Replacing 7 seater

Our 05 Galaxy tdi auto with 98k on the clock had an argument with the central reservation of the M1 in the snow. The insurance company has declared it a Cat D and offered us £4400 after deduction of excess (£425)or just over £3k if we opt to repair it and keep it.

I am minded to take the opportunity to change the car but would like to know if the figure offered by the insurer is fair and what the eventual resale impact will be once the car has a Cat D against it.

If we change we want to stay with an automatic and we need the 7 seats and the load capacity offered by the Galaxy - but would really like something with sliding rear doors this time round. We will go used again and have a budget of up to £18k.

Asked on 26 February 2012 by Richard the Third

Answered by Honest John
Trade book is £3,800, so the insurance offer of £600 more than that is fair, as is the deal your insurer has offered. You could upgrade to a later (current) model used Galaxy 2.0TDCI auto from the Addison Lee fleet (any colour you like as long as it's black), but they don't have sliding side doors. Peugeot/Citroen MPVs are available as autos with sliding side doors, but have problems. The current Mazda 5 has sliding side doors and works well with a 1.6 115PS diesel engine, but there is no auto.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
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