Buying a used automatic estate/mpv

[1susan2]

Hi Everyone
I stumbled across this website and was impressed by the discussions going on. Help? I need an automatic medium sized car - e.g a ford focus estate, that has a flat load boot (to get a wheelchair in and out of) . The driving type is short distances and stop start journeys. I'm getting conflicting advice with regard to diesels (apparently can have as long as it doesn't have a dvp filter?). Or should I accept the lower mileage of a petrol engine? Suggestions have included a diesel Renault grand scenic, focus estate, Peugeot 308 estate, zafira or a KIA ceed, Nissan x trail?
Any advice from you car savvy people would be greatly appreciated. (Budget is about £9,000).
My current car is a 2006 Mondeo hatch back that does 26mpg - ouch!! But I now need the flat load boot and the Mondeo estate is a bit too big and may be just as thirsty.
I would really appreciate any advice/thoughts/guidance.
thankyou.
S

[Fleckers]

On your driving I would get petrol not diesel

Focus estate is a good car

[JQ]

If you like the Focus then consider a Ford C-Max. It's a higher driving position, the boot is enormous and the way the seats move in the 5 seat version is fantastic.

[Lowtimer]

A petrol engined Skoda Roomster might be worth a look. They are pretty economical and very capacious.

[mini1380cc]

I would forget the x trail as well. If mpg is important then 4 wheel drive isn't going to help. What engine is in the mondeo? A focus with a small petrol is the safest bet, or even an estate Astra. Automatic cars tend to be less fuel efficient than manuals so that is another aspect to consider when looking at expectations.

[MarshPhantom]

Lowtimer said:

A petrol engined Skoda Roomster might be worth a look. They are pretty economical and very capacious.

That would be my suggestion. My Dad has been looking at them.

[Foppo]

Hello Claire.

I drive the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 1.6 HDI Engine a diesel.

We do lot's of short drives occasional motorway. There is plenty of room for a wheelchair comfy seats and about 50mpg.

Our car is coming up for two years no issues regarding the D.P.F.For your budget you should be able to buy nearly new.The car we have is a six gear manual.

Succes what ever you buy.

Edited by Foppo on Saturday 27th September 10:47

[Matt UK]

My folks have a diesel auto Kia Soul.

They seem to like it more than they thought they would and the dealer seems to look after them

[BMWE34FAN]

Another vote for the Soul! My dad has a Soul 2 1.6 diesel auto and its a really good car. Been faultless too.