Best VFM estate for £3.5K?

[warcalf]

Looking for the best value for money petrol estate for around the stated price!

Reliability is ultimately crucial, drivetrain and gearbox doesn't matter. Just needs to meet the budget and be a reliable car and not horrendous on fuel...

Currently preferring an Avensis or Passat, considering Mondeo/Insignia/Focus or Cee'd but no idea how reliable these are!

Any info is appreciated.

[warcalf]

Plate spinner said:

At that price point it will be more about the particular cars you are looking at; age / miles / service history / condition.

All the models you mentioned can be very reliable.

Very true!

I won't buy anything but a car with an FSH, but looking at 07-10 plate depending really. So just going to have to make sure they are looked after ones!

[warcalf]

Jasandjules said:

My old passat was awesome. Make sure cam and water pump are done

Passat was originally my first choice, especially the 2.0 fsi, petrol estate passats in general seem to be thin on the ground!

[warcalf]

ZX10R NIN said:

So OP do any of the above fit your requirements?

Yes absolutely!

From personal experience I'm refusing to touch any premium German brands, as I always get stung when I buy one! So no to the BMW suggestion unfortunately!

At the moment I'm leaning towards a Insignia, Accord, Mazda6 or Avensis!

Next step really is to go drive a bunch and see what I think!

Greatly appreciate all the suggestions!

[warcalf]

ZX10R NIN said:

Not the Mondeo? I only say this as the Mazda6 uses the Mondeo chassis but isn't as good a steer as I said for me the Mondeo should at least be on the short list was also the best fwd steer in it's class.

Well you'll be glad to know after being disappointed about Mazda reliability from what I've read, I've been scared off!

Shortlist is now, Avensis, Mondeo, Insignia and Accord!

Leaning towards Mondeo & Insignia due to more availability within my price range...

[warcalf]

ZX10R NIN said:

Are you looking at Petrol or Diesel?

Prefer Petrol as Mon-Fri I only do a short 7-8 mile commute to work! But considering Diesel!

[warcalf]

These are the top 3 I've found so far and I must say I'm leaning towards Toyota...

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

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

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

[warcalf]

was8v said:

Mondeo has the reputation for being the best handler, good thing is there are loads of them about.

or how about

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

Ford seems like the best option for availability, but they look so depressing inside.

Honestly am considering forking out an extra £1K or so and getting an Octavia!

[warcalf]

ZX10R NIN said:

Really have you seen the interior on an Octavia of this vintage, the Mondeo is a nicer place to be & then there's the spec that the Mondeos come with, with a 4.5k budget here's my top 5.

Titanium X

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

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

2.5 Mazda6 Sport

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

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

2.4 Accord EX

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

2.0i SE

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

Skoda VRS

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

Insignia SRI

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

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

Just dislike the lighter colour of trim that some Mondeos have... prefer it to all be one colour like most Octavias I've seen

[warcalf]

curlie467 said:

Seems ironic shying away because of reliability yet you may go for a Vauxhall.
Hateful stpiles and for me literally the last car on the list would be a Vauxhall.
Don't go diesel at that mileage.

If you'd read my more recent comments, you'd know I currently stand between an Avensis and Mondeo... already eliminated the Insignia...

[warcalf]

PartOfTheProblem said:

A thread about cheap estates and nobody has mentioned a Volvo V70 yet?

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

Scary mileage, even when I have high mileage hero stories in the back of my mind haaha

[warcalf]

markiii said:

Subaru legacy tourer

Subaru reliability doesn't seem as good as the other brands...