Big, comfortable, frugal estate for £15k

[mike80]

I've been tasked with finding a new pool car for work. We currently have a 2015 2 litre diesel Toyota Avensis estate which has been perfect, but is getting on a bit now.

Requirements are: decent luggage space, reasonable on fuel, comfortable doing hours on a motorway, and ideally under 50,000 miles as it will probably do 15,000 - 20,000 a year, and need to last around 5 years.

The place we bought this one from has a 2018 spec Avensis, but it's the 1.6 engine which I think is about 30bhp less than what we currently have. There are times when it will have 3 people and a boot full of gear, and I'm worried it might be a bit sluggish. Also, although it is the face lifted car with a nicer looking interior, 2018 was the last year these were made, if that makes any difference.

Also looked at a Hyundai i40 (seems quite cheap, and plenty of kit), and a Mazda 6 (2.2 litre engine, I don't know how economical these are in the real world).

Any other suggestions and real world experiences appreciated.

[Regbuser]

There you go > https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?advertisin...

[georgeyboy12345]

Hyundai i40 is a good choice, the 1.7 CRDi is a solid, reliable engine. Also check out the Kia Optima, which is basically the same car.

I wouldn't pick a car that is somehow worse to drive than the outgoing car, you don't want to upset your colleagues! So I think it's wise to plump for something with at least as much power as the Toyota that you currently have.

The 2.2 Skyactiv diesel in the Mazda 6 and 3 had a terrible reputation, but it's problems I think were sorted after 2014, so you should be alright. This one looks decent
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401296...


This Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer 2.0 Turbo D SRI white looks the classic works pool car
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202311174...


Low mileage Peugeot 508 SW 2.0 BlueHDi 180 GT
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202312014...


Your budget can't quite stretch to a Skoda Superb, but this Octavia 2.0 TDI DSG still has more load room than the Toyota
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401135...


Perhaps a bit too nice for a pool car? Mercedes E220d
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310203...

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Wednesday 31st January 19:38

[mike80]

Thanks for those, I like the Peugeot, might buy that for myself...

Ditto the Skoda, especially the comedy number plate!

Other criteria, manual preferred (not sure why) and not white! Ideally, black or grey.

[georgeyboy12345]

Only just noticed the numberplate. I'd get it for that reason alone

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd second the Insignia they're great options & built for your usage:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401155...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401105...

Mondeo ST Line X:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202310293...

[mike80]

Look at an Octavia today, the 1.6 diesel which was a nice car to drive, and spacious, but the lack of 6th gear would probably get irritating on longer drives. The dealership are bringing in a 2.0 auto next week which we will probably take unless there is something really off putting about it.

[TR4man]

I’m surprised no one’s mentioned a Volvo. To me, it would be the obvious choice.

[macron]

TR4man said:

I’m surprised no one’s mentioned a Volvo. To me, it would be the obvious choice.

Difficult at 15k though, V70 will already have mega miles, as will V90, V60 is either old shape and small, or again big miles.

Sounds like you're sorted OP, but, later shape 508 is available over the Mr Bobby older one.

Great looker

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023112241...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023112743...

[Ezra]

Think I'd be looking to stretch the budget and get a decent Skoda Superb estate