I have a 55 plate mondeo ST (2.2 litre diesel) that would fit that bill. 120k on the clock but still running well, all brakes now sorted, new tyres all round within the past 12 months (2 last month). Unfortunately not an estate but still massive inside.

If you dont mind a slightly dodgy paint job on the roof and a knocking top mount it's pretty much bombproof (being a chain driven cam is also a bonus). It currently goes up and down the A1 between herts and peterborough.

I bloody love Fords, cheap as chips to fix and run and lovely to drive to boot. Shame my partner doesn't like them otherwise I would be getting an ST or RS Focus instead of a Golf R :-(

That's a very kind offer sugerbear; unfortunately MrsC and I both want either a van-type-MPV-thingy or, failing that, an estate. Thanks anyway and I hope the Golf R isn't too much of a chore...!

I do like the Mondeo estate and there are some tempting Ghia models in budget...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-Ford-Transit-2-0-TD-Day-Crew-Van-MOT-until-Feb-2017-No-reserve-/162047129178?hash=item25bac2f65a:g:oegAAOSwoudW6yPP

looks tidy but I know nothing about transits

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LDV-200-maxus-van-crew-van-minibus-great-condition-/281970822345?hash=item41a6c54cc9:g:BBEAAOSwu1VW6-Ut

probably ex P.O.

Thanks for the linkage, TbirdX - I like that Transit, but I'd be astonished if it doesn't go over my paltry budget!

Honestly wished I had bought a Mondeo Estate. The newer versions are enormous but the older ones handle well and are really comfortable (especially the ghia/titanium x versions).

I do have a soft spot for the Mondeo estate. And, if the Galaxy were as big as the Eurovan 2, it would be higher up my list.

Fiat Multipla Mjet.
Fiat Croma with the 2.4 MJet ( 210 bhp )

Peugeot 505 GTI Estate.

VW T2 Van.

Citroen XM Estate

Woah! Nice to hear from the classic car lobby!

Some interesting suggestions, but I fear that most will either be too old or too unreliable.

Jim

Do not under estimate the Fiat Croma ( 2005 - 2008 ) Bigger than you think. Wife had one, fits a lot of 3.0 metres long stuff from IKEA.

Remember the final gen Multipla stopped in 2012, still as good as ever and basically a mobile camper van once the rear seats easily removed..

How about a fiat doblo?
Cheap to buy,cheap to run. Reliable

Go for a 1.9 jtd 8v though. Far more low end torque.

Should be easy under that budget

Yes, sorry, I was more referring to the non-Fiat vehicles. I love the idea (and look) of the original Multipla, but found I didn't like the execution, especially the lack of luggage space with the seats full.
The Croma is big and can be had with lots of kit too. Possible addition to the estate car list...

Given that I'm looking at old, cheap vehicles, with no interest in resale value, should I be looking at Cat C or D?

Citroen C8 - Cat C

That's a nice example, Reuben, thanks. If possible, I'd like something a little longer than the Doblo, but it ticks most other boxes.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vw-t4-caravelle-camper-day-van-/201569475007?hash=item2eee7a19bf:g:1zYAAOSwoudW-r-F

330K miles

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MAZDA-BONGO-CAMPER-VAN-1995-AUTOMATIC-DIESEL-GLOSS-BLACK-/231924103457?hash=item35ffc0f921:g:-ZgAAOSw2GlXHey4

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOYOTA-PREVIA-2-BERTH-CAMPERVAN-8-SEATER-COOKER-WATER-CANT-SAY-SWAP-PART-EX-/131773494947?hash=item1eae4ff6a3:g:wTUAAOSwAvJXA4Vh

Could the search be over...?

Spacious? Check. 7 seats? Check. CRAZY? Check...

If that remains under your £2k budget, I'll be impressed.

I hope you'll be wearing your baseball cap backwards when driving it :-)

Ideal Sow Car? He'll be ferrying piggies!

It has a lot of low down grunt.

That'll do, thanks! Don't want this to disappear in a pun-fest...

Has there been a rasher statement?

Jim's been telling porkies. ^^

How about a Mercedes Vaneo diesel? Nice one on auto trader near me for £1600 and bags of space.

I looked at the Vaneo, but I think it is a bit too short in length and not quite as versatile. Probably more reliable, mind you...

I've found a car I want to go and see, but - due to MrsC's massive commitments at the moment, I can't find a way to get to it!

I'm in Stroud and the car is in Loughborough. Public transport looks grim, but I might have to go for it.

Unless anyone fancies a road trip for petrol money and a modest reward?

Jim, is this the C8 in Loughborough?

I take it you've spoken to the dealer and he's confirmed the advert and pictures are true to the cars condition etc?

It might sound like a strange thing to say but, why not agree a price with the dealer and get them to deliver it at your cost?

My daughter bought her Beetle from the arse end of Birmingham without seeing it. The dealer sent her a multitude of extra pictures of the car and receipts and then after he'd had a new MOT put on it, had it delivered here. He put £20 in the tank, had purchased train tickets back home which she paid for and just needed dropping at the train station.

A little extreme I know, but if it's the car you really want.......