Make sure it has 6 wheels, one in each corner, one in the boot, and one to steer with.

Buy a Toyota.

Mine has over 100k on the clock an besides the regulars (tyres, brake discs/pads), everything is original and working (clutch, exhaust, battery etc)

Yes, I know. Have you ever considered the possibility that the criticism is based on experience? Mine is.

Coincidentally, one of my colleagues nearly bought a 75 today. I looked into them on wilipedia and they seem quite nice. I'd have to have the v8 though.

I would have suggested a Citroen, but since you did say no French cars...

Is this because of the, (alleged) dodgy electrics? If so I should point out that we've had 5 Citroens, (2 C3s and 3 Picassos) in the last 8 years, (because the dealerships offered us upgrade deals, before anyone asks) and aside from the windscreen wiper fuse blowing on mine, haven't had any problems with them at all.

Not at all. Just a general vibe over the years, which may well be completely unfounded on my part.

It's really not. John's just lucky.

Any thoughts on the line up so far?

Well, I've still got an open mind - remember this is currently a prospecting mission to see what's recommended - but things seem to be leaning towards VAG products, with Ford and Toyota close behind.

As for French cars, I have to say I don't see many on the side of the road, so perhaps they're not as bad as they're made out to be.

Geekette's been running a Citroen Xsara Picasso for more than a year now and not a thing has gone wrong with it.
Jus' sayin'

Mark

But, you see, they're French. What more need I say?

And they're for people with hordes of screaming kids who don't care about parking dents or driver etiquette </sweeping generalisation>

They are also very good for getting in and out of comfortably, and they have lots of space in the boot, (lovin' the plasitc box they supply as standard) for keeping your expensive camera gear safe whilst you're travelling.

No, they're not. They're for anyone that appreciates the comfort and room that they provide.
As John says, the boot is massive, and even massiver when you put the back seats down or remove them completely - which is a simple job.
Heather, so they're French. Your current Vauxhall hasn't been very good to you of late, has it?

Mark

Nope. It's German at heart, but probably built by a Scouser on a Friday afternoon. My Fiat was screwed together in Poland.

I'm allowed irrational and arbitrary dislike of certain brands, aren't I? Until recently, I wouldn't have contemplated a Ford, but they seem to have picked the ball up about the time Vauxhall dropped it.

Right now, all I want is something with the required number of wheels, that starts first time every time, provides sufficient comfort for extended motorway driving, and returns sufficient economy in fuel and running costs.

Those are the same people Mark.

If I want room and comfort, but DON'T have screaming kids and DO care about my car and other peoples, I buy an Audi Avant or similar. Hell, I could fit a couple of well behaved kids and prams and all sorts in my car, but only well behaved ones.