To Buy Or Not To Buy???

So it's time to consider a new car. The house looks like it's going well, even with the sewage worries, so it should be time to buy soon! I have a few cards on the table and a few things to consider! Firstly the things to consider:

• A long commute - I'm moving 60 miles North, which means a 120mile round trip commute each day. Now my mortgage should be more manageable, but I've still gotta minimise that fuel bill!
• I like cars - it seems obvious but I love cars, so this means the new cars got to have something special. It doesn't have to be amazing, but it has to be different. I'm not talking a boy racer body kit, I;m talking something fun, maybe even useful.
• I'm moving to the country - Now a 4x4 might not fit the above criteria, but it might be more fun at the weekends.

ok, so that's the starting point. What's on the table... basically up to £5k, but the less I spend the better. £3k would be great. Di's after an A-Class Merc, which obviously gets my vote. I've had a few thoughts, but no decision yet:

• Renault Laguna II - Has some toys, no keys and an excellent diesel engine. Looking like th ebst bet so far.
• Merc E-Class - You have to go much older, but a top line one would be great for the motorway. Needs to be a diesel really though and they seem to push the budget.
• BMW 5 Series - same a above really
• Land Rover Freelander - Lots of fun. Maybe not so cheap to run???