As mentioned in the Tired thread my Roomster has been written off as beyond economical repair. I'd no intention of replacing it, was quite happy to keep it until 150k miles (it was a whisker short of 100k) or until some expensive bit went pop. Now looking for a replacement in reasonably short order.
Use has changed a bit since I bought it. I'm still commuting 14 miles round trip 3 times a week. Present contract ends 31-03-20 but likely it'll either continue or I'll find another niche in CA. Since my Mother died in 2017 I've considerably less domestic shunting about and no longer need a car a 90yo with v limited mobility can enter/exit. Both kids have now graduated and are in steady jobs with own homes but some distance away in (a) Flintshire and (b) Liverpool so visits up there are common.
The Berlingo tows the caravan but we do a fair few other trips, including Western Isles most years and airport runs. Can make sure 'new' car gets a run out regularly enough that we needn't rule out diesel. It will probably do 8-10k/year.
Would prefer something a bit taller than ordinary saloon/hatch/estate. A more upright driving position suits Mrs B who is lack of height is mostly in her legs. Too close to wheel in some cars including our old Xantia, a Passat we drove while supporting SiL on JoGLE and Nissan we hired in US. Probably a small MPV/SUV (what is the difference?).
Haven't ruled out another Roomster - there are still a few in the Skoda approved used network. Ford B-MAx is another possible - sliding door is a big attraction. The Hyundai i-20 I had as a hire car grew on me over time too though that's a conventional hatchback. Pug 2008 is another I like look of and it will presumably have a Citroen sibling.
Tried to go round the town's dealerships today (at least half of them are at Riverside) but activity was curtailed by heavy rain. Will try again tomorrow including closer look at a B-Max - this one is a eco-boost petrol but there are diesels in the dealer's system too.
Thought about an electric but concluded it's too big a change when this is a distress purchase. Not keen on hybrids as balance of town v open road use may not be right.
What does the panel suggest?
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