Its number plate was LOV603P and "Little Love", as it became known in my house, was eventually handed down to yours truly. A set of old Hi-Fi speakers and an incongruously flashy stereo quickly transformed Little Love to the Lurve Machine.
If you turned it up loud enough, the metal whine of the rear axel became almost unnoticeable and I have to say that it was a pretty emotional day when LOV603P went to the great scrap merchant in the sky. Well, Walkden Breakers Yard to be exact.
Things are very different today - an age when families have swopped the idea of 2.4 children for that of 2.4 cars.
These days the choice of second car is just as important as the first and some families seem to think nothing of splashing out thousands of pounds for the right one.
You'll have a sensible family saloon (or 4 x 4, or people carrier, or estate) for family trips to the seaside and supermarket, then something similarly new for the solo commute or even the school run.
That's a fact which hasn't been lost on the manufacturers, who are now adept at supplying us with loads of stylish options when it comes to choosing a smaller vehicle.
Smart
The new Peugeot 207 hatchback is among the latest additions to the ranks already occupied by smart and modern Renault Clios, VW Polos and Ford Fiestas.
There's a comprehensive range to suit most pockets, starting at £8,995 on the road for the three door Urban trim model with a 1.4litre 8 valve petrol engine and topping out for the time being with a five door GT HDI 110 which is priced at £15,345.
I suspect it won't be long before the "warm hatch" diesel is trumped by a more powerful GTI model in both petrol and diesel.
The car I was given to play with was just one step below the top of the range: the GT HDI 110, which comes with a price tag of £14,745.
Given that not all of the range will have the bells and whistles of this model, we'll start on the outside.
Inevitably, the 207 is slightly longer, wider and taller than the current 206, a car, which incidentally, isn't being phased out to make way for its new big brother.
Unusually, Peugeot say the 207 provides an extra option alongside the 206 which has now been with us since 1998.
The extra dimensions of the 207 allow it a more purposeful stance than its slightly stubby smaller sibling but I still can't quite get used to the new Peugeot family nose.
I think the bulbous spot lights (standard on the GT, an option elsewhere) and enlarged grille give the car a slightly cumbersome front end at a time when the rest of the world seems to be getting less complicated.
But the rear end and profile are neater propositions and I think the 207 just about manages a position towards the top of its class when it comes to looks.
Breathing room
It's on the inside where you benefit from the extra breathing room afforded by the bigger dimensions.
Those who want practicality will go for the four door but I found that it wasn't too difficult a task strapping my little ones into the rear seats of the three door.
The GT derivative is certainly well appointed, with split air conditioning, quality finishes and a sturdy, well-built feel all round, which is not how I remember the Lurve Machine.
The extras are what you'd expect: 17in alloys, aluminium gear knob and silver colour door handles.
The driving position in front of bright and clear orange dials also feels sufficiently sporty, although the driving seat itself should perhaps be a little more sculpted and comfortable in something calling itself a GT.
The model tested also had a scenic glass roof.
As the name suggests, the GT is powered by a 110bhp 1.6litre diesel engine, which in turn is coupled to a five speed box.
And you don't have to turn up the stereo to hide the noise of the engine or the road.
Having experienced this engine in other cars, I have to say that I wasn't overwhelmed by its performance.
But it certainly felt smooth, agile and fun to drive. Overall, I'd say that the 207 is a little bit too small to serve as a full-time family car, but a good step forward if you're looking to put a second vehicle on the drive.
The GT - with relatively low insurance group and sporting good looks - will no doubt also be popular among younger people without families.
There are long service intervals, five star Euro NCAP for adult occupant protection, four for child protection and three for pedestrian protection.
It feels a little more macho than the lovely Renault Clio, a little more stylish than the latest VW and Ford.
And while it could never tug the heart strings like Little Love, I'd have to say that it's something far more desirable than an ageing blue Ford Escort.
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