Hi Paula,

If you’re only doing 5,000 miles per annum, diesel is a bad choice, as maintenance is likely to cost more in the long run due to components clogging up. Diesels are at their best when used regularly for long distances at relatively high speed. Therefore, look at the petrols and the Sportage/RAV4 are fine options. If you want some alternatives, always consider the Nissan Qashqai, as well as the Peugeot 2008, the Hyundai Tucson and – one of our faves – the value Dacia Duster. If you want something more affordable like the Duster but you don’t like the Dacia’s plain cabin, a Suzuki Vitara makes an excellent alternative, while you will be able to find plenty of petrol examples of both the SEAT Arona (smaller) and SEAT Ateca (larger) crossover-SUVs in the €17,000-€20,000 bracket. We’d recommend you try a petrol SEAT Ateca first and foremost.