is excellent, but check for trim noises throughout the cabin. The pick of the engines is probably the 1.8 petrol, but there are strong diesel options too – however these are fond of oil and don’t have a warning light, so give the dipstick a check for peace of mind.

Best buy: 1.8 i-VTEC SE

9. Kia Ceed

The Ceed makes it into the Top 10 thanks to its unbeatable seven-year warranty, which passes from owner to owner. That means there are few used family hatchbacks you can buy with as much peace of mind.

There are some that’ll be more entertaining to drive, sure enough. But with plenty of room in the cabin and boot alike, air-con across the range and running costs that bear comparison with the best, this Kia is more than just a pretty face.

Best buy: 1.6 CRDi 125 1 ISG 5dr

10. Mazda 6

The 6 is an eye-catching machine, but there’s more to it than just that. It’s a pleasing car to drive, and very relaxed on the open road, if not the quietest.

Your family won’t be put upon for legroom, though taller passengers might feel cramped in the back. And while the 6 is a very well made car with an excellent reliability record, if you find any cause for concern it’s likely to be from dashboard rattles or a creaky floor console.

Best buy: 2.2D 136 TS3