Need more space

[tenohfive]

I've got an E61 530d and like it, but it's newer car time and I'd like a bit more space. Specifically boot space - I've been struggling recently with space during family camping trips etc.

First question I'm coming up against is SUV vs. larger estate. Having 4WD and better ground clearance would definitely be a positive for avoiding getting stuck in muddy 'car parks' and campsites, and for some of the roads I've found myself on when away (Scotland/Lakes/Snowdonia etc.) But equally I like the day to day convenience and performance of a reasonably powered estate.
Either way I'd prefer something with enough grunt for the odd overtake, and a reasonable economy.
Bonus points for a decent interior with bluetooth/cruise control/eletric heated seats within budget.

Budget is around £7-8.5k.

I feel pretty out of the loop so these may be either a) rubbish cars or b) not in price range, but a quick shortlist looks something like this:

Skoda Superb
Kia Sorento
X5
E-Class

How does that list look, and anything else I should consider?

[MorganP104]

If you like large estate cars, and you like 4x4s, you might want to consider an Audi A6 quattro, or an A6 Allroad (basically, a jacked up quattro).

Failing that, you could go for a Skoda Octavia Scout 4x4, or a Skoda Superb estate 4x4.

[tenohfive]

MorganP104 said:

If you like large estate cars, and you like 4x4s, you might want to consider an Audi A6 quattro, or an A6 Allroad (basically, a jacked up quattro).

Failing that, you could go for a Skoda Octavia Scout 4x4, or a Skoda Superb estate 4x4.

With the exception of the Superb, none of those have a significant increase in boot space (30L more for the Audi, 70L more for the Scout) over the 5 series.

[MorganP104]

tenohfive said:

With the exception of the Superb, none of those have a significant increase in boot space (30L more for the Audi, 70L more for the Scout) over the 5 series.

If you need a bigger boot than is offered by a 5-Series Touring, your best bet might be to go down the "full fat" SUV route.

I might be a bit biased (alright, a LOT biased), but I have never wanted for more boot space in my L322 Range Rover. Nor have I ever needed more traction on a wet field/muddy track.

Have I needed better fuel economy? Of course! But if you want a lot of space, you have to use a lot of petrol.

[tenohfive]

I'd love a Rangie but a) economy, b) budget, c) economy, and d) economy. Not in play.

I feel like I'm missing some really obvious options but can't think what.

[ZX10R NIN]

ML420

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

ML320

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Jeep Grand Cherokee

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Touareg

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Mercedes R Class (if you can live with the looks)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[tenohfive]

Food for thought there, thanks.

That having been said SWMBO is pushing for an estate as with the options we're looking at it'll mean a newer/lower mileage car. The Superb estate is growing on me, in Elegance spec it's got all the toys I'd want and the boot does look cavernous (660L.) But a lot seem to have a DSG box on them - what's the consensus on DSG in terms of reliability? I've a wariness as I've heard horror stories in years gone by but I don't know how reliable the generation I'm looking at (2010-2013) are?

[ZX10R NIN]

Get the fluids changed every 3 years (depending on mileage) it's not cheap around £300-400 to do but that's much cheaper than replacing the box, the R Class has 869 litres or if you get a long wheelbase it's over 1000.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[GreatGranny]

V70?

Big boot
Reliable
Good MPG
Takes big miles very well

Pretty much ideal for your use

D5

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

[tenohfive]

Only an extra 30L of boot space over what I already have. And I'm not sold on the passenger room in the rear, I'm not big but always found the leg room limited (not a major consideration, I just don't think they're as spacious as they look from the outside.)