Car recommendation wanted!

[Proactivity]

There's no right/wrong answer to this, I'm just looking for opinions on a good upgrade replacement for my current car.

I've got a '99 Honda Accord 1.8i SE, 106,000 on the clock. It's a good family car, nice big boot, reliable, but very boring and pedestrian. I'd like something a bit newer, with a little more excitement, luxury, credibility (next to the BMWs and Porsches in my street but without that sort of budget). The trouble is it needs to retain the good points of my Honda - big enough to fit me (6'6"), my other half, a toddler, and a baby, without resorting to an MPV or 4x4.

I'll leave the budget out of the equation for now, but I'm after something that's a step up rather than a move sideways (sadly funds don't allow for a leap up).

[seare]

Mercedes Eclass estate! they are really good cars built like tanks! look at the link below!

http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/ MERCEDES-BENZ+E+CLASS/Ne-2-4-5-6-7-8-27-44-49- 53-61-64-67-103-133-146,N-25-55-4294967261-429 4967262/advert.action?R=200809304883807&distan ce=60&postcode=L38+3RH&channel=CARS&make=MERCE DES-BENZ&model=E+CLASS&min_pr=5000&max_pr=&max _mileage=

[Cockney_si]

Not many cars would have the boot space of the accord and be in the prestige bracket that you are after.

Maybe a Lexus IS200 or something?

[Proactivity]

I have to be realistic about how much prestige I can expect whilst still be practical. Frankly, if I could get something that can hold more than 2 passengers without the windows misting up with a fog impervious to air conditioning and fans on full blast, it's be a step up. the Lexus LS/GS/IX ranges are on the short-list tho - thanks.

I'm concerned that if a car's built like a tank, it'll drive like one too. Maybe something a bit sportier and less... hearse shaped. Thanks for the input tho!

[Proactivity]

I have to be realistic about how much prestige I can expect whilst still be practical. Frankly, if I could get something that can hold more than 2 passengers without the windows misting up with a fog impervious to air conditioning and fans on full blast, it'd be a step up. the Lexus LS/GS/IX ranges are on the short-list tho - thanks.

I'm concerned that if a car's built like a tank, it'll drive like one too. Maybe something a bit sportier and less... hearse shaped. Thanks for the input tho!

[Proactivity]

My budget is flexible up to a point. Strictly I should be putting money towards a mortgage deposit, but if I can decide on the right car for me then I can adjust the cost of it down by getting an older one, or up by reallocating resources.

Good call on the BM 5 series - it's high on the list, even tho the surgeon on one side and the students on the other both have one. I'm really not worried what anyone thinks -it's more because I'm fed up with seeing other people driving the sort of car I should have but don't. Car envy's a terrible thing, but something BM-like should see me thru until I can scrape together enough for an Audi RS4.

Any reason why a 5-series not a 3-series?