If an Audi Allroad would be big enough, a possible alternative would be Subaru Outback, neither are true offroaders though obviously capable of going places normal cars couldn't get to.

Mitsi Outlander a bit bigger plus its Peugeot/Citroen clones, when you start getting up to full size 4x4s you get more room but fuel economy gets worse, if you accept that then some often overlooked but perfectly decent offroaders can be bought cheaply, eg Sorento, Terracan, Terrano even the SsangYong models.

Toyota/Mitsi large 4x4's will be very old at £3k, whilst they might be perfectly sound mechanically our addiction to covering the country in salt for no good reason means terminal corrosion.

Chances are you'll be going Diesel if you go large, petrol versions very rare, and keep in mind all the larger 4x4s especially (and even the 3.0 litre petrol Outback, 2.4 petrol Outlander and V6 Freelander 1) fall into highest VED bands, so watch out for the cut off reg date of March 06, those regd after will cost you dearly.

Edited by gordonbennet on 11/07/2020 at 18:31

Think you'll have to go Japanese and probably compromise with one of your requirements. Depends how much space you want and how much off road ability. A petrol Nissan X-Trail, like you've mentioned, could fit the bill. perhaps Subaru Legacy Outback. too. The latter lacks space, could be reliable - no guarantees at this price point. Go for low owners and full service history/great MOT history. How many miles do you expect to do?

What about a mazda bongo?

I was going to suggest that too. The 2.5l diesel 4x4 Bongo would do the job with good tyres on it. Pleasant enough for tootling about town and on the motorway too. You would probably be okay with a tin-top too rather than the raised roof jobbies which are bit more expensive/thirsty. Great onlinine community too with Bongo Fury and the facebook page. Be aware that the Ford Freda is essentially the same vehicle. Agree with BBD though, don't think you can get anything decent for a 3K budget.

What about a mazda bongo?

Or a mitsubishi delicious

For space and price, a Renault Kangoo might be worth a look. Also, kits are available to turn the back into a mini camper with a full size sleeping area. As to reliability, well it is a Renault.

OK, not a full size double bed but the length is OK at 1.95m. On the width, you have to be on good terms at 1.13 m.

Here in Taiwan this would be a Mitsubishi Delica or a Toyota Zace, the latter not available in the UK.

The verdict of a local expert on the Bongo/Econovan was "Junk. Horrid Junk".

Re the standard estate route, if the OP was prepered to build something, he might take James May's "roof rocket"as a starting point.

https://www.topgear.com/videos/jeremy-clarkson/motorhomes-challenge-part-13-series-15-episode-4

IF this had been extended rearwards a bit, with a drop down floor "bucket, something close to standing headroom would have been achieved,in a small area at the rear

My Romahome camper back, on a tiny Honda TN550 Actyvan,truck was roughly that configuration, astonishingly space efficient and very comfortable

Edited by edlithgow on 15/07/2020 at 16:41

Now then.... https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RENAULT-KOLEOS-2-0-DIESEL-AUTO-TOP-SPEC-SAT-NAV-4WD-ONLY-101K-2-OWNER-NOT-XTRAIL/224059864634?hash=item342b02363a:g:XfEAAOSwrIRe91QJ

I was very interested by this, and the link you copied - which is only 20 miles or so from me. It's not a car I know anything about, but you are quite convicing in your description, and as we live deep in the countryside with really bumpy, narrow lanes, something like this might be a good option for us. I might even follow up the ebay link. Did you ever have any DPF issues in your car - it seems to be something mentioned in the user reviews as one of the more frequent faults. Any other tips for things to look out for in Koleos of this age? Thanks!