Sticks shift

I'm thinking of moving on from my much-loved 120,000 mile Volvo 480. I live in inner London and mainly use a car for quick trips to and from North Wales with quite a bit of driving on country roads and lanes, and some on farm tracks. I seldom have more than one passenger but carry a lot of kit. I'm not a fast or sporty driver but I like to have power to spare and good handling on minor roads. I've mainly bought older second hand cars for personal use, but it seems more sensible to move towards something newer (possibly even buying new). Price isn't critical and I realise I'll be paying more than I've been used to. Are there any models you think I should consider?

Asked on 11 April 2009 by

Answered by Honest John
The modern equivalent of the 480 is a C30, available with a vast range of engines from very economical and low tax to very fast. An interesting new moderately sized car with chunky tyres and four-wheel drive that drives well on the road and is economical is the Toyota Urban Cruiser 1.4 D-4D AWD. New or used alternatives include a FIAT Sedici ort Suzuki SX4 1.9 diesel AWD.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
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