I've got a very similar dilemma over a 2002 Honda Accord, which I bought at a year old and 11,000 miles - to which I've added a mere 80,000.

Apart from the usual wear and tear, the only significant replacements have been some air con piping this year and a power steering pipe last year. Coastal living and the inevitable corrosion probably account for both of those.

It's comfortable and reliable, but I'm starting to worry about parts availability (headlight 'glasses' had to be polished a few weeks ago in advance of the MOT test as they were going opaque - new ones were silly money).and the inmevitable costs and hassles of having it fixed.

After having been condescended to by a Honda dealer (really!) and more or less ignored by a Kia shop, Ford at least let me drive a new Fiesta, which was impressive - but felt too small after the Accord.

At what point do you decide to chop an old friend? And what do you buy when everything you can afford is bland, stuffed full of breakable electronic toys, feels like it's made out of sardine can grade tin and has a three pot lawnmower engine?