New car thoughts

[Peasgood1]

I am seriously thinking about getting a new car.
I have had 3dr and 5 dr Terranos but only the 2.7 versions.
I briefly had an auto Mistral but that was only bought to rob the engine out of so I never really got used to it.
My current car is a Maverick, 5 door manual. Paid £900 about 3 years ago I think and have certainly had my monies worth

I know it sounds daft but I don't like pressing the clutch pedal, I rarely use it once moving and just change gear without it, so maybe an auto is the way to go. They are not the whiplash inducing gearchanges they used to be.

So, I think I have narrowed it down to a 3 door 3.0 auto. I would love the van version but need to carry 4 passengers.

Anybody got any experiences or comments that might be of use to me? Mostly on the choice of 3.0 and auto, I have had a 3 door and did prefer it as a car even if it wasn't so roomy.