Bargain barges but 4 years old?

[sjg]

(title was "<4 years old" but it didn't seem to like the "less than" symbol..)

Similar concept to the bargain barge concept, but for those of us on car allowance schemes that stipulate an age limit. We're supposed to replace at 5 years old, although they've started allowing up to 7 years but you lose 10% of your allowance if you run something 5-7 years old. I'm thinking of buying around the 3 year point, get a couple of years use then swap.

What would be your choice for doing boring work mileage cheaply and reliably, to maximise spare cash for other things? I'm thinking the deeply unfashionable repmobiles, maybe in petrol form to reduce the risk of expensive bills down the line in return for a few less mpg. Only real requirement is no saloons unless I can make the back seats fold. Estates are fine.

Mondeo? Vectra? Octavia? C5? 407?

[Volvo360]

If the seats fold, then the cheapest way you're going to do this is KIA Magentis and Hyundai Sonata. They are utter bargains at 3-5 years old (especially petrols) and reliable as old boots.

[Johnboy Mac]

sjg said:

Mondeo? Vectra? Octavia? C5? 407?

Mondeo.

[Chr1sch]

Big French cars always seem to be a bargain a few years on...

[sjg]

Volvo360 said:

If the seats fold, then the cheapest way you're going to do this is KIA Magentis and Hyundai Sonata. They are utter bargains at 3-5 years old (especially petrols) and reliable as old boots.

I thought they were older and had been killed off years ago (hardly ever see them), but no - you're right. Will have to take a look.

Crazy cheap for what you get:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Lots of cheap Chevrolet Cruzes about too.

[Volvo360]

sjg said:

I thought they were older and had been killed off years ago (hardly ever see them), but no - you're right. Will have to take a look.

Crazy cheap for what you get:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Going by the photo, the rear seats fold too.

Really like these for the money.