£2000, reliable daily estate workhorse.

[Drive it fix it repeat]

Due to some really crap circumstances I’m soon going to be in the miserable position of needing to go down to one sensible car for a while.
I’m thinking an estate car for practicality and work use. I want it to be reliable so not too old, say 2004 maximum preferably newer. MPG say a realistic 30+. Max budget of £2000 but less is a bonus. Not stupid tax. Don’t really care whether it’s auto or manual, petrol or diesel. I do reasonable mileage so be nice if it’s comfortable. Be nice if it’s not completely butt ugly. I’ve done the standard autotrader check and got some basic ideas but I’d like to hear your ideas and suggestions. Cheers all.

[Matoakwell]

MK4 Mondeo. You could get a decent spec for £2k.

[GMac1]

I'm looking for something similar but at 5k, although I've seen a few at 2k.
Audi A4 Advant or BMW touring, a few with nice spec as well.

[stevemcs]

Mondeo, Vectra or Honda Accord.

[durbster]

Might it be worth looking at SUVs as well to give yourself more options?

A CRV or Rav4 type would give you the practicality of an estate. Something like this?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...

[Drive it fix it repeat]

Thanks for your replies, much appreciated and good options to consider. Not at all keen on an SUV I’m afraid they just strike me as the choice of the middle age dad who’s given up completely or the mental school run mum. I’m 23 and a massive petrol head so going to be a hard enough change as it is!

[Ilovejapcrap]

Japanese and petrol

[VR99]

Volvo V50
Mazda 6 estate/tourer
Honda Accord Tourer


Ive always had a soft spot for the V50 but heard both good and bad regarding the electrics

[Jag_NE]

Don’t limit yourself to a specific make/model, there will only be a limited amount of local cars. I’d focus on a full history and condition of the vehicle. Jap and petrol could be ideal but not if it means buying something neglected. French stuff is often excellent value and has an undeserved reputation which keeps prices low vs German or Jap.

[snotrag]

If you can find a Volvo V50 it's worth a look - chassis, parts and running cost of a Ford Focus Estate it's based on but much, much nicer inside, comfier, and smart looking.

1.8 duratec petrol slow but basic and reliable.

[Challo]

Seen quite a few petrol Accord Estates around that price, and they have a good reputation and most have a very good spec.

[LordHaveMurci]

I’d add Toyota Avensis to the suggestions for Accord & Mazda 6

[ZX10R NIN]

Haggle & you'll get a decent C220 Avantgarde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011105...

Avensis

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011055...

407 SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009023...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012187...

[Drive it fix it repeat]

Cheers for the ideas everyone, cracking list there zx10 much appreciated. The Peugeot’s look the most visually appealing of the main contenders to my eye so far and seems to be a fair few around for a decent price. I’m not ready to ‘pull the trigger’
( ) just yet so I’ll carry on with my research. Cheers all.

[300sl-24]

Subaru Legacy and outback Estates are worth a look, just check the VED rate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012307...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101027...