£15-20k Estate options?
Discussion
We need a new family car, as well as a nicer car for my wife to do her 50min urban commute.
Budget is slightly flexible but as always less is more.
Has to be an automatic for the commute, heated seats and adaptive cc considered nice to have, I guess most will have Carplay/AndroidAuto. Low profile tyres undesirable. 15k a year. Two large-med dogs. Toddler.
So far we have considered the facelift 3rd gen Octavia, probably the 2.0 TDi in 147 or 181bhp VRs spec with the 6sp DSG box. Also driven a 70 plate 4rd gen 147bhp which has a 7sp DSG I think? Usually a petrol head, but the 1.5Tsi seems mixed and the 2.0Tsi fairly thirsty.
We've also test driven a 19 plate V60 which is also a very nice car, pros and cons, looks nicer at the front but feels smaller inside. 8sp mechatronic gearbox was less smooth than the Octavia.
Tomorrow we hope to see a A4 advant, don't know what that will be like compaired to the above.
Broadly ruled out the Golf estate as everything points to it being smaller inside than the Octavia and otherwise no nicer.
The Superb looks brilliant, but maybe bigger than we need currently.
Focus Estate?
C-Class Merc?
XC40 was mentioned but less boot space?
What have we missed?
Budget is slightly flexible but as always less is more.
Has to be an automatic for the commute, heated seats and adaptive cc considered nice to have, I guess most will have Carplay/AndroidAuto. Low profile tyres undesirable. 15k a year. Two large-med dogs. Toddler.
So far we have considered the facelift 3rd gen Octavia, probably the 2.0 TDi in 147 or 181bhp VRs spec with the 6sp DSG box. Also driven a 70 plate 4rd gen 147bhp which has a 7sp DSG I think? Usually a petrol head, but the 1.5Tsi seems mixed and the 2.0Tsi fairly thirsty.
We've also test driven a 19 plate V60 which is also a very nice car, pros and cons, looks nicer at the front but feels smaller inside. 8sp mechatronic gearbox was less smooth than the Octavia.
Tomorrow we hope to see a A4 advant, don't know what that will be like compaired to the above.
Broadly ruled out the Golf estate as everything points to it being smaller inside than the Octavia and otherwise no nicer.
The Superb looks brilliant, but maybe bigger than we need currently.
Focus Estate?
C-Class Merc?
XC40 was mentioned but less boot space?
What have we missed?
I’m looking at similar parameters and the Corolla estate is by far the most sensible option. It’s also faster and better mpg than most on your list.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309272...
But I have a feeling I’m going to end up in a 5 series estate or v60/v90….. and regret it every time I have to pay for something being fixed.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309272...
But I have a feeling I’m going to end up in a 5 series estate or v60/v90….. and regret it every time I have to pay for something being fixed.
Flumpo said:
I’m looking at similar parameters and the Corolla estate is by far the most sensible option. It’s also faster and better mpg than most on your list.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309272...
But I have a feeling I’m going to end up in a 5 series estate or v60/v90….. and regret it every time I have to pay for something being fixed.
I’d guarantee though that the TCO would be far lower on a 530d Touring.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309272...
But I have a feeling I’m going to end up in a 5 series estate or v60/v90….. and regret it every time I have to pay for something being fixed.
The Corolla will devalue at quite a rate til it’s nearly worthless, whereas a good 530d is always in demand and depreciate very slowly once they are down to the £10-15k region.
Marc p said:
Is there an age/mileage limit for prospective cars?
Nothing set in stone. We would likely run it for a reasonable amount of time, 5 years plus.
But even say 15k x8 is 120k so I wouldn't be against a higher mileage car and taking it over 200k if it happened to go that way.
Probably no more than maybe 5-6 years old? Needs to feel fairly new if we're spending a reasonable amount on it.
stevemcs said:
I’d be trying a 3 series, probably 320d. It’s just not the biggest but drives well and has a very good gearbox.
Yeah, it's tempting and we should probably look at one (my current daily is a e46 330ci) but the lack of boot space is concerning. Presumably the G21 given the budget?
Rob 131 Sport said:
For long term residuals and a great stylish all round car, I’d be looking at the current shape Audi A6 with a 2 litre Diesel Engine.
Can't fault that, but it's then a larger car, more like Superb sizing and while it will be packed to the gunnels for one or two days a year going on holiday, the half of the time it will be pottering around commuting to work and back with just the Mrs in it. dhutch said:
Can't fault that, but it's then a larger car, more like Superb sizing and while it will be packed to the gunnels for one or two days a year going on holiday, the half of the time it will be pottering around commuting to work and back with just the Mrs in it.
I'm of the firm opinion that if you're going to get an estate then you may as well get a big one, unless it really is going to cause trouble with being able to fit it on your drive or whatever. One person driving an Octavia is not exactly a paragon of efficiency, and a Superb is all of 6 inches longer. You buy an estate because you sometimes need a lot of room, so may as well make sure you do indeed have enough room on those occasions.Corolla estate. Given your budget and criteria for running 5yrs plus, that would be my first choice. The 2litre version has around 190bhp and is quite quick to boot. Perfect for urban commutes, you will easily see over 50mpg in town. Will still be warrantied by Toyota if you use a dealer for as long as you are planning to use the car.
How big are your dogs? Volvo XC40 might struggle with boot space if they are large. Otherwise might be worth looking at other crossovers too. That market is massive, everyone and their dog has an option. New and used markets are full of them too because they are so popular.
How big are your dogs? Volvo XC40 might struggle with boot space if they are large. Otherwise might be worth looking at other crossovers too. That market is massive, everyone and their dog has an option. New and used markets are full of them too because they are so popular.
Edited by wyson on Sunday 12th November 07:40
dhutch said:
Yeah, it's tempting and we should probably look at one (my current daily is a e46 330ci) but the lack of boot space is concerning.
Presumably the G21 given the budget?
Not sure you will get one for your budget, you would the 5 series though. Not sure if they are just a bit too big for everyday use.Presumably the G21 given the budget?
ACCYSTAN said:
Toyota Corolla Estate
Reliable, economical. Hold their value well, 10 year warranty (if you have it serviced by Toyota) and a nice gearbox.
I wouldn’t touch a BMW out of manufacturer warranty unless you’re buying it on the approved used scheme.
Is this based on experience with a BMW. For £20k you can get a really nice BMW 3/5 series which is so much better than most of the suggestions (other than Audi or Mercedes) being suggested on this thread. Reliable, economical. Hold their value well, 10 year warranty (if you have it serviced by Toyota) and a nice gearbox.
I wouldn’t touch a BMW out of manufacturer warranty unless you’re buying it on the approved used scheme.
I'd be thinking Corolla Estate too. Depends if could get comfortable in it, last time had a hard look at a Toyota Estate, something about the seat just didn't feel right after about 15 mins.
Though slightly off topic I had my head turned the other day, different price bracket, also an estate.
Fed up with the ridiculous new prices had a brief AutoTrader search. Just put in Estate, price bracket and an age range. Quickly found myself looking at a VW Arteon 4wd 320PS R, a proper R not an RLine. 10k cheaper too.
Though might cost a bit in brave pills. Not to mention the early hours visit from unpleasant men in balaclavas.
Which sort of depresses me that sometimes we have to consider keep below the radar vehicles vs what attracts hang the cost.
Though slightly off topic I had my head turned the other day, different price bracket, also an estate.
Fed up with the ridiculous new prices had a brief AutoTrader search. Just put in Estate, price bracket and an age range. Quickly found myself looking at a VW Arteon 4wd 320PS R, a proper R not an RLine. 10k cheaper too.
Though might cost a bit in brave pills. Not to mention the early hours visit from unpleasant men in balaclavas.
Which sort of depresses me that sometimes we have to consider keep below the radar vehicles vs what attracts hang the cost.
I'm also on the lookout for a new estate, after having spent nearly 18 months in a heavily optioned Audi S4 Avant, a change of job role and moving house has me looking to sell it and replace it with something around the £10k mark to slog up and down the country.
However, after having an S4 (Audi A4, 3 Series, Class size) I got frustrated with boot size , I have just one dog, a Doberman but I will be looking at 5 Series, E Class size cars now.
Really like the look of the Passat estates and the boot look cavernous
However, after having an S4 (Audi A4, 3 Series, Class size) I got frustrated with boot size , I have just one dog, a Doberman but I will be looking at 5 Series, E Class size cars now.
Really like the look of the Passat estates and the boot look cavernous
dhutch said:
We need a new family car, as well as a nicer car for my wife to do her 50min urban commute.
Budget is slightly flexible but as always less is more.
Has to be an automatic for the commute, heated seats and adaptive cc considered nice to have, I guess most will have Carplay/AndroidAuto. Low profile tyres undesirable. 15k a year. Two large-med dogs. Toddler.
So far we have considered the facelift 3rd gen Octavia, probably the 2.0 TDi in 147 or 181bhp VRs spec with the 6sp DSG box. Also driven a 70 plate 4rd gen 147bhp which has a 7sp DSG I think? Usually a petrol head, but the 1.5Tsi seems mixed and the 2.0Tsi fairly thirsty.
We've also test driven a 19 plate V60 which is also a very nice car, pros and cons, looks nicer at the front but feels smaller inside. 8sp mechatronic gearbox was less smooth than the Octavia.
Tomorrow we hope to see a A4 advant, don't know what that will be like compaired to the above.
Broadly ruled out the Golf estate as everything points to it being smaller inside than the Octavia and otherwise no nicer.
The Superb looks brilliant, but maybe bigger than we need currently.
Focus Estate?
C-Class Merc?
XC40 was mentioned but less boot space?
What have we missed?
I'd suggest taking a good look at these three.Budget is slightly flexible but as always less is more.
Has to be an automatic for the commute, heated seats and adaptive cc considered nice to have, I guess most will have Carplay/AndroidAuto. Low profile tyres undesirable. 15k a year. Two large-med dogs. Toddler.
So far we have considered the facelift 3rd gen Octavia, probably the 2.0 TDi in 147 or 181bhp VRs spec with the 6sp DSG box. Also driven a 70 plate 4rd gen 147bhp which has a 7sp DSG I think? Usually a petrol head, but the 1.5Tsi seems mixed and the 2.0Tsi fairly thirsty.
We've also test driven a 19 plate V60 which is also a very nice car, pros and cons, looks nicer at the front but feels smaller inside. 8sp mechatronic gearbox was less smooth than the Octavia.
Tomorrow we hope to see a A4 advant, don't know what that will be like compaired to the above.
Broadly ruled out the Golf estate as everything points to it being smaller inside than the Octavia and otherwise no nicer.
The Superb looks brilliant, but maybe bigger than we need currently.
Focus Estate?
C-Class Merc?
XC40 was mentioned but less boot space?
What have we missed?
Insignia Elite Nav you'll get a nice low mileage example that'll meet your requirements:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310273...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309131...
Or SRI VX Line Nav spec:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310283...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311053...
508 GT Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308030...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202309071...
Mondeo Vignale:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310173...
ST Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311103...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310062...
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