Estate?

[Jimnic007]

The wife and I are expecting twins in November. We currently have two small cars and I am going to chop one in for a family car.
Until now I have been looking at estate cars around £15k, namely 5 series touring, Subaru Legacy Spec B, A6 S-line etc.
However, I have been wondering if a large estate is really necessary and whether I could get away with a small estate, saloon or large hatch.
What are the experiences of the PH masses who have had two small kids, is a large estate really necessary?
Cheers all,

[Jimnic007]

First off, sorry for not responding sooner and thanks to all those that have replied.

When I posted originally, I envisaged getting a large estate like a 5-series and leaving that at home for the wife to drive the twins around and I would run my 100hp panda to work and back as I do now (20miles each way).

I am beginning to think that a big, heavy and expensive to run estate is maybe not right for the amount of time it will sit on the drive. She is not a fan of big cars and I have a feeling she won't want to drive it anyway! So it would only get used on long runs for holidays, where it would be nice to drive a quality car with a good engine and not an MPV!

I wonder though if an MPV or Mondeo (type) estate might be a better route whilst they are small and perhaps I can sell my Panda and get back to Lotus ownership for a third time.

Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming.
J

[Jimnic007]

All good replies, thanks for the help. I think an estate is the way forward, I would really like a Spec B Legacy, but I am scared by the MPG figures that are being mentioned. I have thought about a 9-5 aero. I would like something a bit different and they fit that bill. Are they reliable and reasonable to run?
With regard to the mondeo, which model and spec are the ones to go for?
Cheers,
J

[Jimnic007]

Apparently we are going to Mothercare tonight! She is really chilled about buggy/travel systems, having discussed this with her mates who have wasted £700plus on buggies/car seats and ended up with a cheap collapsable version and a separate car seat. I guess it will resolve itself, but the estate is firmly on the cards, if only to ensure that my golf clubs or snowboard can travel with us (depending on the time of year)!

So the shortlist is something along the following lines:

Subaru Legacy (has anyone got something less than a Spec B that they like, how is the diesel version?)
Saab 9-5 Aero
Mondeo ST
Vectra VXR looks a bit hot and new for two kids to ruin!

Anything I have missed?
Cheers,
J