TOYOTA SPACIA 4D WAGON (1993-2001)
A FAMILY favourite, Toyota sold heaps of these moderately equipped Spacias, which are effectively the earlier van-based Taragos updated for the 1990s. Has a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine driving through a five-speed manual gearbox or optional four-speed auto. Power steering standard. Durable and holds its value well.

MITSUBISHI STARWAGON 2D WAGON (1994-2001)
OLD-fashioned in looks with obvious commercial vehicle origins. Front-wheel drive with carburettor-equipped 1997cc, 16-valve engine and four-speed auto or five-speed manual transmission. Central locking, power steering and radio/cassette standard. Air- conditioning standard from 1996.

MAZDA MPV 4D WAGON (1993-1996)
THIS is a comfortable and capable vehicle with car-like road manners. Powered by a 3.0-litre, 18-valve V6 engine driving the rear wheels through a four-speed auto. Swing-out doors are unique. A huge extras list includes ABS, air-conditioning with climate control, central locking, power mirrors/steering/ windows and radio/cassette.

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE 3D WAGON (1993-1996)
NOT the old rear-engined Kombi but a new five-cylinder, 2.4- litre, Audi-powered front-wheel drive, even though the body styling is a little outdated. Plenty of room but noise level is high and performance is not brilliant. Choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto. Climate control, central locking, power mirrors/steering/front windows and radio/cassette standard.