Vehicle Top Trumps

One of the hardest decisions we’re trying to make before landing in Europe is what vehicle to buy to get us to Italy. We will be driving it from probably Devon in the south of England to Caligiana in Umbria, a distance of around 1350 miles (2180kms), through France, Belgium, Germany and Austria before getting to our final destination in the hills of Italy. We could spend a little money, and arrive via only France and Switzerland, but toll free is not only better for the bank balance, but also for the excitement of the journey. I hear Switzerland is a bit drab in January!

So, the wheels. A simple set of rules, by which to adhere.

Budget: Less than £3500.

Size: Enough to carry us, x3 Suitcases, the Urbo, Toys, Travel Cot, High Chair, Bedding, Picnic box, Art Materials, Laptop and 3 pairs of Wellies.

Visual Appearence: We shouldn't look like the Griswold Family en route to Wally World...

Current shortlist includes:

Car: 2003 FIAT MULTIPLA 1.9L DIESEL ESTATE

Details: 6 seats, 125000 miles, Power Steering, E windows, 2 owners

Price: £1395

Coolfactor: 7/10

The Bad: The worlds ugliest car

Trumpcard: 3 seats in the front for maximum payload

Car: 1999 MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS 2.3L C240 Esprit Auto Estate

Details: Petrol, 124000 Miles, Full Service History. Cruise Control, MOT Oct 12

Price: £995

Coolfactor: 11/10

The Bad: Thief magnet

Trumpcard: 30 year standard corrosion guarantee

Car: 2002 FORD TRANSIT TORNEO 2.0L TURBO DIESEL

Details: 9 seat minibus, 149000 Miles, ABS, Air Con, CD, 1 owner

Price: £2,295

Coolfactor: 5/10

The Bad: Multi-storey carparks are off limits

Trumpcard: The Backbone of Britain

Car: 1997 VOLVO 960 3L CD AUTO ESTATE

Details: 24V, ABS, Air Con, Climate Control, Electric Heated Seats, Power windows

Price: £1000

Coolfactor: 2/10

The Bad: Ian Beale drives one

Trumpcard: Enough room in the boot for a small country

Car: 1998 Peugeot 406 2.0L GLX FAMILY MANUAL ESTATE (My dads car)

Details: MOT and Tax Nov 12, Roof Rails, Airbags, Power steering, E Windows

Price: Possibly less than £300

Coolfactor: 5/10

The Bad: It comes with free emotional baggage.

Trumpcard: Keep it in the family, we know it’s history

Car: 1982 ROLL ROYCE SILVER SPIRIT AUTO + PRIVATE PLATE

Details: 99000 Miles, Leather Upholstery, Power Steering, Ultimate ride, 3 owners

Price: £3295

Coolfactor: 9/10

The Bad: Insurance group 20

Trumpcard: Guaranteed never to break down