The wife has been driving a suzuki sierra hardtop since new in '95,
we are both pretty hard on cars so suzi is looking less indestructable
than it has been over the years.

...and now with a couple of children and golden retrievers space is a problem.

Spec (in order of priority)
- <$20K
- Wagon or large hatch --> 5 seats + 2 larg-ish dogs
- “command” drive position – lots of glass in back (car sickness)
- safe (>4 stars, ABS, belt pretensioners, 4 wheel disks)
- tough/reliable
- manual (she hates autos, even DSG)
- economical (<8L/100km, 500km range, diesel preferred)
- sporty suspension - must not wallow (car sickness)
- mostly user servicable (filters and oil)
- low lip rear door to get the dogs in/out
- visibility/slab sides so you can see the corners for parking
- ability to fit a cargo barrier and roof racks
- full size spare
- central locking, immobiliser
- simple instrument cluster
- an enthusiasts brand, something with passion and forum support

How hard could it be? - We looked at 21 different makes/models over 3 months,
I can't understand why nothing could meet spec??? What do those marketing people do all day?

...then we chanced on a Caddy Life in a showroom that only lost out on the price.
I knew I could build up an approximation to a Life from a less expensive caddy van
and avoid the expensive "luxury" that we didn't want/need.....

We now have slightly second hand Caddy with windows and a second row of seats - perfect!

- matt