Recommended an estate £5k

[Undecided_buyer]

Afternoon all,

I'm looking to replace my X Trail with an estate (or maybe even MPV/ SUV, open to suggestions!) I do 5-10k a year.

I currently have a 2005 Xtrail 2.5 petrol auto, I get 20MPG out of it on short runs ( which is most of the time). Is this going to always be the case on a petrol estate?
I'm fine with a diesel, as long as I don't get constant DPF issues with short runs.

Needs to be a decent size for a family of 4 and a dog in the boot, not stupidly high miles on the clock (hoping sub 90k), and if can have a bit of power when needed then that's be great too! Around £5K budget but may be able to stretch a couple of hundred for the right car

Any suggestions?

Been looking at the Exeo 2.0TDi 170, but I need to see one in person to see if it's big enough inside.
Considered an Insignia, Passat, A4 etc, all set to have some negatives (maybe all cars do!)

Thanks in advance!

Edited by Undecided_buyer on Monday 8th October 14:32

[Undecided_buyer]

ZX10R NIN said:

With your budget most diesel options will be non DPF models so that won't be an issue but if the majority of your journeys are short ones then you're better off with a petrol.

Thanks for your reply, appreciated.

Did DPF's not come in around 2007 ish? I'm not sure at all though, but most cars I've seen will be later than or around this time.

I probably should have said that the reasons for changing vehicle are:
to try and imporve fuel economy (& lower tax if possible!)
to get a slightly newer/more up to date car
to have something a little more 'refined' than the slightly rattly 'box' that the Xtrail is!

Unfortunately getting another 2.5 petrol doing 20mpg probably isn't going to make sense for me.

I'll take a look at your suggestions, cheers

[Undecided_buyer]

ninjag said:

2010 Toyota Avensis 1.8 V-Matic TR @ £4,390 plus whatever antidepressants cost
64k miles on the clock, petrol, 43mpg combined

Thanks, I'll take a look.

Seen that particular one somewhere?!

Hope it's not too boring.....

[Undecided_buyer]

Summit_Detailing said:

A skoda octavia estate with the 1.8tsi petrol engine was my first thought given the circumstances you've outlined. £5k should get you in a sub 100k mile car around 2010 vintage.

cheers

Chris

Thankyou, I'll have a look at that one too

[Undecided_buyer]

Being honest, the Skoda looks like a good bet, but something inside me keeps saying "for god's sake, you are only in your 30's, not a Grandad yet!..."

Really not sure I'm too keen on the Octavia shape...maybe I'll get past that if I go have a drive of one

[Undecided_buyer]

Nickp82 said:

Mazda 6 2.0 sport ?

Cheers, I'll look into that

My previous car was a '03 Mazda 6 2L estate. Gave me very little trouble, apart from rusted rear arches, and low 20's MPG again. Loved the big boot

[Undecided_buyer]

Fermit and Sarah said:

If I were you I would look at a Volvo V70.

Superbly screwed together.
Big.
Very safe.
Nice to drive, not sporty, but a great wafter.
48mpg Ave according to the ad stats.

An EG -

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I have been looking at them too.
Wasn't sure about when DPF's were introduced on these, or if they cause any issues.

Love the size, safety, and comfort. Is the D5 the one to look out for or all good engines?

Cheers

[Undecided_buyer]

Fermit and Sarah said:

The D5 is more powerful, but thirstier. It depends on what balance between power/MPG you're happy with. I linked the 2.0d as I considered your economy angle. I can't speak for known issues and the like on these, but I'd imagine someone shall pop along with a bit more knowledge!

Also, what breed is the pooch? If he's a Jack Russell the boot size isn't a concern, if he's a GSD then this is the class of car you want.....

Haha, dog is on the large side, I have a dog cage for the boot which would be good to keep, although not absolutely essential. But 2 young kids too, bikes etc so a big boot is definitely a big plus.

[Undecided_buyer]

eggchaser1987 said:

I have a Mondeo and I was thinking about trading it in but I could t find anything that did the same job but better, so I suppose I would have to recommend one of those.

Mine is a 2.2 titanium x sport, I don't do huge mileage in it but when I do go out it gets used for about 400 odd miles a time. Does all that in comfort and I can walk after without back ache.

Thanks, it's another I have considered. Just not seen one with the right spec/service history combo yet!

Should have said earlier but full leather is on the wish list too, so much easier with kids and animals to just wipe them clean if needed

[Undecided_buyer]

soad said:

Honda Accord? Mostly diesels and autos, I believe?

Yep, also on the watch list! Thanks

Was looking at the older pre-dpf diesels, huge boots but still trying to decide if they are ugly auto/manual not important to me.

[Undecided_buyer]

Fermit and Sarah said:

On the subject of leather (and I fully get that, I restore leather for a living) the Volvo I linked has, if I'm not mistaken, a seat material which I think is called neoprene. The nearest thing to compare it to is wetsuit material. Very tough, and great for cleaning up easily.

On the subject of dogs, one thing to try and look for is a model with air/aircon vents in the boot. We have three dogs, and annoyingly our car (2015 Insignia estate) doesn't have them, on a hot day travelling we find ourselves having to open the rear windows to keep them cool. I can't say if Volvo have them though.

Thanks for the further info, appreciated

[Undecided_buyer]

ninjag said:

In that case I'd now be looking at something like 3rd gen CRV, probably petrol. The boot is big and the rear seats slide forward and and back. Stick a roof box on top and you can practically move house.

Thanks for the suggestion, i'll take a look.

Unfortunately, i fear i may be back to where i started soon though, big petrol engine giving me 20MPG...

Maybe i'm looking for something that doesn't exist!

[Undecided_buyer]

Something like this any good??

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[Undecided_buyer]

ninjag said:

CRV 2.0 is well into the 30's with lazy mixed driving. The Accord 2.0 will be high 30's. The latter, if 7th or 8th Generation, is built in Japan and not Swindon.

ok thanks

[Undecided_buyer]

nobrakes said:

This.

Plus, in your budget, I wouldn’t get hung up about mpg. It’s overall maintenance costs you need to consider.

The Eclasses mentioned are all well proven and any Indy will keep costs down. I get over 30mpg in a 100k 320cdi when I keep it down to 70 with bikes on the roof and fully loaded.

The petrol Mondys mentioned will go for years too - triggers broom.

Thanks for the info.

So the Mondeos likely need a lot changing on them ?

[Undecided_buyer]

Just seen an 07 A6 2.0TDI with low mileage, looks like it's been an elderly owner, Audi history. Not much more info on advert at the moment.

Worth looking at? Any know problems/issues?

Cheers

Edited by Undecided_buyer on Tuesday 9th October 14:57

[Undecided_buyer]

grant8064 said:

Considered a Saab 93 estate?

5k bought me a low miles petrol auto one recently. More personality than an Avensis, 3 series etc, decent leather and seats, reasonable boot space.

Not considered a petrol one actually. Like the shape etc. Family member had big DPF issues with their diesel 93 so I guess that's put me off.

I'll have a look. Cheers

[Undecided_buyer]

Thanks for all the replies, food for thought.

No opinions on the A6 I mentioned?

Cheers

[Undecided_buyer]

Fermit and Sarah said:

Could you copy and paste a link to it?

It's on the dreaded gumtree, which is playing up tonight so can't get onto it.

It's an A6 2.0 TDI S Line 2007, under 50k miles.

Full Audi service history

Is (or was ) elderly owner.

Has scratched front corner, which doesn't worry me too much as a repair price could be negotiated in.

[Undecided_buyer]

Stig said:

Another vote for the Subaru outback, but the 2.5SE rather than a 3.0.

35mpg easily, does everything, well equipped, pretty bombproof drivetrain.

Best car I’ve ever had. 125k miles and still going strong

Cheers, I'll get looking at them, haven't so far...