[DSK]

Harvey and biggbn have the cars that spring to my mind but the following 2 get my outright vote overall.

The 2.2 cdti Honda Accords accords are usually very well appointed and durable, more so than the German equivalents. Had a saloon version in the family for a several years and it was just like a Volvo, just did what it needed to and well without giving any grief.

Volvo V70 D5 163. The 163bhp model is said to be less troublesome than the 185 variant but, either way, value for money, space and comfort is matched by none.