small budget but a car with big boot?

Our very loved silver Nissan (Primera) probably drove its last mile.. we’d love to keep it going but its burning oil.. something reallised when looked thru the rear window and other drivers were hanging back a long way and saw little wiffs of white smoke as we went round roundabouts – except a motorbiker who was right behind us. We are very sad but accept, this cars time has come – at least for us. Our car has a wonderful dashboard that looks like controls of an aeroplane – perhaps someones recycled project? The car has been serviced every year – but done a few miles on adventures.

Advised not economical to change the engine – age of the car and other parts.

Local mechanic suggested looking for another (used) Japanese or German car and advised against French ones. Looking for petrol, manual. I know nothing about cars except love driving them – could anyone recommend a make/model that is reliable and low maintainance and has a biggish boot? or if you are interested in our car as a project – please contact us? We are in the south of the UK