Family car under 8 grand

[benjijames28]

The Audi a3 sport back is not working as a family car. Trying to transport 2 adults, a baby, 8 year old, 5 year old plus luggage and prams is a struggle.

I've been looking for a Subaru impreza, as a bigger saloon car with a bigger boot and more back seat room, but I'm now looking for other options.

So far I've come up with...

Volvo v70
BMW x5
Mercedes ml
Nissan pathfinder
Nissan navara
Land rover Discovery
BMW 5 series touring
Mitsubishi Shogun

I mostly do short journeys and don't want a car so uneconomical I will be scared to take it long distance in summer

The main thing I'm looking for is space, comfort, reliability.

The girlfriend loves big 4x4 type cars, I've never driven one.

Budget is up to 8k and I'm based near Sheffield.

Any advise welcome.

[winshent]

BMW 5 series touring would be my pick from that list... 530i will give a good balance of performance vs economy.. or if you can afford to run a 550i then these may be in budget..

M sport seats are some of the comfiest available..

SUVs are excessive...

[Turbo-Dan]

Not sure how widespread it is or any real information , but I have read the navara/pathfinder have chassis issues rotting and snapping in half.
How about Subaru Legacy?
Forester?
Any Lexus?
Audi A6 + a8?
Skoda Octavia vrs? Great value 8k will find you a nice one and a bit bigger than the a3
Skoda superb?

Was going to suggest x5 but you already have that on your list.

[Turbo-Dan]

Also I wouldn't look at any diesel cars with a dpf fitted, if you only do short trips and occasional long runs, it might be unreliable and cause you headaches, turbocharged petrol engine will offer a nice blend of economy and poke when you need it. Like the Octavia 2.0 turbo vrs etc

[croyde]

Dacia Duster.