Interesting replies guys. Some thoughts:
Height - I had 3 Scenics, Alea xl, Hyundai ix35. i loved the higher seating postion with legs at right angles rather than lying on floor. i also drive vans at work and just seem to prefer the upper position. Maybe the Civic is lower than some cars (though not lower than 3 series estate) but I definitely prefer climbing into a car rather than down into one.
I am not an "enthusiastic driver" as such that is going to be cutting about on A and B roads pushing the dynamics to the edge so the perceived poorer handling of higher cars is fine with me.
C Class Estate - love them, love the shape, but wouldn't consider a RWD car. Dont want to be one of those at the hill at end of my street that is sitting holding everyone else up (I dont have your years of RWD experience Humph)
3 series estate - I would consider this in x drive format, in fact I was considering it when I then thought about the X3
Suzuki - never been on my radar and I dont know, just dont like them. Couldnt tell you without googling where my nearest dealer was. Werent they supposed to be pulling out of UK while back?
Volvo - any of the big Volvos would be well out my price range. Colleague had an XC90 and had nothing but hassle with it between turbos and automatic gearbox issues.
In reality the Qashqai ticks all my boxes, its just that there are very mixed reviews re the auto gearbox. When I speak to my local indie and mentions autos, he advises to go BMW or Merc (and he is a dyed in the wool VAG man).
Interesting in responses re the X3 and higher mileages - there seem to be plenty available and not all necessarily back street dealers. I know a work contact who buys 3 series at 80k and takes to 150k in 2 years and swears its the cheapest motoring possible.
Re Sensors, we have 3 cars parked on the driveway,bumper to bumper. thats why i would like sensors front and rear. The camera is also handy for that last few inches but other than that, its eyes on the mirrors, and ears listening to the beepers!
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