Going for a bigger car next year....

[C.A.R.]

I know it's early to start thinking about it, but I can't help myself.

I know the 306 is going on the chopping block after this coming winter. I'm hopeful I can get about a bag of sand for it come then.

I thoroughly recommend a 306 to any young family though, but next year we are looking to have sprog #2 once my Mrs gets her qualification certificate (September).

This will be a bargain-basement car. I can always borrow money from relatives but I can't really afford to pay much back nowadays, money isn't going as far. So my budget is going to be around 2-2.5K I reckon.

I've looked at the following motors. I'm not after much, as it's going to get battered by kids (the 306 is already suffering this fate...)
Vectra Diesel - bit dull-looking, but lots of car for your money
Saab 9-5 diesel - for the same reasons as above (same car basically? Am I wrong?)
Mondeo TDCi 130 - Does basically everything, DMF concerns me
Mazda6 TS 136 - lots of horror stories about; are the problems avoidable?

I really fancy a Volvo but I don't know what I'd get in that budget. I'm looking at cars around 2-3k as my budget will be smack in the middle of that in about 6 months.

What do you reckon? And no, don't want a 306 Estate, I want something a little more refined sadly