What MPV for my SWMBO?

[Big Rod]

At the moment she's got an old, high mileage Sharan VR6 and to be honest it's been great, but for all it's never let us down and costs buttons to keep, it's getting to the time where she could really use a newer car as her current one has started making 'noises'.

Now, I'm aware that you used to be able to buy Sharan VR6 with 4wd, but I'm not sure if they were available in that format in the later incarnations of the marque.

So, failing being able to procure a later model Sharan 4wd, what other options are there?

Wish list as follows, but not implicit..........

7 seats.
Automatic.
4wd.
150+ BHP.
Towing capability.
Cruise.
Aircon.
Preferably of '03 0r '04 vintage.
To cope with frequent 1k mile round trips to the in-laws.

I'm thinking about £4 - £5k maybe.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

[Big Rod]

Any suggestions?

[JVaughan]

VW sharan... Seat Alhambra ...
you dont need 150+bhp with Diesel torque
We used to have a phase 2 sharan 140 tdi. was an excellent vehicle. 2011 alhambra on order

Some VR6 Powered ones going silly cheap these days

[GreatGranny]

My wife drives an 03 Alhambra with the 130 TDi engine and its been pretty faultless in the 5 years she has had it. It gets lots of abuse and just takes it. It tows a 1.4 tonne caravan very well and can cruise in comfort at 0.9 leptons when required. It has cruise, climate, heated screen/seats/mirrors and 6 speed gearbox. Its has 7 full sized seats but they are pretty heavy to lift out. It handles well for a heavy car and can do 40+ mpg on a (fast-ish) run and 35 around town/short runs. It also has loads of airbags.
Not 4WD but unless you go older Disco/Landcruiser you might struggle with your budget and bear in mind they are dynamically inferior on the road.

[Big Rod]

The Sharan has been awesome, I won't deny it and but for a couple of things, (Cruise/slushbox/4x4), I can't really see past it, but SWMBO really wants a 4x4 from having been stuck in the house for nearly two weeks solid. I also found it lacking a bit when towing, but that's because I was used to towing using a 3.2 lire Frontera, (I know they're not the best cars, but it did the job.)

I fancied a Delica as I've now got a Shogun, (too big for SWMBO to use daily TBH), but the ones I like are getting a bit old/ratty.

I think I'll keep my eyes open for a Sharan Synchro. there was one for sale a wee while ago but I couldn't get to it to buy it.

Thanks guys.