What car should I get? Any opinions on the Toyota Corolla Verso v the Megane Scenic?

[thomsc]

After several years of sterling service, the Peugeot 405 estate I paid £150 for has actually blown-up, leaving bits of engine on the M11.

So, I've got a bit more budget this time (£6-7k-ish) and a mate who knows about cars (well, he never paid £150 for one) suggested a Toyota Corolla Verso or a Renault Megane Scenic.

I have a one year old DS, with way too much stuff when we go visiting people, and I have become used to the luggage space in the Peugeot.

I live in London, drive to the supermarket, to see various playgroups etc (I'm a stay-home-dad) and to see friends, as well as big trips up the motorway to relatives etc.

Probably an Automatic as well (I know! - but you try sitting on the clutch in traffic for two hours to go one mile).

Any opinions? Experience? Suggestions?

Mazda is Japanese I think.

Thanks for all the input. Lots to think about.

I see a lot of Meganes on the road, and only one toyota so far. But I think i'll go for the toyota in the end, seems to be the better bet on reliability.

When the Peugeot went kaput it was 4 miles south of Stansted on the M11 with me, DW and 1 yr old... not the best of afternoons.