Estate cars - which one?

[Unlight]

I'm currently in the market for an estate, heres my requirements :

- Absolute maximum of 8k, although happy to spend less
- Petrol or diesel, doesn't matter as mileage won't top 8k per year
- Reliable
- Reasonable running costs
- No issues with insurance costs etc.


Any thoughts? At the moment I'm leaning towards an Alfa 159 Sportwagon, but theres not that many examples out there, and the engine choices all seem to be a little flawed.

Another thought is to simply stick to a 1k ish Volvo V70, and wait until the spring to continue the search.

Any links to examples would be great!

[TIGA84]

I think more in info about what its going to be for would be able to get better responses, is it load capacity, driving, towing, looks etc etc etc.

There are hundreds of choices.

[gambisk]

My money would be on a Honda Accord if you can find one as they are not that common. Try for the Type-S trim as it is a nicer place than the others either the petrol or the diesel are very good engines.

Or default answer: BMW 330i/d touring

[typer0612]

BMW 5 series touring

[Unlight]

I'll not be using it for towing, or any heavy work. Really its just for use as a comfortable wagon for the dog, and the occasional flatpack/tip run.

I'd like it to look as nice as possible really, and not be ruinous financially.

I like the Accords, but 8k would only get me an older shape model unfortunately - will keep an eye out for one in the 1-2k category though!

[TIGA84]

voila.

Cheap, rare, cheap to look after, handle well, look good.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...

[OGR4M]

TIGA84 said:

voila.

Cheap, rare, cheap to look after, handle well, look good.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...

Agreed! can't go better for less!

looks great, handles well, huge inside, well equipped, not too slow... it's a mondingo, but for £2.5k - sold?

[RedAndy]

st215 caldina n-spec... IF you can find one

[300bhp/ton]

Unlight said:

- Reliable

Any thoughts?

Yes.

What does reliable actually mean in context?

[GreatGranny]

Legacy?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

[Unlight]

TIGA84 said:

voila.

Cheap, rare, cheap to look after, handle well, look good.

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/f...

Always fancied an ST220, however I'd have to go for a face lifted one with the 6 speed box!

[Yadash]

Unlight said:

I'll not be using it for towing, or any heavy work. Really its just for use as a comfortable wagon for the dog, and the occasional flatpack/tip run.

I'd like it to look as nice as possible really, and not be ruinous financially.

I like the Accords, but 8k would only get me an older shape model unfortunately - will keep an eye out for one in the 1-2k category though!

The Older shape is quite a nice car actually, if you're one to modify your cars, you'll find a lot of afermarket support for things like coilovers and body modifications too. Also the 2.4 engine has a lot of aftermarket support and is fairly gutsy in standard form too!

[Unlight]

Any other suggestions?

[iwantagta]

Octavia VRS:
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[PomBstard]

GreatGranny said:

Legacy?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Agreed, though this one would be more fun. Don't see many in this colour either, which I think is a shame

[NadiR]

Saab 9-5 2.3HOT Aero.

[callahan]

Jag X Type estate, preferably the 3 litre and with a manual box, just like my old one which the garage still have for sale.

Huge boot, lovely interior, surprisingly reliable, not too horrific on fuel, 4 wheel drive. What's not to like?

[briang9]

iwantagta said:

Octavia VRS:
http://www2.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

another vote for the Octavia vRS from me, great for the money!!

[Matt UK]

OP didn't say anything about fun, so Passat?

[Notanotherturbo]

I've run a dozen or so estates over the last 8 or 9 years, mainly highish performance ones from many different marques and my favourite is definitely the E46 330d. Unbeatable combination or performance and economy. Passat was the most practical though. I shall be looking to buy a high performance estate in that price range next year. 335i or 335d is top of the list but going to have a look at the R36 Passat which looks very nice, the A4's except for the RS4 are slow and dull in that price range. You get more for your money if you go up a size - Audi S6, 535d. Legacy Spec R I think its called is an interesting left field choice. 335d with a remap has over 450 ft/lbs and does over 40 mpg!