So Matt wants a new car. I wouldn't mind one either as ours does feel a bit old and I don't like it to drive.
Matt loves the Volvo C30 as do I, but it's new so can't get it for good price second hand so would be better getting a new one on finance. Thing is I don't like the thought of finance for car, mainly because you can't always guarantee you'll be able to pay it off. Sure we know what our finances are like now but what if our tax credits are lowered or Matt loses his job or rent goes up. I'd prefer to just buy what we can afford now. However it does mean having a crappier car. What are your thoughts? Buy outright or on finance?

Also can anyone suggest good cars to look at. Criteria being:
-Big enough for family of 4
-1.4-1.6L engine as we're still quite young so insurance is ridiculously high
-Not a long car as I'm a crap driver and can barely park as it is
-Low insurance group as possible
-Can get second hand for decent price (budget being £2000, we think we can get about £1000 for our car so I would prefer to spend around that but we have savings so can go higher)
-Decent milage as we drive to Sussex and Essex a lot

We have a Seat Leon '52 at the moment. I'm thinking Ford Focus or something like that?

do a search on auto trader within a 30 mile radius

Id buy outright were you can. I agree circumstances and priorities can change and if you've bought the car no one can take it off you and its yours. Leasing is good if you have the money but all the final payment crap scares me and so many people just trade in and lease another - so never own their car!
We looking to change atm and I like the look of focus's or seat Ibiza's. My budget is really low but, think we'd get about £700 for our car and can only really stretch to add another £500 to that as my job only temporary.

I agree check out auto trader for idea's - you can do an advanced search of number of doors, petrol, price, mileage etc and it brought up a few good deals on models I hadnt even considered.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/postcode/bt282au/radius/1500/quicksearch/true

^^ not sure if when you click that link it will be cars in my area, but it shows you what I mean anyway lol