What daily driver - 5k budget.

[FishOutOfWater]

To clear some debt following a house move, I’m selling my current car, a Ford Focus ST. Most of the money will go but I’m intending to keep 5k back for a replacement.

This will be my daily driver.
I do 50ish miles a day to work and back, a mixture of rural roads and a little motorway.
I’ve got 2 kids (8 and 11) so will need decent(ish) rear legroom.
An estate would be nice as I’ve got a bullmastiff but not essential as he doesn’t go in the car often.

Any recommendations for what I should be looking at?

[Jamescrs]

In the absence of any criteria mentioned re performance i'd be going for maximum comfort so a Skoda Superb, something like this would tick the boxes, apart from the estate anyway

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210170...

[FishOutOfWater]

That’s a very reasonable suggestion. Certainly better than what I had been looking at.

So far I’ve considered

1. Landrover discovery3 … I’m sure a 200,000 mile disco for 5k won’t be a massive money pit!!!
2. Various BMW 3 and 5 series … But because I’m a tart in msport spec … again, all been to the moon and back.
3. Skoda Octavia VRs … If I did that then It would be the 3rd I’ve owned. I’m kind of bored of them now.
4. Clio 197 … had one. Didn’t keep it long. Regretted selling it. But also not great for the commute and nor would it be suitable for kids/occasional dog duties.

[ZX10R NIN]

2.2d Mondeo Titanium X Sport 200:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209240...

2.2d Titanium X Sport 180:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301042...

Titanium X 160:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211231...

Your budget will get you a facelift Insignia in either Elite Nav:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212152...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211101...

Or SRI Nav spec:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212262...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301073...

Estate:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212072...

[FishOutOfWater]

Some good cars there. Thanks.

Didn’t consider either of those. My dad had a mondeo totianium x a few years ago and it was a really good car so I’ll definitely consider one of those and the insignia’s look ok too.

[Brassblaster]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301063...

Very reliable engine (D5), they'll get to 200k+ easily and rarely need to fix anything - as long as belts/tensioners/pulleys all get done when they should, very little goes wrong on them... And 5-cylinder, so you get a bit of character into the bargain.

I'd normally suggest V70 over V60 if estate is actually necessary as the V60 isn't a huge boot by estate standards, but for occasional canine use it'll be fine.

[georgeyboy12345]

You do a lot of miles, so a diesel will be the more cost effective option, even with the higher current pump prices.

This Vauxhall Astra 1.6 CDTi ecoFLEX is Euro 6, so won't be subject to emissions charges in cities, and so should also retain it's value better than Euro 5 or earlier diesels. On the other hand, it isn't in the best condition, with some minor bodywork damage and the interior looks a bit nasty too. Then again, with kids the interior could get trashed anyway, and it's one less thing to worry about with parking, etc. Plus, you could always tidy it up and add some value for when it comes to shifting it on
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211201...


Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2.0 JTDM-2 with recent cambelt/pads/tyres and FSH
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209149...


Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCI Titanium X with long MOT and good service history
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212122...


Mercedes C220 CDI Estate - these engines are reliable and can go for miles
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208219...


Honda Accord 2.2 i-DTEC Tourer with long MOT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212232...


Jaguar XF 3.0d V6 for a bit more luxury and power
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201040...

[sunnyb13]

Volvo xc60 D5 would be a good comfy cruiser