For your situation I'd say get a safe family car. If you happen to find a top quality Datsun in your price range go for that as your family runabout, but look at other options as well (don't limit yourself to a Datto).

Once you've finished uni you'll be able to land a good fulltime job and earn the cash to buy a sweet Datto. Your family should always come first, so the Datto can wait (your passion for them won't die).