OK, so I need a new car, what should I get ?

[herulach]

Roomster Diesel.

Or an altea/altea xl. If you're only doing low mileage you might find that the petrols are more economical - certainly watch out for dpf issues on low mileage diesels.

The old shape berlingo with the non turbo engine is pretty economical, has a very useful load space and if you get one with the full length sunroof is quite a pleasant place to sit. They have the advantage of being bulletproof, although it is every bit as slow as you'd expect a 70hp engine to be. Should be able to get one in the 3k range as well. I spent about 3 weeks slogging one round the country as support driver for a bike trip, and actually genuinely enjoyed driving it.

[Apex]

Volvo V50/V70 ?

[TheAnimus]

Given what happened to the last one, how about a Challenger Mk 2?

As we apparently want to use the new smooth bore rounds, I'd imagine that there will be some with the rifled barrels going cheap as the MoD will no doubt not retrofit them all.

It also has tea making facilities.

[scaryjim]

Slightly over budget, but it's got a microwave *and* a toilet...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Trans...item258a46c532

[Smudger]

I say you should get an old GMC van, and go round the country solving crime.

[neonplanet40]

Got myself a Diesel Ford Focus recently (2010 model Zetec). It is very good. Get 60 mpg and it has a good amount of space

[Spud1]

An important part of the question I don't think you covered, is do you care how it looks (or how it makes you look?)

If you are not worried about the looks then I think a Roomster is probably the best bet - it's not at all pretty (sorry Bagnaj97!) but it is basically a German car (based off their A4 platform, which includes the A3, TT, Golf etc), are very reliable, tend to have a decent amount of kit on them, have a 5* NCAP rating and tick all your other boxes.

Cheap too - over 56 within 30 miles of me on autotrader under £5k.

[directhex]

Given what happened to the last one, how about a Challenger Mk 2?

As we apparently want to use the new smooth bore rounds, I'd imagine that there will be some with the rifled barrels going cheap as the MoD will no doubt not retrofit them all.

It also has tea making facilities.

Actually my local tank salesman has some Chieftans going spare. http://tanks-alot.co.uk/sales.htm

Also Maggie Thatcher's armoured bus. http://tanks-alot.co.uk/galleries/maggie/

[jim]

An important part of the question I don't think you covered, is do you care how it looks (or how it makes you look?)

Clue: he used to drive a Xsara Picasso.

[g8ina]

and with that, I'll put you out of your misery.

I am in fact, getting another Citroen Xara Picasso. 2l diesel, 60k on clock, 04 plate. Rather pleased actually.

Some very nice suggestions though - I was rather taken with the Skoda, and would more than likely have gone for that if this hadn't popped up.

[santa claus]

What about a Humvee? If you have another bump, you'll come off best unless Saracen is out and about .

[g8ina]

There was a HumV for sale in one of my local dealers - Only £15k.

[wasabi]

There was a HumV for sale in one of my local dealers - Only £15k.

Never mind the cost to fill the tank, what about the car?

[Zak33]

Zafira

they are great.

If just you two in it, 1.6 16v petrol is not bad. Full of people it's dire.

1.816v uses to much fuel for me but if low mileage use, not too bad

2.0 DTi 100 bhp used lots of oil but was chain driven cam and ok
1.9 CDTi is the 120 and 150 use in many many Vauxhall/Saab/Fiat/Alfa etc

Change the cambellt AND waterpump immeidately and budget for an inlet manifold with swirl valves and a clutch and dual mass flywheel at some point.

Or.. buy a Honda or Toyota and dont worry about any of it.

Zafira is still the best all rounder though, even with the potential expenses.

[eagle123]

how about a Honda jazz

[j1979]

Nissan Cube (bit of a marmite car)

economical
nippy
good access
reasonably cheap insurance (Japanese imports may cost more)
spacious