Renault launched the people carrier concept in Europe in the mid-1980s with the innovative Espace and had things pretty much to itself for a decade. Then the market exploded and since the mid-1990s we have been awash with MPVs.

As a result, anyone after a second-hand people carrier has a pretty good choice, but for me the most tempting is the Seat Alhambra.

The Alhambra is one of three MPVs produced as a joint venture with Seat’s parent Volkswagen (Sharan) and Ford (Galaxy). The VW Group masterplan positions Seat down-market of Volkswagen with the result that you get mechanically identical MPVs that differ only in trim and equipment, very slightly in appearance and, of course, price.

The cheaper Seat offers a 1.9 litre turbodiesel (in two states of tune) and 2 litre and V6 2.8 litre petrol engines. The diesels are the sensible choices. The 90bhp unit is economical but sedate, making the 110bhp version (later uprated to 115bhp) the better buy. The extra power and torque transform the car, endowing it with great towing ability.

Wieldy to drive and surprisingly easy to park, all Alhambras have air-conditioning, central locking, twin airbags and useful roof rails. Fuel economy is more car-like than you might imagine, with up to 40mpg from the turbodiesels.

So if you’re in the market for a people carrier that seats up to seven, put aside badge snobbery and buy the second-hand Seat. The classifieds should turn up a few for sale privately but it’s also worth visiting the Seat website (www.seat.co.uk) for a list of approved used cars. Buying from a franchised dealer will have the benefit of an authenticated mileage and service history, as well as a reassuring 12-month warranty.
Values: Seat Alhambra 1.9 TDi

Mileage 30,000
1997 R Trade £7,100 Retail £8,425
1998 S Trade £7,825 Retail £9,225
1999 T Trade £8,600 Retail £10,095

Mileage 70,000
1997 R Trade £5,800 Retail £7,095
1998 S Trade £6,375 Retail £7,775
1999 T Trade £6,975 Retail £8,425

Deduct £500 for 2.0 petrol equivalent. Autos and manuals worth about the same. Five-seat models worth about £1,000 less than seven-seaters.
Sources: estimates based on confidential CAP black book prices. 'Trade' is what a dealer would pay to buy your car.

Checklist

The one to buy 1.9 TDi (110bhp) 1998 S with 50,000 miles
Bumpers Colour-coding looks nice but scuffs will show. Allow £120 for a respray
Tired turbo Excessive exhaust smoke under acceleration on diesels may mean the turbo is on the way out
Brakes ABS standard from July 1998, optional before that (check in engine bay for the ABS unit)
Seats Some models have only five seats, additional ones are expensive
Boot All cars come with a luggage compartment cover to stop prying eyes
Wheels Alloys standard on SE models
Security Alarm and immobiliser standard on all versions