Reliable Estate 2k, Suggestions...

[Alan16ac]

Looking for a reliable used estate car. Only want to spend 2k max. Less is even better. It will be used and abused. I don't want to worry about scrapes and dirt with my 4 dogs, skip runs, garden waste and car park dings...
It will just be a work horse.

So far I'm looking at VW Passat and Skoda Octavia Estates with the 1.9 PD. I've had this engine in a Superb and VRS Fabia and I loved it, and know it's reliable.

Volvo V70 with the 2.4D?

Open to petrol options as well, fuel economy isn't really an issue...

Must be at least a little reliable. Obviously I expect maintenance and the odd issue in this price range.

[Alan16ac]

LordHaveMurci said:

Honda Accord, Toyota Avensis, Mazda, Mondeo.

Accord definitely an option. Seems to have a massive boot too! Never like the Avensis, and don't do Ford (n)

jay85 said:

Subaru Legacy?

Yeah could be an option. I imagine them to be rather thirsty. I was hoping for something at least in the mid 30s. Any experience with them?

Heaveho said:

Leggy Lexus IS300 Sportcross ( or 200 if you don't mind it being tortoise ). Dead reliable.

I have always loved the mk1 IS. I think it's a great looking car. Always wanted to own one, but it would be for modifying. I'd imagine if I bought one I wouldn't be able to resist. The boot isn't too big on these unfortunately.

Matt UK said:

I bought a 2007 merc c class for less than your budget. Now on 220k miles and no issues. Inside looks like new.

Some reliability issues have put me off Merc a little. You had none at all?

GreatGranny said:

IMO stick to Japanese and petrol.

This:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

or this

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Why do you say stick to petrol?
I'd definitely stick Jap or German.

[Alan16ac]

Heaveho said:

If it ends up being Jap, I'd deffo stick to petrol, most Jap diesels are pretty crap. Can't vouch for German, I tend to avoid their products full stop! Temporarily a hypocritical statement due to having a Boxster in the garage! For experimental purposes only, you understand!

I'd be more than happy running an old VAG 1.9 diesel. Had them in a few cars and they're great engines, and unbelievably economical.
I'm quite happy running a petrol though, less to go wrong and easier to fix when they do. But I do want half decent economy...
You've really got me thinking about an IS now though.