Daily short town runs, perfect Diesel car would be a naturally aspirated Berlingo Multispace, tractable right down to stall speed, and extremely economical.

That 1.9D is a superb engine, without the turbo it isn't going to be a road burner but will do your motorway runs without the slightest bother.

Edited by gordonbennet on 12/05/2012 at 11:01

Unfortunately neither me or my wife are fans of the berlingo's looks!

We're looking at french because you seem to get newer cars for good money, and they look rather nice too. I would prefer something Japanese myself, like a Honda FR-V, but they're either thirsty petrols or outside our price range.

Should have mentioned my budget is £6k

Edited by HoagieKat on 12/05/2012 at 14:11

Fair enough, Berlingo is a bit of a Marmite looks wise i suppose, i like 'em cos they're simply a van with windows so basic tough and reliable.

Agree with GB. Even if you're not keen on the looks you can't see the outside from inside!

Ours did 106k trouble free miles until a fortnight ago when clutchwent. Would have been avoided if I'd moved more quickly on my indy's advisory. But then he's been giving me same advice on my Xantia (150k) for the last fourty thou!!

We hired a Scenic on the Western Isles a couple of years ago. Fairly basic petrol model, not new by any means, 53 plate IIRC. Did the job well enough, comfortable and easy to drive, no trouble in the snow and ice we expereinced either. I'd have had the same trouble with wipers jamming in freezing rain on my own car.

I kept stalling it but that's down to being used to a diesel.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 12/05/2012 at 16:50