Well, for your money, you could get your hands on a turn of the century (1999-2002) Diesel Estate car along the lines of Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, Peugeot 306, Skoda Octavia with average miles. You could get a similar aged Renault Scenic but IMO these are crap.
I know that an estate car isn't that aspirational but they drive a hell of a lot better than so called 'mini-mpv's' and are incredibly practical with a wee one on the way.
Find one of those mentioned above with a comprehensive maintenance/repair record and you shouldn't really go far wrong.
JJ
You gotta tie yourself to the mast my friend, and the storm will end.