Bigger family car after a Focus - help needed, £12k max - Page 1 - Car Buying

Vgtomo

Original Poster

2 posts

67 months

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[news]

Saturday 2nd January 2021

We've had a, now 12-year-old, Ford Focus for 7 years. We need something bigger to cope with two kids and all the stuff that comes with them (we regularly, pre-covid, stayed with family for long weekends so need decent space). Has to be an auto and good boot space. We're thinking an estate, but not absolutely wedded to the idea.

Ideally we want something with some decent tech (our Focus is super basic), good safety rating, and really not over £12k. We're not sure whether it's best to go with a cheaper make and more modern (Skoda?) or a traditionally well-known make that's a little older (Volvo, BMW, etc). Also slightly concerned about jumping from a Focus to a big estate. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

gca117

34 posts

188 months

[report]

[news]

Saturday 2nd January 2021

Went from a 57 plate Focus 1.6 petrol, via an 02 plate 1.2 Polo, to a 66 plate Skoda Superb estate 1.6 TDI Greenline. Superb is great, massive inside, reliable so far and got used to the bigger dimensions after a couple of weeks. It routinly gives an indicated high 50s /low 60s mpg and is zero £s VED. Load capacity will cater for all your described needs, plus some. Should be able to track one down in your budget. Worth a look.

edc

9,601 posts

279 months

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[news]

Saturday 2nd January 2021

If you do t want the car to be too big what about a CMax? We have a Merc B class, size wise half way between hatch and MPV and the boot is bigger than a Focus. 2 series Active Tourer or Golf SV similar sort of car.

For your money you'll get a 7g DCT Auto B class up to around 2015/16. They have standard rear camera, sat nav and Bluetooth.

Ntv

5,177 posts

151 months

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[news]

Saturday 2nd January 2021

Mondeo or Passat.

Current gen Passat is a nice car. Boot is good. Much better car than previous generations

If u can stretch than previous E class was a very good car

dunc69

916 posts

275 months

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[news]

Saturday 2nd January 2021

We had Skoda Octavia estates when the kids were small. Swallowed everything with ease for week-long / 10-day trips.

Added a roofbox if we were away for two weeks.

Brilliant, reliable cars.

ZX10R NIN

30,484 posts

153 months

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[news]

Saturday 2nd January 2021

Vgtomo said:

We've had a, now 12-year-old, Ford Focus for 7 years. We need something bigger to cope with two kids and all the stuff that comes with them (we regularly, pre-covid, stayed with family for long weekends so need decent space). Has to be an auto and good boot space. We're thinking an estate, but not absolutely wedded to the idea.

Ideally we want something with some decent tech (our Focus is super basic), good safety rating, and really not over £12k. We're not sure whether it's best to go with a cheaper make and more modern (Skoda?) or a traditionally well-known make that's a little older (Volvo, BMW, etc). Also slightly concerned about jumping from a Focus to a big estate. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

irocfan

48,690 posts

218 months

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[news]

Saturday 2nd January 2021

Ford Kuga or Ford S-Max (possibly Galaxy?) would seem to tick a lot of boxes

Vgtomo

Original Poster

2 posts

67 months

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[news]

Sunday 3rd January 2021

Thanks for all the replies. Super useful and now lots to think about.