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!