Replace my Passat

[smallzoo99]

I currently have a 2005 1.9pd 100 Passat estate. Brilliant engine, great boot but a bit dated and rusting...

I was thinking of something either instead of or aswell as ( the car only cost me £1200 )

We will be mainly taking dogs on local walks but a few times a year, fully laden, down to Cornwall etc

We will only do about 5k miles a year in it as it's a 2nd car..not worried really about tax or insurance 

With a budget of under £4k could I pick up a decent 2.0D..., are they reliable and what about manual Vs auto

Thanks
Peter (Cheshire , UK)

 

P.s. just read the what car review on a 2009-2014 and they think its not good..only 2 stars