with your criteria, i would consider a japanese import

I agree, either Toyota or Honda, but try to get a vehicle that at least has the same engine and running gear as UK supplied cars, obvious reasons.

No they arn't treated with the same underbody protection as UK models, but no road salt is used in Japan so even the oldest cars are normally in excellent condition underneath, and you have a clean slate to do your own better than professional full underbody and cavity treatments, will cost you up roughly £150 (plus elbow grease) in products to do a serious job, or you get the pro's to do it, from £200 upwards to around £450 for the absolute works...its a filthy job but seeing as you have a non rusty car to start with, a weekend if you have 4 x axle stands or 4 x ramps, or better still use of a hoist will see the job done, and you have a clean slate car better treated than a normal uk supplied model, its a satisfying job to do as well, i do my own so will help with any info if you want.

Obviously this works best with a fresh import, but you'd be surprised, my sons import Subaru Imprezza had never been treated and at 15 years old, having been here about 10 years was still in superb condition underneath, so judge each vehicle on its merits.

PS, sensible wife you have wanting another Japanese model.

Edited by gordonbennet on 14/03/2017 at 08:01

Korean? Hyundai Trajet was available as a 2.0 petrol and diesel automatic. Great size and reliable.