Help with a Reliable Automatic

[Rikk]

Going to be leaving work soon and will have to give back my Focus so I'm starting to look around at a replacement.
I'm looking to spend up to £4k, it HAS to be an automatic, as reliable as possible and mpg 30+, not fussy with regard to petrol or diesel.
This is something I will be keeping for a LONG time not replacing after a year. Comfort is a factor (aircon is essential) and it needs to be either an estate or a hard top as I'll need to carry 1-3 bikes (have carriers on the roof atm).
Usage will be mostly around town short stuff, with occasional 100 mile trips to see friends or go biking.
Oh yea, performance is not that important, i currently have an 06 1.6 focus auto and I'm quite happy with that.

I'm quite happy with mpv's as well not just standard cars/estates.

Any pointers you can give will be fantastic

Thanks

 

[Rikk]

Yep has to be an auto as I've only got one leg.
I do like the focus, but reading through some other threads it seems to be to steer away from ford auto's unless they are relatively new (06 onwards)
I was debating a volvo, I looked at them a few years ago and do rather like them but not sure how the mpg would go as they all seem a little thirsty?
I'm not bothered about age so 4k 04/05 for a cheaper car or 4k for a 98/99 better built car I'm easy, just have no real idea of whats good.