A car for everything - commuting/towing/daily life

[Lugy]

I'm idly thinking of changing cars in the next few months, either that or I commit to spending money on my current daily drive (57 plate Saab TID).
It'll be used for commuting 250-300 miles per week, occasion rally marshalling jaunts and to tow my Autograss car once a month plus a couple of trips over to my mum's in France in a year.
It'll probably need to be something diesel for fuel costs and ideally an estate car.
My priorities are something like, comfort (must be getting old), space, and cost to run, it'll not be a car for hooning!
Either auto or manual.
4WD would be nice but not essential, I can just park somewhere sensible.
I'd be looking to spend £6k but for the right car (and one that is going to last a while!) I'd be happier going up to about £9k, maybe a little more.
Current favourites are Octavia/Passat estates but you do get a lot of Insignia for your money, some also have 4WD.
Anywhere else I should be looking?

[theador]

Lugy said:

I'm idly thinking of changing cars in the next few months, either that or I commit to spending money on my current daily drive (57 plate Saab TID).
It'll be used for commuting 250-300 miles per week, occasion rally marshalling jaunts and to tow my Autograss car once a month plus a couple of trips over to my mum's in France in a year.
It'll probably need to be something diesel for fuel costs and ideally an estate car.
My priorities are something like, comfort (must be getting old), space, and cost to run, it'll not be a car for hooning!
Either auto or manual.
4WD would be nice but not essential, I can just park somewhere sensible.
I'd be looking to spend £6k but for the right car (and one that is going to last a while!) I'd be happier going up to about £9k, maybe a little more.
Current favourites are Octavia/Passat estates but you do get a lot of Insignia for your money, some also have 4WD.
Anywhere else I should be looking?

I started this thread today which may be useful: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[Digby]

Volvo?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-Volvo-XC70-2-4-D5-...

[Lugy]

theador said:

I started this thread today which may be useful: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I'll keep an eye on that thread, although I think you might be looking for something a bit more exotic!

Digby said:

Volvo?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2011-Volvo-XC70-2-4-D5-...

Good shout! I thought about one of those a while back, was too expensive for me at the time. They seem to hold their value well!
This looks great!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...

[Maracus]

Audi A4 Allroad?

[ZX10R NIN]

For under 6k I'd say the Mercedes R Class it's not the greatest looker but raise the suspension & you'll be able to get about they come in long & short wheelbase forms but both are a good size, they'll be comfortable too as they're based on an S Class.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Forester there's a question mark over reliability but this seemed to affect the earlier diesels, also check the towing capacity as the low engine output may not suit.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

XC60

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

XC70

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

For between 6-9k there are these:

Facelift R350L this will be the nicest to spend time in.& the looks are less challenging

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Last of the line gen1 R350L you get a car with 20k less for £500 less than the car above.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

The next on the list would be the Infiniti EX they're a nice reliable place to be, with only the Mercedes are a better bet fit & finish wise (on this list) also the 3.0d will make long trips/towing a breeze as well as them being great value age/spec/power wise.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

XC60

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Subaru Outback .

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

XC70

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Hyundai Santa Fe good cars unless you need the extra space then SUV wise the EX/XC60 are better options:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[A500leroy]

Dacia Duster

[GreatGranny]

The XC70 will be quite juicy being the 2.4d and 4WD.

Maybe 35mpg max.

XC60 probably the same.

Personally I would go Subaru just as a great all rounder with decent running costs and reliability.

[Don Phil]

I can recommend a 5 series touring for comfort, decent economy and probably towing too as I think they are rated for either 1800kg or 2000kg.

I bought a 2012 520d for mainly motorway use, shifting stuff and ferrying the family around. So much car for the money.

Considered a Passat but had one as a hire car and found the seats uncomfortable on long journeys so ruled it out.