Estate Required For £3k for hands on property developer
Discussion
I am in need of an estate, I am a hands on property developer, so Im going to be using the car for plaster board, doors, skip runs etc. I also have 2 kids, and we always holiday in the UK, so a decent size car is required.
I currently have a RRS, but due to running costs this is going to be sold. Love the car, but financially its impracticable now, plus its a nightmare to get anything into the boot of a substantial size.
So, the sensible part of me has been looking at a low cost replacement for the RRS (Hatchbacks). The problem is, finding out how reliable a 2nd hand car is seems a bit difficult! The cars which I have been looking at are all under £3k (and from around 2005-2007), with an ideal price of £2k. Any input from people with experience of these would be appreciated!
Reliability & boot space are the main priority. Its been a while since I purchased a low cost motor so dont want to buy something that will cost a fortune in repairs when I could have just bought a more expensive model.
Cars that I have seen so far are:
Any input greatly appreciated.
I currently have a RRS, but due to running costs this is going to be sold. Love the car, but financially its impracticable now, plus its a nightmare to get anything into the boot of a substantial size.
So, the sensible part of me has been looking at a low cost replacement for the RRS (Hatchbacks). The problem is, finding out how reliable a 2nd hand car is seems a bit difficult! The cars which I have been looking at are all under £3k (and from around 2005-2007), with an ideal price of £2k. Any input from people with experience of these would be appreciated!
Reliability & boot space are the main priority. Its been a while since I purchased a low cost motor so dont want to buy something that will cost a fortune in repairs when I could have just bought a more expensive model.
Cars that I have seen so far are:
- Volkswagen Passat FSI Sport Estate 5dr Petrol Automatic
- Saab 9-3 TiD Vector SportWagon
- Audi Allroad TDI Quattro
- Audi A4 AVANT
- Audi A6 AVANT
Any input greatly appreciated.
Edited by darrenmcneill on Wednesday 1st February 10:26
Second the Honda Accord estate. It is vast and we had a 2.2TD from 0 - 110k miles and (aside from a light bulb) nothing went wrong. It wasn't exactly looked after either.
Secondly with big loads have you thought about a people carrier? Something you can take the rear seats out and you basically have a van for work? Don't know what you'd get in your price range but will be very practical.
Secondly with big loads have you thought about a people carrier? Something you can take the rear seats out and you basically have a van for work? Don't know what you'd get in your price range but will be very practical.
Ive looked at the Honda, but not keen on the looks of the motor tbh.
There doesnt seem to be a large number of V70's available, lots of V50s though. I can see that the V50's are smaller than the V70's, but does anyone have an idea of by how much?
Im quite drawn towards the Audi Avants, and the reviews that I have been able to find for 2nd hand they seem to be reliable.
There doesnt seem to be a large number of V70's available, lots of V50s though. I can see that the V50's are smaller than the V70's, but does anyone have an idea of by how much?
Im quite drawn towards the Audi Avants, and the reviews that I have been able to find for 2nd hand they seem to be reliable.
FredClogs said:
Saab 93 and A4 avant aren't big estate cars. If your requirement is for moving big board sizes (1.2mx2.4m) then a V70 or a people carrier are your best bets, or get a roof rack.
Roof rack will be a definite as there are ladders etc. I suppose this will also open up more car options as wider/larger items can be strapped to the roof.The factor of reliability is a big one for me, as I do not really want to be having multiple repairs. I appreciate the vehicles will be 10 years old so there are usual wear & tear, but some vehicles after a certain age are just a nightmare!
The A6 Avant seems to have a nice wide boot space from what I have seen.
Edited by darrenmcneill on Wednesday 1st February 10:26
Knock yourself out...
http://www.automobiledimension.com/car-comparison....
If it really is going to be a work horse bus and nothing else an aging Smax or Zafira might be the best bet, our Smax gets well hammered and has never complained, returns 45mpg and is essentially a van when seats folded, you'll struggle to get 1.2x2.4 boards in all cars tbh.
http://www.automobiledimension.com/car-comparison....
If it really is going to be a work horse bus and nothing else an aging Smax or Zafira might be the best bet, our Smax gets well hammered and has never complained, returns 45mpg and is essentially a van when seats folded, you'll struggle to get 1.2x2.4 boards in all cars tbh.
Edited by FredClogs on Wednesday 1st February 10:31
In your position I'd avoid VW/Audi parts for both can be expensive!
Honda Accord estate would be a good option (who really cares how it looks if it's mean to be a cheap workhorse?)
Did I say avoid VW/Audi? Seriously. The potential repair/servicing bills will hurt. I own a 2004 A4 Avant.
Honda Accord estate would be a good option (who really cares how it looks if it's mean to be a cheap workhorse?)
Did I say avoid VW/Audi? Seriously. The potential repair/servicing bills will hurt. I own a 2004 A4 Avant.
Edited by AndrewEH1 on Wednesday 1st February 12:30
V70 D5, you can pick up a tidy one for £2-3k.
Currently renovating our house, and it's been very practical, great for building supplies, and tip runs.
I've had 1.4x2.4m plywood sheets in the back, but that's with the front passenger seat forward.
For weekend trips, it's very comfy too, and has plenty of toys.
Currently renovating our house, and it's been very practical, great for building supplies, and tip runs.
I've had 1.4x2.4m plywood sheets in the back, but that's with the front passenger seat forward.
For weekend trips, it's very comfy too, and has plenty of toys.
AndrewEH1 said:
In your position I'd avoid VW/Audi parts for both can be expensive!
Honda Accord estate would be a good option (who really cares how it looks if it's mean to be a cheap workhorse?)
Did I say avoid VW/Audi? Seriously. The potential repair/servicing bills will hurt. I own a 2004 A4 Avant.
I'll second that, had a couple of Passats and one went wrong big timeHonda Accord estate would be a good option (who really cares how it looks if it's mean to be a cheap workhorse?)
Did I say avoid VW/Audi? Seriously. The potential repair/servicing bills will hurt. I own a 2004 A4 Avant.
Edited by AndrewEH1 on Wednesday 1st February 12:30
AndrewEH1 said:
In your position I'd avoid VW/Audi parts for both can be expensive!
Honda Accord estate would be a good option (who really cares how it looks if it's mean to be a cheap workhorse?)
Did I say avoid VW/Audi? Seriously. The potential repair/servicing bills will hurt. I own a 2004 A4 Avant.
Lol.... learning from experience! What issue have you had with the Avant? Coming from a car where is £1300 for a handbrake id be interested to know what costs you have incurred if you can?Honda Accord estate would be a good option (who really cares how it looks if it's mean to be a cheap workhorse?)
Did I say avoid VW/Audi? Seriously. The potential repair/servicing bills will hurt. I own a 2004 A4 Avant.
Edited by AndrewEH1 on Wednesday 1st February 12:30
I can see how big the Accord is, but as well as a work car I need to use it on a normal day, and its just bloody ugly! lol.
Cars are like Russian Roulette! lol
Edited by darrenmcneill on Wednesday 1st February 13:12
JB8 said:
V70 D5, you can pick up a tidy one for £2-3k.
Currently renovating our house, and it's been very practical, great for building supplies, and tip runs.
I've had 1.4x2.4m plywood sheets in the back, but that's with the front passenger seat forward.
For weekend trips, it's very comfy too, and has plenty of toys.
How long have you had yours for and what is your milage etc? There are a loarge number of them around between that price range, so quite a lot of choice. I know the V70 is bigger but its quite ugly to look at in my mind.Currently renovating our house, and it's been very practical, great for building supplies, and tip runs.
I've had 1.4x2.4m plywood sheets in the back, but that's with the front passenger seat forward.
For weekend trips, it's very comfy too, and has plenty of toys.
OP, you're basically looking at one of these, let's be honest.
Volvo V70
Honda Accord Touring
The Volvo has a bigger boot, the Honda will be more reliable. Take your pick!
EDIT: I should add that I've driven examples of both cars. The Volvo drives like a library on wheels - very comfortable, very quiet, very relaxing on a long journey. The Honda feels like a "tighter" car, in the vein of cars like the Mondeo and BMW 3-Series. That's not to say it's not comfortable, just not comfortable like a big Volvo.
Volvo V70
Honda Accord Touring
The Volvo has a bigger boot, the Honda will be more reliable. Take your pick!
EDIT: I should add that I've driven examples of both cars. The Volvo drives like a library on wheels - very comfortable, very quiet, very relaxing on a long journey. The Honda feels like a "tighter" car, in the vein of cars like the Mondeo and BMW 3-Series. That's not to say it's not comfortable, just not comfortable like a big Volvo.
Edited by MorganP104 on Wednesday 1st February 13:25
FredClogs said:
If it really is going to be a work horse bus and nothing else an aging Smax or Zafira might be the best bet,
Now I haven't been on here long but even I know that's against the rules...VAG spares can be pricey, the Accord is the best bet if you can stomach the looks.
Any reason why you couldn't get an actual van?
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