I think your first thoughts should be on whether you go for petrol or diesel. Diesels, even Japanese ones, have more potential to go expensively wrong as the miles mount up - so the extra economy is only really worth it if you do over 15,000 miles a year.

The Avensis is a good place to start either way; but if you look at a Mazda 6, then stick to petrol. Honda Accord Touring and Skoda Octavia estate could be on the shortllist too.

Thank you everyone. I've got a lot to think about!

Got a budget in mind? Some Focus-sized cars (like the Civic) can still have huge boots, but come in 10-20% less in terms of purchase cost than the Mondeo/Avensis type cars. Admitedly that price difference does really depend on the car, as some are far more popular than others.

I presume from you posting Autotrader links that you can't afford a new car? I ask, as the all new Corolla has a very nice estate version, although the best engine (2.0 hybrid) is rather expensive when new.

I suspect it, as Avant says, really depends on both your budget (include running/maintenance costs per year - diesels may not be as realieble long term as petrols and their more complex [emissions reducing] parts are expensive to repair/replace) and usage profile - annual mileage and made up of what type and length journeys. Do you need it for towing at all?