Family Car, reliable under £2500
Discussion
Hi all,
Due to a change in circumstances I need to sell my current car and get something cheaper - over the next couple of days too so time is a bit of an issue.
Current car is perfect for what we need but even with man maths I can't make keeping it work - Current car is a Passat Estate for background.
Criteria:
- I do circa 15k miles a year, and use it for work so must be fairly reliable and presentable
- 2 kids and a dog, and we go on a few camping holidays a year, currently using the boot and a large roof box, got a large tent and a lot of gear though, appreciate we might have to sacrifice some of the stuff but will need a decent size car.
- something with Bluetooth connectivity would be ideal, I know you can get those Parrot things (if you still can?) so not essential but would be ideal.
Currently toying with the idea of a circa 2010 Vauxhall Insignia with around 100k miles in 2L TDI, preferably in estate form but not essential as I'd rather buy a better car (service history, cambelt done etc).
Anything anyone can think of that might fit the bill?
Due to a change in circumstances I need to sell my current car and get something cheaper - over the next couple of days too so time is a bit of an issue.
Current car is perfect for what we need but even with man maths I can't make keeping it work - Current car is a Passat Estate for background.
Criteria:
- I do circa 15k miles a year, and use it for work so must be fairly reliable and presentable
- 2 kids and a dog, and we go on a few camping holidays a year, currently using the boot and a large roof box, got a large tent and a lot of gear though, appreciate we might have to sacrifice some of the stuff but will need a decent size car.
- something with Bluetooth connectivity would be ideal, I know you can get those Parrot things (if you still can?) so not essential but would be ideal.
Currently toying with the idea of a circa 2010 Vauxhall Insignia with around 100k miles in 2L TDI, preferably in estate form but not essential as I'd rather buy a better car (service history, cambelt done etc).
Anything anyone can think of that might fit the bill?
Id go Japanese, especially if you intend on keeping it for the foreseeable...
- Honda Accord Estate - would be my pick! Looks are subjective but it's cheap to run overall, (no DPF to worry about,) Boot space is ridiculous
(626 litres with seats up), very comfortable motorway cruiser. Engines are bulletproof so high mileage isn't an issue with these I've been in one with 188,000 on the clock and still went about its business like it had it 30 or 40k on it. It'll never let you down if looked after. I've had the saloon version (2007) and it was absolutely rock solid.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110068...
- Mazda 6 Estate - For pretty much the same reasons as the Honda. Smaller boot, similar running costs but looks more modern
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110148...
An Avensis estate is also worth looking at. not great to look at but another quiet and comfortable cruiser with enough room that'll get you where you need to go without issue.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110128...
and the insignia might be a good shout but I'm not sure how well they hold up with high mileage.
- Honda Accord Estate - would be my pick! Looks are subjective but it's cheap to run overall, (no DPF to worry about,) Boot space is ridiculous
(626 litres with seats up), very comfortable motorway cruiser. Engines are bulletproof so high mileage isn't an issue with these I've been in one with 188,000 on the clock and still went about its business like it had it 30 or 40k on it. It'll never let you down if looked after. I've had the saloon version (2007) and it was absolutely rock solid.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110068...
- Mazda 6 Estate - For pretty much the same reasons as the Honda. Smaller boot, similar running costs but looks more modern
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110148...
An Avensis estate is also worth looking at. not great to look at but another quiet and comfortable cruiser with enough room that'll get you where you need to go without issue.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110128...
and the insignia might be a good shout but I'm not sure how well they hold up with high mileage.
Edited by eleveneleven on Monday 18th October 16:25
They’re getting a bit hard to find now, but how’s about a V6 Vauxhall Omega estate?
Dead easy to work on, they don’t really rust, they handle quite well, are super comfy, well equipped and are built like absolute tanks.
I’ve had BMW 5 Series and a Mercedes CLK and IMO, the Omega is head and shoulders above both of those.
Dead easy to work on, they don’t really rust, they handle quite well, are super comfy, well equipped and are built like absolute tanks.
I’ve had BMW 5 Series and a Mercedes CLK and IMO, the Omega is head and shoulders above both of those.
The Insignia's are good buys but at you budget you have to factor in getting the oil pick up pipe O ring done as well as a possible cambelt change at this price point I'd be more tempted to go for a Mercedes C or E class, you'll be looking at an older car but the drivetrains are well proven & a change of headunit will bring you bang upto date with Blutooth DAB etc.
C200 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...
C220 Avantgarde SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010205...
C320 Avantgarde SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108136...
E220 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103170...
E320 Elegance with the nigh on bulletproof 3.2 & 5 Speed box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
Now if you don't mind going a little leftfield you'll land yourself some sensible low mileage reliable 2.0d offerings:
Laguna2 Dynamique reliable proven mechanical's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110158...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109187...
C5 VTR+ same drivetrain as the Mondeo & 508
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110118...
Saab 9-5 Linear:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201807288...
9-3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
159 Lusso same drivetrain as the Saab's above:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108256...
407 Sport very good low mileage option with a well proven drivetrain
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110038...
C200 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...
C220 Avantgarde SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010205...
C320 Avantgarde SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108136...
E220 Avantgarde
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103170...
E320 Elegance with the nigh on bulletproof 3.2 & 5 Speed box:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
Now if you don't mind going a little leftfield you'll land yourself some sensible low mileage reliable 2.0d offerings:
Laguna2 Dynamique reliable proven mechanical's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110158...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109187...
C5 VTR+ same drivetrain as the Mondeo & 508
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110118...
Saab 9-5 Linear:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/201807288...
9-3
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
159 Lusso same drivetrain as the Saab's above:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108256...
407 Sport very good low mileage option with a well proven drivetrain
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110038...
These three diesel estates are pre-DPF, so nothing to go wrong there. They don't have clutches or dual mass flywheels to fail as they use torque converter autos. They have engines that are known to be generally reliable and capable of big (300,000+) mileages. They all seem to have been generally well looked after.
BMW 525d SE Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Mercedes C220 CDI Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Mercedes E320 CDI Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
BMW 525d SE Touring
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Mercedes C220 CDI Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110178...
Mercedes E320 CDI Estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109227...
Where are you OP?
If you need it in the next couple of days availability will be an issue.
No use finding one at the other end of the country.
We've had lots of estates, Avensis, V70, Mondeo, V60. All reliable and they were used for everything from tip runs to towing a 1500kgs caravan.
Avensis felt like it would go on for ever. It was the later shape but the older shape are still a good buy.
If you need it in the next couple of days availability will be an issue.
No use finding one at the other end of the country.
We've had lots of estates, Avensis, V70, Mondeo, V60. All reliable and they were used for everything from tip runs to towing a 1500kgs caravan.
Avensis felt like it would go on for ever. It was the later shape but the older shape are still a good buy.
ZX10R NIN said:
Good shout.I had this car on an 08 plate - same engine, spec, colour. Built like an absolute tank and by far the best Merc I've ever owned. The 220cdi engines are reliable and that year shouldn't have the problematic SBC, and was also built after the rusty Merc years - 2007 onwards are the more desirable facelift cars. If that car has reasonable evidence of servicing inc auto gearbox fluid changes it looks a decent buy to me.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265362325244?hash=item3...
It would have to be an avensis for me and preferably petrol that will hit over 40 on a run, second choice would be the Mondeo
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363563001877?hash=item5...
It would have to be an avensis for me and preferably petrol that will hit over 40 on a run, second choice would be the Mondeo
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363563001877?hash=item5...
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I think the comment about availability will ring true, I'm based in the Midlands and am struggling. Ideally I would like a mazda 6 as someone suggested but not having much look finding one that ticks all the boxes, the avensis also seems like a good shout and they seem to be more readily available for my budget, I guess the search continues!
Yeweye said:
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I think the comment about availability will ring true, I'm based in the Midlands and am struggling. Ideally I would like a mazda 6 as someone suggested but not having much look finding one that ticks all the boxes, the avensis also seems like a good shout and they seem to be more readily available for my budget, I guess the search continues!
With the Mazda6 only buy the 2.0d (this is the same engine that's found in the Mondeo/508/C5) the 2.2d has some issues & is best avoided at this price point.If you can get to Manchester that Mazda6 I posted earlier looks like a good shout.
2 owners from new, service history, plenty of toys (heated leather, memory seats, bose sound system etc) and a not bad MOT history.
would benefit from new rear disks/pads according to the MOT and doesn't seem to have had a recent service so you have some room to negotiate price too.
At £2.5k I wouldn't overthink it though. A well cared for Avensis shouldn't be hard to find and will do you just fine.
Good luck either way.
2 owners from new, service history, plenty of toys (heated leather, memory seats, bose sound system etc) and a not bad MOT history.
would benefit from new rear disks/pads according to the MOT and doesn't seem to have had a recent service so you have some room to negotiate price too.
At £2.5k I wouldn't overthink it though. A well cared for Avensis shouldn't be hard to find and will do you just fine.
Good luck either way.
Edited by eleveneleven on Wednesday 20th October 11:12
eleveneleven said:
If you can get to Manchester that Mazda6 I posted earlier looks like a good shout.
2 owners from new, service history, plenty of toys (heated leather, memory seats, bose sound system etc) and a not bad MOT history.
would benefit from new rear disks/pads according to the MOT and doesn't seem to have had a recent service so you have some room to negotiate price too.
At £2.5k I wouldn't overthink it though. A well cared for Avensis shouldn't be hard to find and will do you just fine.
Good luck either way.
I heard that mazdas always seem to suffer from DPF issues regardless of journey type. Rust is another big killer for them 2 owners from new, service history, plenty of toys (heated leather, memory seats, bose sound system etc) and a not bad MOT history.
would benefit from new rear disks/pads according to the MOT and doesn't seem to have had a recent service so you have some room to negotiate price too.
At £2.5k I wouldn't overthink it though. A well cared for Avensis shouldn't be hard to find and will do you just fine.
Good luck either way.
Edited by eleveneleven on Wednesday 20th October 11:12
My view as you need to move quickly:
Totally forget about make, model, fuel type, just bear in mind you need something of a decent size.
Forget about dealers. Far too much risk of buying a lemon at that price point.
Buy privately - find someone who has had the car for years, serviced it properly and comes across as someone who wouldn’t feel the need to risk pissing off someone they don’t know to make a bit extra cash.
Totally forget about make, model, fuel type, just bear in mind you need something of a decent size.
Forget about dealers. Far too much risk of buying a lemon at that price point.
Buy privately - find someone who has had the car for years, serviced it properly and comes across as someone who wouldn’t feel the need to risk pissing off someone they don’t know to make a bit extra cash.
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