We just got back from our summer road trip and the Mazda 3 MPS (2010, NZ new, 81k's etc) is just too small for comfort. We will be either selling this privately or trading it in but if we sell would hope to have a remaining budget of about $20k.
I don't know what value a trade would get us but am having trouble culling down the list before I go and scour the country for test drives.
Essentials:
Leather seats (so much easier to clean up mess from kid/s)
Enough back seat leg room for two rear facing car seats in the back. The MPS can only fit one behind the passenger and even then the seat is pushed far forward.
More boot space than a hatch back, hence the wagon and not a sedan.
Reasonably fun to drive and not look like a spaceship...
I have been looking at Mazda 6, Volvo V50/V70, BMW 525i wagon, VW Passat/Golf wagon, Honda Accord Euro Wagon etc. in the 2005-2008 age range.
I understand that servicing a euro car is going to be more expensive (or is it?) and am happy to buy something with over 100k's on the clock if it has a service history.
Anyone care to weigh in on any other options they think might work? We aren't really sure that we want an SUV style vehicle but would be happy to test drive them if one stands out.