Car suggestions

[Jack]

So the Avensis is likey to be written off (eventually, when the insurance pull their finger out and drag it away), and we're looking at similar spec stuff to replace it. Obvious choice is another T180 to replace it like for like, but my mind has gone blank as to what else to look at though.

Criteria is (note this is her criteria not mine ):
- sat nav
- big hatchback or estate, no saloons or small hatchbacks. Might even consider a big 4x4 like an L200 or suchlike
- must be diesel
- Must be relatively reliable and inexpensive to maintain
- Mileage under 120k
- ~10-11 years old max
- Ideally around £2500-3000 but we could go up to 4500 for the right car
- Nothing French (ok so that's my one criteria but hey )

At the mo the current choice is either another T180 again or spend a bit more and get a Lancer Sportback GS4 or Juro. But it would be nice to have a few other ideas to consider or compare against in case I'm missing something obvious

She says....
Vectras/Astras no (because, yuck )
BMWs and Audis no due to servicing costs
Honda Accord estate was a possible but by god they're ugly
Tried a few big volvos and they weren't nice to drive
Focus & Mondeos no as they're dull, even though a) we have an Avensis and b) I know they are good cars
Passats seem expensive if you want one with decent options

Any other ideas to broaden our choice??

[bazzap8389]

How about a Subaru Legacy? Get them pretty well priced.

[TugSR]

How about an Octavia ? We've a 4x4 Tdi - a brilliant "Swiss Army knife" car . . .

[Stuart]

BMW servicing is piss cheap... Oil when on offer from halfords and ignore the rest

[Stuart]

Why must it be diesel?
Petrol versions will be cheaper/better speced for the cost etc, fuel costs are irrelevant now and probably due to the sorcery of insurance a big petrol version of a small derv engined car will be cheaper to cover

[Novasport]

As Stuart says, BMW service prices are not expensive. I found them cheaper than VW etc. No timing belts etc and big intervals.

[brucer]

Lancer sportbacks have a nice front end but the rear is so disapointing, a gs4 is a must or ralliart

The diesel engines from a VAG and the dash is rather plasticy.

I had one as a cortesy car for a few months and looked into buying one before my vec xp2.

[EwanG]

Mercedes as nice to drive and have timing chains. Better off with a diesel as diesel is about the same price as petrol. Better on fuel,cheaper on tax and loads of torque. It's not like you will be a young chav that wants to rag it round roundabouts back roads etc

[Southie]

Mazda 6 estate maybe?

[Novasport]

Nice cars too. I know somebody with a 2.0d Mazda 6 with 160000 miles on it. Still drives lovely, more like a 60k mile car.