Cars 3 into 2

[Cogcog]

My OH is finally learning to drive after having had a provisional for almost 30 years and my father in law who lives with us is looking to change his car for the last time before he hangs up his driving gloves. I think we can survive with just 2 cars rather than the 3 we have but wondered what advice folks may have as to the right combo for the 2 new cars and the most financially sensible way of making the change.


Current:

Father in law's 2007 auto Merc E220 with 20,000 on the clock woth about £10K?
My 2005 auto Merc E320 with 95,000 on the clock worth about £7k?
My 2000 Lotus Elise with 21,000 on the clock worth about £10K

I work from home and do the occasional long run out, do about 15,000 miles a year. Father in law does lots of local trips, 3000 miles a year.


New set up:

Two autos, one 4 x 4 to give us the seat height for the father in law and the winter capacity as we are rural but alos Ok for an occasional long run for work purposes. The other a runaround, something practical for the many local trips to the doctors, shops etc. but again with good seat height for his dodgy hips.

We are happy to add another £5-£7K to the pot.


I was minded to sell the newer Merc privately due to the lower miles and because it has 2 years of extended warranty and part ex the older Merc and the Elise against the 4x4 and the runaround.

Ideas and best ways of making that change?

[Cogcog]

Forgot to say, my OH thinks the runaraound should be an auto Mini Cooper or an SLK, neither of which I think pass the 'dodgy knees' test.

My father in law thinks a Smart diesel would be OK for the runaround.

[djfaulkner]

How about a focus Mk1/fusion/c-max for the run-around?

They are pretty good for getting in and out with ease, c-max and I think the fusion give a higher driving position than the focus.

[Dr Interceptor]

As you seem to like Mercs, how about an ML and an A-Class?

I wouldn't go down the Smart route, having a run around that restricts you to two people might prove to be an annoyance!

[frosted]

A newish allroad would be my pick over the 4x4, slk and mini not my cup

[Cogcog]

FIL has beaten me to the punch and I think is getting a B class. I had one a few years ago and didn't think it was one thing or another but he likes the leg room and the seat height.