Out of a pick up, into a car...

[bqf]

My 2016 Amarok is up for it's balloon payment shortly. In truth, while I admire it's lugging capability and general roominess, I'm a bit fed up of it. So, I'm going to flog it and buy a proper car.

So, my requirements are:

Estate - big enough for a dog cage (Beagle, so not massive)
40mpg+
Comfortable
Won't break down often
No MASSIVE repair bills
Manual

So far, i'm thinking a 520d estate. Anything else I should take a look at?

[V8mate]

Out of interest, how comfy is the Amarok on a run? (50+ miles)

[Mammasaid]

bqf said:

My 2016 Amarok is up for it's balloon payment shortly. In truth, while I admire it's lugging capability and general roominess, I'm a bit fed up of it. So, I'm going to flog it and buy a proper car.

So, my requirements are:

Estate - big enough for a dog cage (Beagle, so not massive)
40mpg+
Comfortable
Won't break down often
No MASSIVE repair bills
Manual

So far, i'm thinking a 520d estate. Anything else I should take a look at?

Budget?

[parabolica]

I was looking at 520ds and pick ups not long ago; ended up in a nearly-new V60 with every option box ticked. Really like it, although it isn't a car that likes to be hustled. Still getting used to front-wheel drive after years of RWD, but it is quiet, comfy and I'm getting 40+ mpg in the D4 model.

[stumpage]

Skoda Superb

[bqf]

V8mate said:

Out of interest, how comfy is the Amarok on a run? (50+ miles)

Very, in a nutshell. I took 4 people and a shedload of ski stuff to switzerland from sussex 2 years ago. It's v comfy on a long run, especially when fully loaded (leafsprings at the back).

Also great to tow with.

It's a great thing for lugging stuff about. I have a Touareg as the family car though so having 2x big 4x4s seems excessive. Also, I only get 30mpg out of it unladen...

[bqf]

Mammasaid said:

Budget?

£12-15k

[bqf]

stumpage said:

Skoda Superb

Not a bad shout that. The L&K versions are lovely inside. Might take a look

[stevemcs]

Mondeo Vignale for me.

[V8mate]

bqf said:

V8mate said:

Out of interest, how comfy is the Amarok on a run? (50+ miles)

Very, in a nutshell. I took 4 people and a shedload of ski stuff to switzerland from sussex 2 years ago. It's v comfy on a long run, especially when fully loaded (leafsprings at the back).

Also great to tow with.

It's a great thing for lugging stuff about. I have a Touareg as the family car though so having 2x big 4x4s seems excessive. Also, I only get 30mpg out of it unladen...

Cheers

(I've got a Skoda Superb estate )

[charlie_dogg]

I went for 595 Turismo after the pick-up ... glad the rear seats fold

[mr2turbogts]

I was in exactly the same position last summer, when my ford ranger was up.

Ended up with a C Class C350 CDI estate, and so glad I chopped the truck in.

Now I don’t struggle to park in spaces and the comfort compared to the truck is night and day.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd second the Mondeo Vignale call mine has been great I really can't fault mine it's a hatch 210 model, they're hard to find in estate form.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

A very good alternative is the Peugeot 508 in 180 GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Other worthy alternatives:

Jaguar XF S Portfolio

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mazda6 Sport Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Auto

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

V60 D5 SE Lux

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

R Design Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Insignia SRI VX Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Passat GT190

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[bqf]

Thanks for all the replies - proper food for thought there, and thanks for the autotrader links. V helpful folks, ta

[bqf]

Just in case you were wondering....

Totally changed my mind on budget. Decided to get a station snotter and put the rest towards something fun.

So now have a £2,800 Volvo V50 estate....and £10-12k for something fun.....[ponders fun options]

[ZX10R NIN]

Good choice OP there are some good fun cars out there, you just need to workout what type of second car you want.