I'm not sure the Logan is tall enough, the rotavator is nearly 4 ft tall.

What is it, a Howard Gem :-)

I'm not sure any of the small vans have a 6 ft load length. If they do then it'll be tight. You would need to go for a longer XL version of any of them.

Your criteria of needing a large load space and petrol is difficult. I would do a few longer journeys even with a petrol as 5 miles is not going to be good for anything long term.

People carrier version on the Toyota Proace, Peugeot Traveller, Citroen Space Tourer would be ideal but not for your budget. You would need somewhere to store the seats as there is not much room when they are folded. They are best removed.

Edited by corax on 25/11/2022 at 17:47

I'd be concerned about the load bay length in a Berlingo. Stated maximum load bay length for the van is 1800mm, just under 6'. But that measurement will be at floor level because that is usually the longest point. At the level of the top of the backrest, you could knock as much as 200mm off that for the backrest angle. On the car version there will be slightly more length than a van with bulkhead but, unless you are particularly short, you probably wouldn't be able to drive comfortably with a 6' rotovator in the back. A LWB 5 seat version of Fiat Doblo would probably work but doubtful you'd find one for £7k (even less likely with a petrol engine)

Is a trailer not a viable option?. That would open up much more choices for a replacement car with lower running costs.

I have thought about a trailer but don't have anywhere to store it. I've fitted the rotavator in the back of the Sorento with the seats down and also in the back of a Berlingo with the seats down so that's no problem. Looks like a Doblo is going to be the vehicle to go for.

I don't see what the problem is with putting a rotavator in then carrying the family later. You just sling a tarpaulin in before the rotavator.

I hadn't considered the Grand Picasso. I assumed that it would be the same petrol engine as the Berlingo and Partner.

A friend of mine always had Maxis until it got too difficult to maintain them. Bungee strap to hold it in 5th gear. He rolled one on a Welsh hillside. The windscreen popped out intact so he got a jack and forced the roof back to roughly normal then replaced the windscreen. Bit of filler and Bob's your uncle.