7k, Estate/SUV, Family & Pull

[bobski1]

Originally about to pull the trigger on an RS6 just before lockdown but given the situation another look and decided to swap the Mrs car for something sensible & then take the RS plunge when mine does.

So request for some help to find something:
Budget around 7k
Either an estate or SUV (a proper one not those talk hatchbacks!) Live in a semi rural area so want something which can handle bad weather conditions
Family will be starting soon so need the space plus carry people.
Mostly daily commute (18mil round) use plus the odd 550mile round trip to see the folks hence wanting it to have some pull.
Easy on petrol)diesel & easy on manual/auto

I do most maintenance on current cars myself so not too worried about costs of running but don't want anything super exotic to keep going as it'll be her daily.

The RS6 dream waits for another day....

[jwilco]

How much "pull" are we talking? Some Volvo V60s fall into budget - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Can't go too wrong with an Octavia - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

You wouldn't be short on Focus/Astra estates at that budget - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I'm not really into SUVs so not sure what I'd go for in that style. I think you'd get a lot more for your money with an estate though...

[elanfan]

Volvo! All wheel drive either a T5 or D5 They’ve got some grunt will get through most bad weather and look like new forever. They top the reliability polls too.

[Pablo16v]

One of the most memorable journeys I've ever made was a 70 mile round trip on country roads in heavy snow in a ML420cdi, fitted with all-season tyres, it was astonishingly capable and brilliant fun...306hp & 516lbs/ft gives plenty of shove.

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

Unfortunately you'll struggle to achieve more than 30mpg which might be off-putting.

[Walter Sobchak]

Pablo16v said:

One of the most memorable journeys I've ever made was a 70 mile round trip on country roads in heavy snow in a ML420cdi, fitted with all-season tyres, it was astonishingly capable and brilliant fun...306hp & 516lbs/ft gives plenty of shove.

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

Unfortunately you'll struggle to achieve more than 30mpg which might be off-putting.

Bet it went like a rocket with that engine in an ML, I’ve had a brief drive of a GL420 and it was impressive in that!.

For the OP, whoever recommended a Volvo I don’t think that’s a bad shout either, they’re really robust and reliable plus pretty economical but nippy enough in D5 form.

[bobski1]

Thanks all, Volvo seems to be the most appealing for what I need, especially as it'll be carrying the wife & kids need something solid & safe.

I was thinking SUV for safety but also to tow the occasional thing but I don't think I'll need that much capacity which needs an SUV.

Any other recommendations then keep them coming!

Although I've just stumbled across this: https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...

Ultimate want

Edited by bobski1 on Saturday 23 May 11:27

[ZX10R NIN]

SUV wise it would be these:

Infiniti EX GT Premium (you'll have to haggle & stretch the budget by a smidge) great cars/spec & they pretty much tick all the boxes

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

Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland

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

Limited

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

LPG Hemi

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

X3 2.0d SE

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

Subaru Tribeca

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

[bobski1]

Does anybody have an easy guide on Volvo naming structures and what they are?

Seen a few V70-R which seem to be taking my fancy. Nice solid easy car to look after. Paves the way for RS6 upgrade a bit later once (if?) Normality returns

[elanfan]

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

[ZX10R NIN]

bobski1 said:

Does anybody have an easy guide on Volvo naming structures and what they are?

Seen a few V70-R which seem to be taking my fancy. Nice solid easy car to look after. Paves the way for RS6 upgrade a bit later once (if?) Normality returns

As in the models? Is there a particular one you're looking at?


If you want something as solid & safe as a V70 R you should look at a Saab 9-5 Aero they're 40bhp down on the Volvo but you don't pay the R tax so you'll spend a fraction of the initial outlay:

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

Which will leave you loads of change with which to get the 40bhp (& a few more than that) back they're also a better steer imo.

Or if you fancy going RS6 light then there's the S6 you'll have to haggle but you'll get one on budget.

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

M Sport 550i

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

Leftfield both of these are high road tax but both are more solid than a V70R as well as being more modern whilst having the kind of performance that'll leave you not thinking about the Volvo.

Insignia VXR auto Estate very underrated very quick reliable & a better steer than they're given credit for

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

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

Passat R36 a rare car & that 3.6 is a peach get the chain checked before buying

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