Which reliable family car offers low maintenance and good safety?

I am considering buying a car, and I haven't owned a car in over 10 years. The last time I owned one was in America before the days of satnav, iPod connections, beep when you reverse, and all the other bells and whistles cars have now. I'm looking for either an inexpensive new car or used car that will fit our family of three, but be big enough for us to possibly grow into a family of four in the next two or three years. Safety and low/easy/cheap maintenance is essential - I know nothing about auto repair - and I can only drive an automatic. I would like to spend well under £10,000 if possible. What are some of the best options out there? Best deals and warranties going at the moment? Cars that get cheap insurance, road tax, etc? Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer this clueless American mum.
You should probably look at a Honda Jazz 1.4 CVT-7, post-February 2012 or, smaller, a Hyundai i10 1.2 auto, Suzuki Splash 1.2 auto or Vauxhall Agila 1.2 auto. Unless you go for a hybrid such as a Prius you can’t combine low VED with an automatic transmission.
Answered by Honest John on

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