I need to swap my 2013 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 petrol hatchback for an estate so it can accommodate my two large dogs. I am considering another Astra or swapping to a Ford Focus or Ford Mondeo. My current Astra is lovely to drive and is really comfortable, but it's cost me a fortune in repairs. I have owned a few older diesel Mondeo's in the past, which were great, and a couple of Focus, which were petrol. The older 1.6 was good, but the newer 1.0 ecoboost had serious engine problems, and the turbo failed - nightmare! I'm looking at cars roughly between 2011 and 2016, costing no more than £7500, but I'm getting so confused about all the different engines. I've been advised by several mechanics to avoid all ecoboost engines and diesels because I mostly do short journeys now. So I feel pretty limited. Can anyone please advise me as I'm not sure what to do. I generally do less than 8000 miles a year. I only occasionally go on long journeys, but I often have a full load and sometimes quite steep hills involved! I'm not as confident driving nowadays, so I need something that's easy to drive and doesn't stall easily. I would consider other cars as well.