Had a 95 Astra 1.7TD that was written off in April. 5 seats and 50mpg. It was free but it was a £500 car.
Replaced it with a Landrover Freelander 5 seats, loads of room but 30mpg. I got it cheap at the time and it hasn't been too bad. A couple of niggly things. Magic in the snow!
Golfs are nice and reliable. Focus are cheaper now and handle well. take your pick from the rep mobiles!