Many thanks for all of the suggestions.

I will have to go out car hunting with both my other half, as they will be sitting in the third row of seats as they are the youngest, plus the dog to check that there is enough room.

I had an S-Max TDCi auto for almost five years and 40,000+ miles. Apart from regular service and wear and tear items, it cost me £390 for a rear shock absorber and even then, that was only because the car had Xenon headlights. Otherwise it would have cost me less than £50.

I loved it and only changed because I have children who need to learn to drive and the large car was not so vital any more. I can't think of a car I have loved for so long and that includes some very special cars. I know other local families who have had their S-Maxes for a lot longer and had a lot more wear and still they soldier on.

I think the S-Max is larger than the 5008 and the Pwershift gearbox makes it far more economical than the usual torque converter in the one I had and the one in the Peugeot. Remember they have the same engine.

Now for an update. Everything went quiet due to a berevement until the start of June when I saw Drive the Deal were offering something that almost suited me. On the HJ website they were offering a Citroen Berlingo Multispace with the new 1.6HDi addblue engine and a family pack (so 7 seats) for £10495. No automatic but the chance of getting a brand new 7 seater within my budget seemed too good to miss so I ordered one and paid my £500 deposit.

A few days later I had a call from the dealer that had quoted the price to say that they now could not secure such a large discount from Citroen and the price would be a little bit more. It would now be £12680 - more than £2000 more. It was not worth it to me, as Berlingos depreciate so much, so I cancelled the order and eventually got my deposit back. Drive the Deal were very apologetic that I and they had been let down by the dealer but there was nothing more they could do.

This means that I am now back to square one. Still not sure what to get but will probably go for a 4/5 year old Grand Scenic or 5008 auto about the same value as my p/x and then spend a bit more money on something that I ACTUALLY want, such as a Volvo XC70, when I no longer need 7 seats.

Yes, I know, if it looks too good to be true............

I haven't actually lost out financially so do not feel that DTD need to compensate me for anything, especially as they have been let down by the supplying dealer. All they have lost is my goodwill, and that of everyone I have told about it!!

HJ recommended a Toyota Verso 1.8 Valvematic petrol but am struggling to fit an adult in the third row of seats, which is what I need them for, although only for a few days each year.

I would love a Volvo XC90 and can get one within my budget quite easily, not worried about age as they go on for years around here, but even though my other half is Norwegian and loves Scandinavian design, he has some issues ove the running costs of such a large car.

I have never been so indecisive about buying a car before :-)