What 5k diesel "family" car?
Discussion
Thinking of selling my 2016 mk7 Golf Estate for a couple of reaaons:
1) We recently downsized our other vehicle, a large MPV that we have owned for 6 years to a newer small hatchback, which is cheaper to run and better suited to its main use but having thought that my Golf would be big enough for "family" duties, we are missing the passenger/luggage space a bit.
2) I just got made redundant in the last week and I received 2 months redundancy pay, so not too worried about paying the bills yet but it could take me longer than that to find a new job in my field and having the added financial stress of a car payment on a vehicle that I'm not using very much, is added financial stress that I don't really need right now.
If I sold the Golf and paid off the finance, I should have around 5k to spend on a replacement family vehicle and would probably be looking at something a little bit bigger. Preferably an SUV/estate but a large hatchback/saloon might work too. Running costs are an important factor, so I'm thinking that at this budget, I'm looking at 10-15 year old vehicles with highish mileage, so diesel would probably be preferable? My Golf is DSG and I've kind of got used to driving an auto on a daily basis now, so an auto would also be desirable, if not essential.
Sensible money seems to be on a Mondeo/Insignia hatch/estate or a Passat/Octavia. However, the Passat/Octavia would be DSG, which are great when they work but potentially expensive to fix if they go wrong? Not sure how good the auto boxes are on the Mondeos/Insignias either to be honest.
Other option is to go for something more "premium" of which I would tend to favour a Mercedes, as they know how to make a decent diesel engine and auto transmission. Had an old W202 C-Class diesel estate as a "stopgap" car once and it still felt strong on 220k, very economical and a massive boot. I'd favour a late W203 C-Class estate over an early W204 or a late W211 E-Class over an early W212 I think or maybe even an ML? The 6 cylinder engine (E320CDI) draws me more to the E-Class/ML but a C220CDI would still seem to be a pretty solid choice.
I like BMW too but my gut feeling is that an E91 335d Touring/E61 535d Touring/E53 X5 is going to be less reliable/more expensive to run than the equivalent Mercedes and I've always fancied an E39 5-Series but they're getting on a bit now to be a daily driver vehicle.
In terms of more leftfield options. Alfa 159 Sportwagon/Volvo V70 D5/Jaguar XF? I think that 5k would only get me into an early XF though, so a 2.7, not a 3 litre?
I like a Land Rover too but Freelander 2s are still surprisingly strong money and a 5k Discovery/Range Rover is going to be in another league in terms of running costs.
So, what would be my best option at this budget? My Golf is a GT spec, so I still want to maintain a fairly high level of spec and it's the 1.4 TSI, which averages 40-45 mpg, so I'm after 40-45 mpg or better, as I was commuting 50 miles per day each way, so may have to consider doing that again. Luxury, refinement and space are more important to me in a family car than driving pleasure but if it's enjoyable to drive too then that would be a bonus.
1) We recently downsized our other vehicle, a large MPV that we have owned for 6 years to a newer small hatchback, which is cheaper to run and better suited to its main use but having thought that my Golf would be big enough for "family" duties, we are missing the passenger/luggage space a bit.
2) I just got made redundant in the last week and I received 2 months redundancy pay, so not too worried about paying the bills yet but it could take me longer than that to find a new job in my field and having the added financial stress of a car payment on a vehicle that I'm not using very much, is added financial stress that I don't really need right now.
If I sold the Golf and paid off the finance, I should have around 5k to spend on a replacement family vehicle and would probably be looking at something a little bit bigger. Preferably an SUV/estate but a large hatchback/saloon might work too. Running costs are an important factor, so I'm thinking that at this budget, I'm looking at 10-15 year old vehicles with highish mileage, so diesel would probably be preferable? My Golf is DSG and I've kind of got used to driving an auto on a daily basis now, so an auto would also be desirable, if not essential.
Sensible money seems to be on a Mondeo/Insignia hatch/estate or a Passat/Octavia. However, the Passat/Octavia would be DSG, which are great when they work but potentially expensive to fix if they go wrong? Not sure how good the auto boxes are on the Mondeos/Insignias either to be honest.
Other option is to go for something more "premium" of which I would tend to favour a Mercedes, as they know how to make a decent diesel engine and auto transmission. Had an old W202 C-Class diesel estate as a "stopgap" car once and it still felt strong on 220k, very economical and a massive boot. I'd favour a late W203 C-Class estate over an early W204 or a late W211 E-Class over an early W212 I think or maybe even an ML? The 6 cylinder engine (E320CDI) draws me more to the E-Class/ML but a C220CDI would still seem to be a pretty solid choice.
I like BMW too but my gut feeling is that an E91 335d Touring/E61 535d Touring/E53 X5 is going to be less reliable/more expensive to run than the equivalent Mercedes and I've always fancied an E39 5-Series but they're getting on a bit now to be a daily driver vehicle.
In terms of more leftfield options. Alfa 159 Sportwagon/Volvo V70 D5/Jaguar XF? I think that 5k would only get me into an early XF though, so a 2.7, not a 3 litre?
I like a Land Rover too but Freelander 2s are still surprisingly strong money and a 5k Discovery/Range Rover is going to be in another league in terms of running costs.
So, what would be my best option at this budget? My Golf is a GT spec, so I still want to maintain a fairly high level of spec and it's the 1.4 TSI, which averages 40-45 mpg, so I'm after 40-45 mpg or better, as I was commuting 50 miles per day each way, so may have to consider doing that again. Luxury, refinement and space are more important to me in a family car than driving pleasure but if it's enjoyable to drive too then that would be a bonus.
The very best condition, and well preserved, 1.9 TDi VW Passat that you can find.
Check this one out!!
Facelift to the newer shape too
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134219936165?hash=item1...
Check this one out!!
Facelift to the newer shape too
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134219936165?hash=item1...
Edited by mat205125 on Tuesday 20th September 15:46
mat205125 said:
The very best condition, and well preserved, 1.9 TDi VW Passat that you can find.
Check this one out!!
Facelift to the newer shape too
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134219936165?hash=item1...
Those PD-engined Passats are great. Wouldn't the 2.0 TDI 140 be the one to have in the B6 though or the 1.9 TDI 130 in the B5.5? I think the 1.9 TDI in the B6 Passat was only around 105bhp, so a bit weak in quite a big car?Check this one out!!
Facelift to the newer shape too
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/134219936165?hash=item1...
Edited by mat205125 on Tuesday 20th September 15:46
Late model E91 320D (that's the estate) - ours has been rock solid since we bought it as a family car six years ago. Last of the line "sport plus" with 185-ish BHP so plenty of power for a family steer, albeit it's no silky six cylinder
Fun to drive, decent boot, still a good-looking car IMO
Fun to drive, decent boot, still a good-looking car IMO
nebpor said:
Late model E91 320D (that's the estate) - ours has been rock solid since we bought it as a family car six years ago. Last of the line "sport plus" with 185-ish BHP so plenty of power for a family steer, albeit it's no silky six cylinder
Fun to drive, decent boot, still a good-looking car IMO
Agree, been running my E91 2012 318d for the past six years or so, 145,000 miles now, keep on top of the oil changes, they are good rock solid cars - if a little tight fully laden, roofbox fixes that issue.Fun to drive, decent boot, still a good-looking car IMO
Drove my brothers F31 (2016) (newer model) not quite the same feel as the older E90's.
The thought of that Passat just makes me sad, but having re-read the spec, yes, it's probably a sensible choice. Unless you are at risk of having to drive in a low emission zone.
I wouldn't bet on a BMW being less reliable than a Mercedes, my last (2005) E class was niggly and expensive to fix and my current (2010) one has been enough of a money pit that I won't buy another.
I wouldn't bet on a BMW being less reliable than a Mercedes, my last (2005) E class was niggly and expensive to fix and my current (2010) one has been enough of a money pit that I won't buy another.
E class.
£5k would be very close to what I'd get for my S212 these days, which is frankly mental - It is a superb car. I paid 8000 for mine 3 years ago as a Merc main dealer trade in. If you can stretch to a W212 then I would, but most of the below goes for the W211 too I think. The later OM642 V6 engine is very good, reliable, strong, smooth, and you get the 7 speed gearbox. Its probably faster than my Lotus off the lights in reality, does 40mpg on a run, torquey, air suspension in the back is a game changer too for a big family estate car - it handles the same when filled to the top with gear on a camping trip as it does when empty.
My preference would always be for the 350, however there are many, many more E250s about and they will get you a more realistic 40+mpg (although I do think the 6 pot is worth it).
Honestly - I always chop and change cars and I wasnt sure when I bought this, I thought it might be too 'old man' but its been a real grower. I keep looking for replacements, and then just loop all the way round to 'why change it'? Bought at 70something, currently on 108k and feels absolutely rock solid, like its only just getting started. Font bumper and bonnet show the miles a bit with stone chips but otherwise its in very nice condition, interior looks like a 2 year old car. There is a noticeable step up in quality and feel from any C class to its equivalent E class too.
The only thing I think I'd really like to do, is buy one with a V8 in it!
I have looked at and considered various 5 series, Volvos, A6s etc and while they all have certain things they do better, the overall package of the E-Class is just spot on. 3 and 5 Series wagons always seem like they are a fair chunk more expensive when compared like-for-like with the Mercedes, I think the BMW has a bit more mainstream appeal as people (mistakenly?) take them to be a more 'sporty' choice.
Heres mine in family hauler mode with the box on and a boot filled to the top with tents/bikes/food etc.
EVO magazine said:
The world’s best estate car
https://www.evo.co.uk/mercedes/e-class/14340/mercedes-e350-cdi-estate-review£5k would be very close to what I'd get for my S212 these days, which is frankly mental - It is a superb car. I paid 8000 for mine 3 years ago as a Merc main dealer trade in. If you can stretch to a W212 then I would, but most of the below goes for the W211 too I think. The later OM642 V6 engine is very good, reliable, strong, smooth, and you get the 7 speed gearbox. Its probably faster than my Lotus off the lights in reality, does 40mpg on a run, torquey, air suspension in the back is a game changer too for a big family estate car - it handles the same when filled to the top with gear on a camping trip as it does when empty.
My preference would always be for the 350, however there are many, many more E250s about and they will get you a more realistic 40+mpg (although I do think the 6 pot is worth it).
Honestly - I always chop and change cars and I wasnt sure when I bought this, I thought it might be too 'old man' but its been a real grower. I keep looking for replacements, and then just loop all the way round to 'why change it'? Bought at 70something, currently on 108k and feels absolutely rock solid, like its only just getting started. Font bumper and bonnet show the miles a bit with stone chips but otherwise its in very nice condition, interior looks like a 2 year old car. There is a noticeable step up in quality and feel from any C class to its equivalent E class too.
The only thing I think I'd really like to do, is buy one with a V8 in it!
I have looked at and considered various 5 series, Volvos, A6s etc and while they all have certain things they do better, the overall package of the E-Class is just spot on. 3 and 5 Series wagons always seem like they are a fair chunk more expensive when compared like-for-like with the Mercedes, I think the BMW has a bit more mainstream appeal as people (mistakenly?) take them to be a more 'sporty' choice.
Heres mine in family hauler mode with the box on and a boot filled to the top with tents/bikes/food etc.
Looks just like my E350CDI, except that mine is Tenorite Grey.
It's a brilliant family car, really comfortable, refined, well equipped, vast, quick enough, fairly economical. But mine at least has been an expensive pain in the arse mechanically. I've probably fixed everything now, but it's going to have to go because of the threat of ULEZ expansion.
It's a brilliant family car, really comfortable, refined, well equipped, vast, quick enough, fairly economical. But mine at least has been an expensive pain in the arse mechanically. I've probably fixed everything now, but it's going to have to go because of the threat of ULEZ expansion.
otolith said:
Looks just like my E350CDI, except that mine is Tenorite Grey.
It's a brilliant family car, really comfortable, refined, well equipped, vast, quick enough, fairly economical. But mine at least has been an expensive pain in the arse mechanically.
I do remember you posting similar - in contrast, from 70k miles to 108k miles I've replaced a DPF sensor with a genuine bosch part which cost me about 20 quid and half an hour. Brakes, servicing etc all done with genuine parts which are available very cheaply through Sytner MB Newcastle on ebay. Due an A service next month which will cost me about £100 all in. Touch wood, its been very, very good. It's a brilliant family car, really comfortable, refined, well equipped, vast, quick enough, fairly economical. But mine at least has been an expensive pain in the arse mechanically.
Mk IV Mondeo. Always.
Hasn't got the "cache" of the Germans to some; but it's big, comfortable, very well made and rather affordable to run. As a "do everything" car, for the money they're exceptional.
Nobody seems to have much good to say about the early PowerShift boxes. But get yourself a 2.0d with a six speed manual and you'll have many happy quiet miles.
Hasn't got the "cache" of the Germans to some; but it's big, comfortable, very well made and rather affordable to run. As a "do everything" car, for the money they're exceptional.
Nobody seems to have much good to say about the early PowerShift boxes. But get yourself a 2.0d with a six speed manual and you'll have many happy quiet miles.
Wheel Turned Out said:
Mk IV Mondeo. Always.
Hasn't got the "cache" of the Germans to some; but it's big, comfortable, very well made and rather affordable to run. As a "do everything" car, for the money they're exceptional.
Nobody seems to have much good to say about the early PowerShift boxes. But get yourself a 2.0d with a six speed manual and you'll have many happy quiet miles.
I mean obviously the one to go for is the 2.5T...manual... but seeing as the OP is misguided and persisting with wanting the wrong engine/gearbox combo... Hasn't got the "cache" of the Germans to some; but it's big, comfortable, very well made and rather affordable to run. As a "do everything" car, for the money they're exceptional.
Nobody seems to have much good to say about the early PowerShift boxes. But get yourself a 2.0d with a six speed manual and you'll have many happy quiet miles.
The 2.2 diesels don't have the powers
ts, if it's a facelift ( and some of the pre-facelift in the crossover year so 2010+) 2.0TDCI then it has the powerst. Thanks for that. I have a bit of a soft spot for Mercedes, as my first job out of University was at a Mercedes dealership and that was the W203 C-Class/W211 E-Class era and I really liked those 2 cars. However, my only Mercedes ownership experience was a W202 C-Class, which was admittedly very rusty but felt rock solid mechanically. I know that experience doesn't necessarily apply to the newer Mercedes though and I tend to think that a nice W203/W211 might be better than a tatty/high mileage W204/W212 and the older cars do look a bit more elegant to my eyes but that W212 Estate does look like a pretty amazing package.
With BMW/Mercedes. I'm naturally drawn to the 6 pot diesels but the 320d/520d are also probably pretty good compared to the other 4-pot diesels and it's good to hear of some positive ownership experiences. I've only owned an E30 3-Series and quite fancy another BMW but my understanding was that the E90/E60 were less reliable/well built than previous BMWs? I think that the E91 3-Series Touring in M Sport guise is quite a fine looking thing but possibly not much bigger than my mk7 Golf Estate? I don't mind the look of the E61 5-Series Touring though and with the M Sport wheels, it looks a bit like an M5!
With BMW/Mercedes. I'm naturally drawn to the 6 pot diesels but the 320d/520d are also probably pretty good compared to the other 4-pot diesels and it's good to hear of some positive ownership experiences. I've only owned an E30 3-Series and quite fancy another BMW but my understanding was that the E90/E60 were less reliable/well built than previous BMWs? I think that the E91 3-Series Touring in M Sport guise is quite a fine looking thing but possibly not much bigger than my mk7 Golf Estate? I don't mind the look of the E61 5-Series Touring though and with the M Sport wheels, it looks a bit like an M5!
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 20th September 17:53
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 20th September 17:54
snotrag said:
I do remember you posting similar - in contrast, from 70k miles to 108k miles I've replaced a DPF sensor with a genuine bosch part which cost me about 20 quid and half an hour. Brakes, servicing etc all done with genuine parts which are available very cheaply through Sytner MB Newcastle on ebay. Due an A service next month which will cost me about £100 all in. Touch wood, its been very, very good.
I bought mine at about the mileage yours is at now... I'd say the Insignia is a very good option they have a conventional auto like the Mondeo but you'll get a newer car that's still a good car but not quite as good as the Mondeo.
Insignia Elite:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208309...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206096...
SRI Estate:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208249...
Mondeo Titanium X:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209059...
The Citroen C5 is a well proven alternative:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209209...
W212 E220 SE:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209109...
Insignia Elite:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208309...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206096...
SRI Estate:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208249...
Mondeo Titanium X:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209059...
The Citroen C5 is a well proven alternative:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209209...
W212 E220 SE:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209109...
Audi A4 3.0 tdi Quattro
6 speed manual
With remap 300 bhp and 450lbt torque
50 mpg
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209139...
6 speed manual
With remap 300 bhp and 450lbt torque
50 mpg
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209139...
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff