What to look for?

.red.

Hi folks,
Im thinking of changing the car. Ive got an old saloon civic which is running well but its pretty dated, getting about 38/40 mpg out of it.
Im looking for boot space for camping trips. We're not fully kitted out yet and barely got everything in on the last trip and the kids were uncomfortable as their feet were on top of gear.
I was looking at mid sized engine estates but theres not a lot of options out there in 1.6/1.7 and i dont wanna go bigger. My other option is another saloon or hatchback and get a tow bar fitted and a trailer made up. Id rather an estate tho as it would be handy for the kids bikes on trips to the park
Im looking to spend about 5k max, if i was to go non estate it would be less as id have the cost of towbar and trailer too.
I do about 18000 miles a year and most of it is at 60/75 mph on good roads without traffic so not sure wether petrol or diesal are the best option.
Basically i dont know what i want or need lol.
Theres a lot of peugeot estates out there but ive read that the 1 6hdi is to be avoided.
Any ideas on what i should be on the look out for. Im in no rush to buy but have no idea what to look for. Im not too fussed on year, just something thats economical and will last a few years when looked after.
Cheers.

drunkmonkey

I'd forget about limiting yourself to a 1.6, a 1.9 or 2.0l diesel, maybe even pay a little extra in tax for a bigger engine for the right car..

space wise, Bmw 5 series, Skoda Superb, Ford Mondeo, if you need 7 seats then for a Mercedes e class estate.
If it was me it'd be any of the above, the superb is huge on the inside but your budget would need to double.
Maybe trade in your current car now and take a personal loan for the rest, 10k would cost you €200pm less what ever you can get for your own now.

.red.

Cheers.
Id do well to get anything more than a few hundred euro for my own if i could even get someone to take it. Its got almost 220k and has no paint left on it lol. Drives very well but most people wouldnt touch it as it looks like someone washed it and used heavy duty sand paper instead of a sponge.
Id rather go for a smaller engine, even if its petrol again. The thoughts of paying 7/800 a year on tax dont appeal to me and i dont need too much power. I also dont want to spend the kind of money needed to go late 08 or newer.
Id love another honda but the petrol accords would cost me a fortune to run(compared to what im paying now) and the estates are 2.2 which would cripple me in tax.

drunkmonkey

How about forget about an estate and go for something like a C4 Picasso 1.6 diesel, you might get a 08 round your budget..I don't know a lot about them but they always seem at the top of the reviews for practical load luggers...

.red.

I ended up going for an octavia estate. Lovely car. Cant believe the comfort over the civic.
Cheers for the advise.