looking for a new (to me) car.
£1500 tops,medium sized,cheap on fuel and insurance etc,half decent to drive,nothing jap or french,would like A/C leather and plenty of toys.
been put off a Volvo V40 and the other one i had in mind was a focus.
so...ideas please

I know you said not french but a 406 110 hdi would take a lot of beating for the spec and price.

what about a VOLKSWAGEN Passat 1.9 S TDi 90 they go for about £1000.

That kind of money should find a decent MG ZS ---- go for the 1.6 ---112bhp ver nippy handles a lot better than the focus.

if i was buying it would have to be a galaxy( or seat/vw), for that money u will get a diesel (40mpg+ easy) driver nice, get a ghia x with all the toys and your sorted, drives like a car, economy like a car, but when you need it its a bus or a van, they are great alround vehicles, when i get back to the uk and need a cheap run around i will be getting one

A decent Rover 600 (Don't laugh) would probably fit your needs and its only a little bit Japanese.

If it weren't to your objections I'd sugest a Citroen C5.

cheers for your ideas peeps,ill have a look during the week