If you’re looking for comfort, practicality and a cavern-like cabin to fit all your family’s needs, then a saloon is your answer.

From the ubiquitous Mercedes C-Class to the classic Rover 75, here’s our pick of the top 10 bargain saloons – all for under £2,000.

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Full gallery: the £2,000 bargain saloons

Alfa Romeo 156

If you’re looking for style as well as practicality then look no further than the Alfa Romeo 156.

Sharp handling and a range of strong, characterful engines mean this slice of Milanese chic is as good to drive as it is to look at.

Despite preconceptions, there’s no reason a well serviced 156 shouldn’t be reliable. The most important thing to check is that the cambelt has been changed on time.

Our pick: 2.0 T-Spark Lusso

Nissan Primera

The British-built Primera is a reliable and practical family car. It looks distinctive both inside and out, and best of all, it’s a real used bargain.

Engines and gearboxes are strong and the only real weak point can be electronic gremlins in early cars. Make sure you test all buttons and features to ensure they are in good working order.

Our pick: 1.8 SE 5dr

Volvo S40

The first of a new generation of curvy Volvos, the S40 was popular when new, so there’s plenty of choice out there.

There’s plenty of interior space and equipment levels are high. Being a Volvo, safety is also first-class.

Build quality, ride and handling were poor on earlier cars, but post-2000 cars are vastly improved.

Our pick: post-2000 2.0T SE

Volkswagen Bora

The Golf-with-a-boot proved less popular than its hatchback sibling but is just as well built, classy and cheaper to buy.

The engine range stretches from an underpowered 1.6, right through to the storming 2.8 V6 4Motion, but we’d pick a 1.9 TDI for its mix of performance and economy.

Our pick: 1.9 TDI 110HP SE

Skoda Octavia

The Octavia was a turning point for Skoda, helping move the company forward from its position as something of a national joke.

The Octavia is loosely based on the VW Golf – which is a good thing – but it’s bigger both inside and out.

It is very well built but the engines can develop problems so make sure it’s been maintained well.

Our pick: 1.9TDI 110bhp

Rover 75

The Rover 75 was the car that should have saved the British manufacturer. It was refined, well-built and had the interior of a far more expensive motor – which all makes it an attractive option for the bargain buyer.

Power comes from a choice of four petrol engines and one diesel, from the entry level 1.8-litre to the now rare 2-litre BMW engine, as seen in the same era 3 and 5 Series. Be warned, parts can be expensive due to their increasing rarity.

Our pick: 2.0 CDTi 131 PS

Seat Toledo

The Seat Toledo saloon hit UK roads in 1999 and was a comfortable, well-built and good-looking family car.

The Toledo is based on a the Mk 4 Golf but has a sportier look and better handling, thanks to its revised suspension.

Reliability is good and no major issues have been reported. The main complaint is its narrow boot opening, making getting luggage in and out of the back something of a chore.

Our pick: 52 mpg 1.9 TDI S 110PS

Peugeot 406

The Peugeot 406 saloon enjoys handling and ride quality from Peugeot’s heyday whilst Pininfarina took care of the looks. It’s spacious, practical and surprisingly economical.

There have been reports of electrical faults, rear brake problems and ignition troubles. Remember to check that the cambelt has been changed on time, failure to do so can lead to considerable repair bills.

Make sure you check the service history is comprehensive and that everything works before driving away.

Our pick: 110bhp 2.0 litre HDI

Mercedes C-Class

Oh Lord won’t you buy me a Mercedes-Benz… The ‘baby Benz’ was the aspirational car of its day, but the 10-year-old market is pretty saturated, meaning bargains are easy to find.

The range of engines is extensive, from the sensible 120bhp 1.8-litre to the 148bhp 2.5-litre turbodiesel.

Build-quality isn’t brilliant and older C-Classes are prone to rust.

Our pick: C180 122 PS

Subaru Legacy

The popular Subaru Legacy is well-equipped, spacious and handles like an all-wheel drive should.

The range of engines is rather limited, comprising of a 2-, 2.5- and 3-litre petrol boxer units.

There wasn’t a diesel engine, which makes the Legacy a thirsty option. The complex four-wheel drive and engine systems mean that repair bills can quickly spiral so make sure you check the car is in good condition before you pay.

Our pick: 2.0-litre 280 bhp

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By Owen Ready and Rhian Jones