[Tecopa]

I have a 13 year old Holden Astra and I'm pretty happy with the size and function of it, it's just falling apart now and having mechanical issues. I've always dreamed of buying a car from the same decade I'm living in so I guess that means ideally I'd want a 2010ish car. Could afford maybe 15K but flexible. I've never had a car cost more than about 5K but think I should stop driving older cars for safety and reliability.

It's mainly me and a 3 year old in the car - sometimes my dogs. I love the hatch on the Astra for moving random items around and being able to put the seats down or half down - I'm always transporting furniture and washing and Ikea and such as I have guesthouses. However I do have a 23 year old van we own for the really big transport stuff.

I want automatic for a change from manual, cheap to run, insure and repair would be good. I am kinda drawn to the small/compact SUV types of cars but not sure I could justify it or really need it.

Suggestions Please?

[Yomumma]

I recommend a hyundai i30 hatch or wagon.You should be able to get one for under $15,000. They have a 5 star safety rating, suprisingly roomy inside, cheap on fuel. I love mine!

[mumofruby]

I have a Mazda 2 and love it. Brand new it is around 17 K manual , so you should be able to get a 2nd hand one for around 15k. Very zippy and great on fuel

[dadathome]

I recommend a hyundai i30 hatch or wagon.You should be able to get one for under $15,000. They have a 5 star safety rating, suprisingly roomy inside, cheap on fuel. I love mine!

A couple of neighbours have these in auto. They do seem to be good choice for the OP's criteria.