What estate up to £5k

[mrpbailey]

I’m looking for an estate car, absolute max £5k but cheaper would be better.

I’ll be doing approx 25 miles per day, mainly dual carriageway, with a 250 mile round trip at weekends. So I’m thinking diesel, but open to petrol suggestions.

Requirements:
-Decent boot, minimum 450(ish) litres
-Decent rear space inside (minimum 3 series sized)
-Decent economy
-Not too slow - under 10 secs to 60
-Not in the high tax bracket
-Reliable. (Appreciate reliability can’t be guaranteed).
-Mileage, not too concerned, rather buy on condition
-Isofix points in the back
-Not be pig ugly
-Not a fan of light colour interiors (wood trim, cream leather etc)

Cars I’ve considered:
-BMW 320/520 / 525D (around 2007-2010 age)
-Mondeo 2.2TDCI
-Mazda6 - 2.2D (2010ish) but have now read a few horror stories on their reliability?!
-Insignia 2.0 CDTI
-Passat 2.0 TDI

Any others I should be looking at? Any known reliability issues with the models above?

Thanks in advance!

[nobrakes]

E220cdi

Good for moon miles, so don’t be put off by a high mileage example.

Search for low mileage older or high mileage newer.

Plenty to chose from.

Which ever make you go for, don’t be afraid to travel.

Don’t write off petrol versions for either car, too as servicing will be cheaper.

Edited by nobrakes on Monday 21st March 07:47

[Summit_Detailing]

Last week I picked up a 2.0d Insignia estate of 2012 vintage for less than OP budget and have to say I'm impressed, in that it does everything you ask of it in a completely unremarkable, inoffensive way.

Economy seems excellent - trip home after collecting was 340 miles (Newcastle to Weston-s-Mare) and having reset the trip figures when setting off it was showing 56.5mpg when I got home which was with cruise set to 75mph.
Range using that number is 800miles from a 70l tank

For me a better car than other 2.0d estates that I've had previously - Superb, Octavia, e220, 520d, Maz6, V70.

Cheers,

Chris

[giblet]

Interested in the replies to this. Had my 9-3 aero estate for a few years and the high tax plus the fuel economy is making me think it’s time for a change

[mrpbailey]

nobrakes said:

E220cdi

Good for moon miles, so don’t be put off by a high mileage example.

Search for low mileage older or high mileage newer.

Plenty to chose from.

Which ever make you go for, don’t be afraid to travel.

Don’t write off petrol versions for either car, too as servicing will be cheaper.

Edited by nobrakes on Monday 21st March 07:47

I just can’t get on with the looks of these things unfortunately.
I quite like the c class though, like this example:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203183...

Edited by mrpbailey on Monday 21st March 12:05

[mrpbailey]

Summit_Detailing said:

Last week I picked up a 2.0d Insignia estate of 2012 vintage for less than OP budget and have to say I'm impressed, in that it does everything you ask of it in a completely unremarkable, inoffensive way.

Economy seems excellent - trip home after collecting was 340 miles (Newcastle to Weston-s-Mare) and having reset the trip figures when setting off it was showing 56.5mpg when I got home which was with cruise set to 75mph.
Range using that number is 800miles from a 70l tank

For me a better car than other 2.0d estates that I've had previously - Superb, Octavia, e220, 520d, Maz6, V70.

Cheers,

Chris

That’s a good little summary thanks! Sounds promising considering the previous estates you’ve owned too, the Insignia’s do seem to be decent value for something reasonably modern.
Are there any known issues with these 2.0d engines?

[nobrakes]

mrpbailey said:

nobrakes said:

E220cdi

Good for moon miles, so don’t be put off by a high mileage example.

Search for low mileage older or high mileage newer.

Plenty to chose from.

Which ever make you go for, don’t be afraid to travel.

Don’t write off petrol versions for either car, too as servicing will be cheaper.

Edited by nobrakes on Monday 21st March 07:47

I just can’t get on with the looks of these things unfortunately.
I quite like the c class though, like this example:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203183...

Edited by mrpbailey on Monday 21st March 12:05

Probably better with a C than an E if you don’t need too much space as the C will be a bit more modern for same mulla.

[OutInTheShed]

Summit_Detailing said:

Last week I picked up a 2.0d Insignia estate of 2012 vintage for less than OP budget and have to say I'm impressed, in that it does everything you ask of it in a completely unremarkable, inoffensive way.

Economy seems excellent - trip home after collecting was 340 miles (Newcastle to Weston-s-Mare) and having reset the trip figures when setting off it was showing 56.5mpg when I got home which was with cruise set to 75mph.
Range using that number is 800miles from a 70l tank

For me a better car than other 2.0d estates that I've had previously - Superb, Octavia, e220, 520d, Maz6, V70.

Cheers,

Chris

Looking on AT, some of those Insignia estates show very low tax/co2, and decent power out of the 2 litre diesel.
Your mpg looks much like I'd get out of my BMW on that trip. Real life average will knock it down to 47, if I avoid any real 'town' driving.
Looking to replace my BMW, it's been good and exactly fits the OP's wish list, but not sure I want another one.
But I don't want anything too slow, or noticeably less economical.
Had not really thought about Vauxhall.
I will try to find one to at least sit in...
Cheers!

[stevemcs]

Glowplugs and o ring on pick up pick which results in low oil pressure warnings and eventually a dead engine. Out of your shortlist its the one i'd go for, however it would say add the Mondeo 2.0TDCi Tit X to your list, i've got the 2.2 as i wanted auto and to avoid the powershift box but if I was happy to go with a manual then i'd have gone for the 2.0.

Wild card, Pug 508, cheap as chips and a good mile muncher, again i had a 2.2 which was a lovely car but gave me leg ache, it was quite and much better on fuel and way more refined than the mondeo that replaced it with the same engine and gearbox.

[Pablo16v]

I bought my 2010 Audi A6 Avant 2.0tdi 170 for £4500 in March 2019 and it has just sailed through it's third MOT in my ownership with zero issues, so it looks like I will be keeping it another year. I had to replace a wheel bearing last summer and the rear wiper motor went on the blink in January, which was sorted quite cheaply, but other than that it has been extremely reliable so I would happily recommend one based on my experience so far.

[ZX10R NIN]

There's a lot of choice out there whichever you choose I'd be looking to change the oil every 10k (depending on what your Indy prefers I'd flush the oil as soon as I buy a car) as it'll help with longevity.

The Insignia is a very good buy, the O ring can be an issue as can the oil pick up pipe it's not an expensive job but it's well worth doing in aiding the longevity of the engine:

Insignia Elite 160:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...

Auto

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202022...

SRI Nav 140 Facelift model:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203173...

Facelift SRI 140:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203193...

One well worth a look is the last of the line Laguna they're reliable smart & a decent steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110299...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...

Citroen C5 VTR+ the same drivetrain as the Mondeo & 508 so is as reliable as both:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109087...

[mrpbailey]

OutInTheShed said:

Looking on AT, some of those Insignia estates show very low tax/co2, and decent power out of the 2 litre diesel.
Your mpg looks much like I'd get out of my BMW on that trip. Real life average will knock it down to 47, if I avoid any real 'town' driving.
Looking to replace my BMW, it's been good and exactly fits the OP's wish list, but not sure I want another one.
But I don't want anything too slow, or noticeably less economical.
Had not really thought about Vauxhall.
I will try to find one to at least sit in...
Cheers!

Which BMW have you got? To be honest I was expecting most answers on this thread to be 320/520d but they don’t seem to be as well recommended as others?

[757]

I have a '12 E91 318d, would highly recommend one of these, been running mine for 8 years, not put a thing wrong, had a 118d 2008 prior to this, did 160k again nothing at all wrong.

You will get a well sorted E91 for £5k budget, look for a later model '11 or '12 plate - very fun car to drive, feel great, perfectly weighted.

Tbh all the other cars listed are just numb in comparison, I've had many cars and I still enjoy driving this old BMW, will sit on the motorway perfectly, and also hustle very well on the
A roads if you need to spice things up, very good all rounder.

Mines up to 140k and doesn't even have a squeek or rattle.

Best I've got is Cheshire to Chamonix on 1 tank, that's 800+ range.

Edited by 757 on Monday 21st March 22:01

[mrpbailey]

stevemcs said:

Glowplugs and o ring on pick up pick which results in low oil pressure warnings and eventually a dead engine. Out of your shortlist its the one i'd go for, however it would say add the Mondeo 2.0TDCi Tit X to your list, i've got the 2.2 as i wanted auto and to avoid the powershift box but if I was happy to go with a manual then i'd have gone for the 2.0.

Wild card, Pug 508, cheap as chips and a good mile muncher, again i had a 2.2 which was a lovely car but gave me leg ache, it was quite and much better on fuel and way more refined than the mondeo that replaced it with the same engine and gearbox.

Thanks. I’m open to either auto or manual so will look out for the 2.0tdci too.

I’m not a fan of the 508 styling, not sure I could live with it!

Pablo16v said:

I bought my 2010 Audi A6 Avant 2.0tdi 170 for £4500 in March 2019 and it has just sailed through it's third MOT in my ownership with zero issues, so it looks like I will be keeping it another year. I had to replace a wheel bearing last summer and the rear wiper motor went on the blink in January, which was sorted quite cheaply, but other than that it has been extremely reliable so I would happily recommend one based on my experience so far.

Good shout, I could live with one of these

[mrpbailey]

ZX10R NIN said:

There's a lot of choice out there whichever you choose I'd be looking to change the oil every 10k (depending on what your Indy prefers I'd flush the oil as soon as I buy a car) as it'll help with longevity.

The Insignia is a very good buy, the O ring can be an issue as can the oil pick up pipe it's not an expensive job but it's well worth doing in aiding the longevity of the engine:

Insignia Elite 160:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...

Auto

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202022...

SRI Nav 140 Facelift model:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203173...

Facelift SRI 140:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203193...

One well worth a look is the last of the line Laguna they're reliable smart & a decent steer:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110299...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202112...

Citroen C5 VTR+ the same drivetrain as the Mondeo & 508 so is as reliable as both:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109087...

Thanks for this. The insignias are a strong candidate for sure. Seem good value for money as well.
Not so keen on the C5 or Laguna styling wise I’m afraid

[stevemcs]

Suspension is overly complicated on these and in all honesty unless its a V6 the A6 isn't the best.

What you tend to find with older premium german stuff is people that buy them do so because of the badge, they very rarely look after them and carry out preventative maintenance. You will get a nicer insignia for your money.

[georgeyboy12345]

Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero Sportwagon
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203053...


Vauxhall Vectra 3.0 CDTi V6 24v Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012307...


Skoda Octavia 1.6 TDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203203...

[OutInTheShed]

mrpbailey said:

Which BMW have you got? To be honest I was expecting most answers on this thread to be 320/520d but they don’t seem to be as well recommended as others?

E91 320D, M47 engine. 06 plate.
Had it 5 years, so it is what it is, a norm that I compare other things to.
Kept it so long, I'm out of touch with the market?
Somehow, I just don't feel confident that I could buy another one tomorrow for 5 or £6k and expect as good.
engine is sweet, it's a good long distance cruiser, but a lot of details are a bit 'cheap'. known a few people with newer BM's and big bills.
I feel I've been lucky and should quit while I'm ahead?
Used it a lot, had my money's worth, no complaints, but have to look forwards, it's not what I want to be driving in a year's time.
It's a car, I can enthuse more about bikes.

[ZX10R NIN]

mrpbailey said:

Thanks for this. The insignias are a strong candidate for sure. Seem good value for money as well.
Not so keen on the C5 or Laguna styling wise I’m afraid

They make a lot of sense especially at this price point & the facelifts had some nice updates too, as for the Laguna & C5 I can understand your thoughts on those.

[fflump]

This 170 bhp Superb Estate looks a nice place to be.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201201...

Slightly more spartan but states FSH and welcomes inspections.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201251...