Estate car on a budget

sparkie1984

Hi all

So we have a 1 series currently but with 2 huskies and a baby it’s not big enough for a family day out with the hounds.

It’s also on PCP and we do a ton of miles so have gone over our allotted mileage.

Basically we’re looking for an estate for around £3k been looking at older 3 series touring or mondeos and the like.

Any other recommendations for a big boot and ability to soak up some miles? We do a lot of miles as regularly visit my mums caravan in Norfolk once or twice a month (500 miles a time ish)

Thanks for any advice

noiseboy72

Volvo V50. Not as big as the Mondeo, but a nicer place to be. V70 might be just outside your price range for a good one.

Passat is huge and comfortable, but not cheap.

Honda Accord. Big, comfy and 2.2D is a good engine - but exhaust manifold and timing chain failures are quite common and big money to fix

Assuming with big miles you are thinking diesel? These are still the most popular and hold their money. All the above are good for 200K. I know, because we've had high milers of all of them!

sparkie1984

Thanks will check them out! Yeah still diesel due to the high miles.

I guess just make sure they’ve been serviced etc?

un1eash

1.9tdi Octavia

Bl4ckGryph0n

How about an Audi A4. Even an 3.0V6 petrol Quattro gets 34mpg. Pretty bomb proof mechanics as well and cheap to maintain. And still decent interior.

Not sure if the 2.5TDI fits in the budget.

Just stay away from the CVT gearboxes. Tip Tronic and manual is fine.

noiseboy72

Good service history and look for ex company lease cars. They will be correctly services and generally looked after.

1 for the Skoda. A lot of metal for the money. Personally I would not buy a petrol for long distances as there's a lot of difference in running costs between 30mpg and 60mpg . I've never yet got close to the published mpg on a petrol, but it's much more achievable in a diesel.

Doyle

Seat Exeo estate is worth considering.

GaryB19722010

Focus ST estate

Delvey

Audi A4 Avant should be doable on your budget. If getting an Auto ensure the gearbox has been serviced recently as it's a few hundred £££.
I had a C4 grand Picasso. Brilliant car apart from the gearbox failed.
I would get another but avoid the auto EGS and if looking at the 1.6 diesel (used in fords as well) ensure it's been regularly serviced. I would opt for the 2L diesel.

Courtjezter

I'd second the Accord. I love mine, it handles well and has plenty of torque. The engine, being a Honda is bullet proof and, when I get rid of it this year, I'm going to miss it.