A plea to you car finding gurus

[Zoobeef]

I really didnt want to do this as i see about 10 of these threads pop up each day. As i see them and see people can still be bothered to reply to the same questions, i have decided to ask them too.

So, what car???
My current shed is a 98 diesel vectra. I bought it for around £800 in December 2006 and since has given me mostly trouble free motoring. It really is a rustly shed now though as the leading edge of the bonnet is just in primer, a headlight is siliconed in and there is rust around all the wheel arches and doors. I also gave up washing it a few years ago as bits would fall off when i did.

Now, 2 weeks ago, the ABS light came on. Followed by the engine management light and limp mode over 2k RPM and the Airbag light. I'm pretty sure i know what the 3 faults are but not sure im motivated to fix them.

So its about time i upgraded. What do i go to though? I work 210 miles from home so commute home on a friday and back on a sunday so around 500 miles a week in it. Currently get a minimum 50mpg (usually 55). So the new car will need to match or beat that. A little less if i get a petrol is acceptable as its cheaper to buy.

It cant be a really tiny car as last time i moved work locations my kit filled the boot and back seat of the vectra.

I just want something that i dont feel embarrased to go pick people up in and looks better on the drive and crusing up the M1

I think im going to budget 3k and would like to get the newest, poshest and best mpg car i can. Ive been looking this evening at the Alfa 147s. They seem nice cars and £3k gets an 04ish with 60kish miles with the diesel engine. Looks like the 150bhp diesel would be the better diesel to get.

Any opinions and links to a good car or opinions on the 147 would be much appreciated

Regards
Mark