Best VFM estate for £3.5K?

Saturday 19th January 2019

warcalf said:

Looking for the best value for money petrol estate for around the stated price!

Reliability is ultimately crucial, drivetrain and gearbox doesn't matter. Just needs to meet the budget and be a reliable car and not horrendous on fuel...

Currently preferring an Avensis or Passat, considering Mondeo/Insignia/Focus or Cee'd but no idea how reliable these are!

Any info is appreciated.

I bought an Avensis a few years ago following some reliability problems with our previous car.

Didn’t miss a beat for 6 years. Only got rid of it as I opted back in to the company car scheme.

Surprisingly economical and really spacious.

snowandrocks

1,054 posts

143 months

Saturday 19th January 2019

ninjag said:

BuzzBravado said:

Accord 2.0i ? Haven't heard of any reliability issues around any petrol Honda so should be a good bet.

I'd second this. 7th Gen Accord Tourer, 2.0 EX. Fully loaded, built in Japan and extremely reliable. Only downside is the Tourer looks a little like a floating coffin but that makes it incredibly practical with it's huge load space. They are chain cam so no timing belt to worry about, just keep the oil fresh.

Personally I'd get the 2.4 as it's almost as economical but has a lot more power and pipes on either side. The Type S loses some toys but looks better as it's lowered (15mm I think) and I think has some body kit which takes away the coffin look.

Yep, Honda Accord Tourer.

Our 2003 2.0 exec has been bulletproof and good to drive - the 2.0 isn't slow, gets an easy 35 mpg but does need plenty of revs. As above the 2.4 doesn't seem too much thirstier and gets another 30 bhp, more torque and a 6 speed box.

Drives best on smaller wheels - I fitted 16" alloys with winter tyres a few years ago and ended up leaving them on.

Massive, square boot - the dog crate we have doesn't fit in an A6, Mondeo or Superb estate but fits nicely in the Honda.

Original Poster

252 posts

88 months

Saturday 19th January 2019

ZX10R NIN said:

So OP do any of the above fit your requirements?

Yes absolutely!

From personal experience I'm refusing to touch any premium German brands, as I always get stung when I buy one! So no to the BMW suggestion unfortunately!

At the moment I'm leaning towards a Insignia, Accord, Mazda6 or Avensis!

Next step really is to go drive a bunch and see what I think!

Greatly appreciate all the suggestions!

27,648 posts

126 months

Sunday 20th January 2019

warcalf said:

Yes absolutely!

From personal experience I'm refusing to touch any premium German brands, as I always get stung when I buy one! So no to the BMW suggestion unfortunately!

At the moment I'm leaning towards a Insignia, Accord, Mazda6 or Avensis!

Next step really is to go drive a bunch and see what I think!

Greatly appreciate all the suggestions!

Not the Mondeo? I only say this as the Mazda6 uses the Mondeo chassis but isn't as good a steer as I said for me the Mondeo should at least be on the short list was also the best fwd steer in it's class.

Roger Irrelevant

2,948 posts

114 months

Sunday 20th January 2019

ninjag said:

BuzzBravado said:

Accord 2.0i ? Haven't heard of any reliability issues around any petrol Honda so should be a good bet.

I'd second this. 7th Gen Accord Tourer, 2.0 EX. Fully loaded, built in Japan and extremely reliable. Only downside is the Tourer looks a little like a floating coffin but that makes it incredibly practical with it's huge load space. They are chain cam so no timing belt to worry about, just keep the oil fresh.

Personally I'd get the 2.4 as it's almost as economical but has a lot more power and pipes on either side. The Type S loses some toys but looks better as it's lowered (15mm I think) and I think has some body kit which takes away the coffin look.

I'll third it, and add that it may be worth getting a pre-facelift 2.4 as they had xenons which I presume will he lots better than the halogens that all the other 7th gen iterations had (and which were absolutely awful on my 2.0). I'd have another in a heartbeat if I didn't now need moderate off-roading ability.

A500leroy

5,138 posts

119 months

Sunday 20th January 2019

logan

Original Poster

252 posts

88 months

Monday 21st January 2019

ZX10R NIN said:

Not the Mondeo? I only say this as the Mazda6 uses the Mondeo chassis but isn't as good a steer as I said for me the Mondeo should at least be on the short list was also the best fwd steer in it's class.

Well you'll be glad to know after being disappointed about Mazda reliability from what I've read, I've been scared off!

Shortlist is now, Avensis, Mondeo, Insignia and Accord!

Leaning towards Mondeo & Insignia due to more availability within my price range...

27,648 posts

126 months

Monday 21st January 2019

Are you looking at Petrol or Diesel?

was8v

1,937 posts

196 months

Monday 21st January 2019

Astras are value https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

But not Dacia value https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I would go focus TBH https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Original Poster

252 posts

88 months

Monday 21st January 2019

ZX10R NIN said:

Are you looking at Petrol or Diesel?

Prefer Petrol as Mon-Fri I only do a short 7-8 mile commute to work! But considering Diesel!

Original Poster

252 posts

88 months

Monday 21st January 2019

These are the top 3 I've found so far and I must say I'm leaning towards Toyota...

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

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

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

stevemcs

8,683 posts

94 months

Monday 21st January 2019

Out of those 3 the first toyota, avoid the automatic as its a manual box with auto shift. The mondeo looks to have had some paint, not that thats a bad thing but if it looks iffy on the photos it may look a little worse in real life.

was8v

1,937 posts

196 months

Monday 21st January 2019

Mondeo has the reputation for being the best handler, good thing is there are loads of them about.

or how about

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

Original Poster

252 posts

88 months

Monday 21st January 2019

was8v said:

Mondeo has the reputation for being the best handler, good thing is there are loads of them about.

or how about

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

Ford seems like the best option for availability, but they look so depressing inside.

Honestly am considering forking out an extra £1K or so and getting an Octavia!

27,648 posts

126 months

Monday 21st January 2019

Original Poster

252 posts

88 months

Monday 21st January 2019

ZX10R NIN said:

Just dislike the lighter colour of trim that some Mondeos have... prefer it to all be one colour like most Octavias I've seen

curlie467

7,650 posts

202 months

Monday 21st January 2019

warcalf said:

Well you'll be glad to know after being disappointed about Mazda reliability from what I've read, I've been scared off!

Shortlist is now, Avensis, Mondeo, Insignia and Accord!

Leaning towards Mondeo & Insignia due to more availability within my price range...

Seems ironic shying away because of reliability yet you may go for a Vauxhall.
Hateful s

tpiles and for me literally the last car on the list would be a Vauxhall.
Don't go diesel at that mileage.

Original Poster

252 posts

88 months

Monday 21st January 2019

curlie467 said:

Seems ironic shying away because of reliability yet you may go for a Vauxhall.
Hateful s

tpiles and for me literally the last car on the list would be a Vauxhall.
Don't go diesel at that mileage.

If you'd read my more recent comments, you'd know I currently stand between an Avensis and Mondeo... already eliminated the Insignia...

Morry10

165 posts

186 months

Monday 21st January 2019

Another vote here for the 7th Gen Accord - ran a 2.4 Exec for the last 4 years and it has been excellent.

Some parts can be pricey however - that bronze one looks superb tbh.

Well built and cavernous.

27,648 posts

126 months