I bought an MX-5 ND a few months ago, and then shortly after we got a new dog so looking for something to cart him round in.

I have an illogical desire to get a Lan Rover Defender but realistically can't afford a half decent one right now. So I thought I'd maybe go for an inexpensive SUV.

Requirements are:

- Cheap, less than £5k.
- At a minimum can carry two people and two large dogs, ideally three people.
- Reliable
- Not a rust bucket
- Some ability to go off road
- Within reason, day-to-day running costs not an issue as it won't be going far on a regular basis, but I don't want to be forking out constantly for repairs
- Ideally, not humungous!

I have a few ideas, but any recommendations to meet the above needs gratefully received