I hate buying cars, but the 13yo Rover 216 I'm driving at the moment is on its last legs so I've got to bite the bullet. Some additional boot space over the Rover would be useful, but there's only a small space on the drive, so a large family car won't fit, so a Focus/Golf, etc it is .

I've a budget of 10-12K for a used 5dr hatch still under mfr warranty. It'll do 12K a year, mostly on A-roads with few short trips, and little town driving (commute when I do it, is 50miles round trip). I'm now wary of diesels having lurked on forums like this! Entry petrols look sluggish on paper though, and larger ones look thirsty now cars have evolved to be so big&heavy. I like to get where I'm going, so would find a sluggish car frustrating. Not looking for a hot hatch - the Rover is nippy enough, but is a bit loud on the m'way. In the last three cars I've driven regularly, I've tended to get the official combined consumption figure. The more I look, the more I'm frozen with indecision, but the various problems on the Rover mean I'm going to have to make my mind up.

We usually buy nearly new, and keep for 10+ years, so resale is not a concern. I've got no badge prejudices - so long as whatever it is isn't rubbish and breaks down. I may be able to get a deal on a Toyota via work contacts (bought our other car, a Verso this way), although the Auris is the only thing that fits the bill. Also have a relative who is a Vauxhall mechanic who can keep Luton cars running cheaply.

What say you?