My head is spinning after reading WhatCar/Parkers/Timesonline/readers' reviews and I can only cope with 10mins in a showroom before DS goes into meltdown.
Here are our requirements:
- a Very Big Boot - currently have a VW Passat saloon (+ roofbox) and it was packed to the gunnels the last time we went camping - and that was before DS was born. So, no saloons, nothing with a smaller/same size boot. This is a priority!
- good safety rating obviously.
- diesel, not less than 140bhp, with good combined mileage eg over 40mpg
- would prefer 3 proper seats across the back because friend & I take turns on the school run so regularly have 3 kids in tow. We often take MIL out and I can barely breathe squeezed in btw DD & DS (I'm 5ft 10, amazonian by name & nature) This is pretty important too.
- either new (with a good discount via eg drivethedeal.com) or 1yr old max.
- good spec, ie climate control, elec windows front & back, somewhere to plug in ipod (will be driving over to France for summer camping trips etc, plus camping trips in this country)
Have looked at Ford S-max (but can't get excited by Fords?) Toyota Verso (boot not very big) Passat Estate (read of too many major probs) Ford Mondeo estate (yawn) Toyota Avensis tourer (a bit dull) Audi A6 estate (same size as Passat so same problem re 3 in the back) .....
DH of course wants something flash like a Volvo XC90 or Audi Q7. I need to come up with some sensible alternative before he goes off & buys one.
Help please