Estate ideas...
Discussion
My Mother has tasks me with sourcing her a car. Her requirements are:
£4k max budget
Must be an estate, but nothing too massive like an E Class / 5 Series. Nothing too small like a Clio estate
Petrol or diesel doesn't matter, but asking her how many miles / what sort of driving she does, I reckon Petrol is the answer
She's not fussed about leather / gizmo's etc. just wants something solid and reliable
So far, my considerations have got as far as:
Passat
Volvo V40
Mondeo
Saab 9-3
Octavia
Have I missed anything glaringly obvious?
£4k max budget
Must be an estate, but nothing too massive like an E Class / 5 Series. Nothing too small like a Clio estate
Petrol or diesel doesn't matter, but asking her how many miles / what sort of driving she does, I reckon Petrol is the answer
She's not fussed about leather / gizmo's etc. just wants something solid and reliable
So far, my considerations have got as far as:
Passat
Volvo V40
Mondeo
Saab 9-3
Octavia
Have I missed anything glaringly obvious?
I thought about the Focus and Astra's, but they are slightly on the small side for her, though. Which is a shame, as she could get some great examples.
I was steering clear of Beemers, Mercs and Audi's as the potential for large bills is greater than more mundane stuff, although, I do agree that an E46 330i, would be a lovely steer.
Subaru is an interesting idea, though. A non-turbo'd Legacy could be a consideration.
I was steering clear of Beemers, Mercs and Audi's as the potential for large bills is greater than more mundane stuff, although, I do agree that an E46 330i, would be a lovely steer.
Subaru is an interesting idea, though. A non-turbo'd Legacy could be a consideration.
If style isn't too much of an issue, I would suggest the accord or Volvo of some sort.
If something stylish is required, there is no better option than an Alfa Romeo SW.
I don't generally keep an eye on estate cars, is there any hope of an early 159 for 4k? The SWs look better than the saloons IMO and they are by far the best looking estate out there. Most people seem to be put off the marque as most believe that they are not reliable. Unfortunately I have no first hand experience but I hear that well minded examples that have had very regular oil changes are good cars.
If something stylish is required, there is no better option than an Alfa Romeo SW.
I don't generally keep an eye on estate cars, is there any hope of an early 159 for 4k? The SWs look better than the saloons IMO and they are by far the best looking estate out there. Most people seem to be put off the marque as most believe that they are not reliable. Unfortunately I have no first hand experience but I hear that well minded examples that have had very regular oil changes are good cars.
I'd go for a mondeo estate. nice and cheap to run and is probably a suitable size, IE slightly smaller than the 5-series and the e-class merc. You should be able to get a ghia or a a nice zetec for that money.
9-3 will be good value, but they can have a lot of gremlins and I speak from experience
9-3 will be good value, but they can have a lot of gremlins and I speak from experience
schmalex said:
I thought about the Focus and Astra's, but they are slightly on the small side for her, though. Which is a shame, as she could get some great examples.
I was steering clear of Beemers, Mercs and Audi's as the potential for large bills is greater than more mundane stuff, although, I do agree that an E46 330i, would be a lovely steer.
Subaru is an interesting idea, though. A non-turbo'd Legacy could be a consideration.
Honestly I wouldn't rule out the Germans due to costs. as long as you stay away from main dealers, then the costs are the same as any other marque.I was steering clear of Beemers, Mercs and Audi's as the potential for large bills is greater than more mundane stuff, although, I do agree that an E46 330i, would be a lovely steer.
Subaru is an interesting idea, though. A non-turbo'd Legacy could be a consideration.
I use a local BMW specialist, and its just as cheap as any other garage. parts are just the same and labour is always the biggest part of the bill.
HOWEVER, you get a lot more for your money from a legacy. Cheaper for what it is, the AWD makes it very practical for slidy roads, hills or snow. (though this may increase the cost of them right at the moment!)
alternatively how about a small 4x4?(You can pick them up for pretty cheap) such as a Jeep Cherokee http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jeep-Cherokee-2-4-Sport-... or Grand Vitara http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Suzuki-Grand-Vitara-2-0-...
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