There are still torque converter autos available, which seem to be more or less trouble free as long as the fluid is changed regularly. Th Peugeot 308 for example is available as a 2.0 diesel with the TC auto, not sure whether the 508 is as well. Mazdas have TC autos, but you might want to avoid the diesel on those - the 2.0 petrol is reputed be frugal (there was a thread about it recently) and the estate might fit your bill.

There might be others, I've just happened to notice these because they fit the bill for my next car.

In terms of mixing automatics and diesels, you want to avoid any VW group DSG gearbox. The Ford Powershift gearbox appears to be far more reliable and any torque converter gearbox should be fine.

The German makes offer far smaller cars for the price than the mid-market makes so I woud avoid the Mercs, Audis and BMWs if space is the most important feature. Frankly having driven an automatic Ford S-Max diesel for over four years with few problems (one replacement shock absorber) and more importantly with a great deal of driving enjoyment, I can see no reason not to buy a Mondeo, especially as the new model is meant to have an even better ride than the current model. You may even find that an S-Max, with its more upright driving position is more comfortable for longer journeys than a Mondeo.

C or E Class estate 220/250.

Find yourself a good MB specialist indy to maintain it for you, and slightly overmaintain whilst its still under warranty (probably main dealer servicing) befaore you slip it to the TLC of a good indy once out of warranty.

Judging by the private hire 220d's that my indy looks after (from new) expect over 400+k miles with very little actually going wrong, my indy had to sort a couple of injectors at just over 400k on one.

You can't have an MB with a manual, it just isn't right, that perfect autobox if serviced periodically should last forever.

Don't know about Japanese being unliked here, those of us that have had Toyotas have usually had very good cars, maker back up unbeatable should it go wrong.

Most petrol Japanse are decent but some of the Diesels are ticking time bombs.

Avensis replacement when it comes might be a good alternative, especially if they dump the electric parking brake, here's hoping, they didn't put it in new Auris so i have every hope.

Prius+ might be worth looking at (or Avensis Tourer Hybrid if it becomes an option next model, Toyotas hybrid system is proving itself over high mileages and long life.

Benz still good for long term if maintained well and cared for, forgetting the dire 10 or so years from 96.

Looks like some good advice you've got above. If you want a diesel automatic, the C-class and the Mondeo sound like the best bets to me too.

The Mercedes will have more perceived quality, and might be in better shape after 10 years, but you'd need to check if it's big enough for you and whether you can put up with the noisy engine.

The new Mondeo sounds good from what I've read: sure to be big enough and may be cheaper to service. You should get more equipment for your £27,500 that you would on the C-class, but it won't hold its value as well (maybe that isn't a problem if you're going to keep it long-term).

I was in the same position last year, although I bought my own car. I'm happy with a manual so my Octavia vRS petrol manual estate suits me perfectly, and should do so long-term if I can't afford to replace it in a couple of years' time. I don't miss diesels: this one gave 42 mpg when i drove it across France this summer.

I have a 08 plate Mondeo estate at 140k. Its a manual 2.0d and I think it drives great. Its massive inside, boor space would accommodate any dog easily. I got mine at 100k and it has not missed a beat for me. Not sure about auto but manual is good. HJ

gives it 5 stars ×××××.

I'll come into bat for the Japanese.

Toyota Avensis Tourer, 1.8 Valvematic, M-Drive auto

Excellent petrol engine, 40mpg is easily achievable. Smooth CVT auto which has none of the CVT over-revving traits. Lots of kit. Lots of space. Lots of warranty. Toyota's generally excellent dealer network. Great ride comfort.

There's also a 2.2 diesel auto, but it doesnt steer as sweetly as the petrol.

£15K will get you a nearly new one with over 4 years warranty left.

The petrol is one of the best used cars out there IMO.