Ok, I have been swinging from cross to 4x4, from trekking to antartica, petrol to diesel. Like a metronome, back and forth. A local garage had a trekking come in yesterday and I went to see it this morning. It was a useful educational visit as I got to see my first Panda in the flesh and had a drive with a TA engine. I walked way in the end due to unexplained water in the boot wheel well and a slight judder when pulling away, although that could have been me getting used to a manual again. The TA engine was certainly more energetic than I thought it would be! Only problem is I have accumulated enough knowledge about Fiat/Alfa MultiAir units to know that I would rather steer clear of them.
However, the whole experience left me still not knowing what to look for so I decided to stop mincing around and put my needs and wants down on paper and be realistic and targeted about the exact vehicle I want.
After this exercise I ended up deciding that I definitely wanted a 4x4 and I decided for reliability I would go for a diesel. I mostly do shorts trips during the week but I go to see my mother every other weekend which is a 40 mile round trip which should help look after the DPF. I am going to look at this car tomorrow and will report back on how I get on.
Panda 4x4
Thanks to all for your input so far.