Estate car to do all the things (& more)
Discussion
I'm on the hunt for our 1 car, do-all replacement for the bore-fest Toyota Auris Hybrid we've endured for what feels like forever. We have quite a specific spec list, but have up to £15k to spend (though I'd much rather get something closer to £10k if it still fits the brief).
The replacement needs to tick the following boxes:
Must haves:
- Be automatic (no Powershift / DSG dry clutch / dodgy reliability ones though)
- Have steering that is not heavy (very subjective one I know; my wife has arthritis though and cannot drive anything with any real heft in the steering. Our Auris Hybrid on 17's + 225/45's she gets on fine with, as the steering is well assisted electronically...we had a CX-5 previously though which was too heavy in every way, and put me off SUVs ever since)
- Have heated seats and reversing camera
- Be inexpensive to run at circa 15k miles per year (doesn't have to be absolute cheapest, just not high cost)
- Be big enough to take 2 adults, 2 kids, 1 small dog (no saloons). Estates are the primary target but keeping an open mind.
- Not bought at high mileage or age; needs to potentially last 4+years or over 150k miles
Would like to have:
- Be good to drive. This really should go into 'must haves' as 'be more interesting / rewarding to drive than our current coma-inducing enjoyment void. Bonus points for the best steers in the sector though.
- Prefer to have petrol so as not to have to worry about diesel DPF / short journey driving issues. Jury's out on this one though.
- Decent soundsystem
We tested a MK4 Focus Estate Titanium X 2.0 EcoBlue diesel and were pretty happy with it. Sadly the price of that example is just out of reach at £17k. The Focus estates are in pole position ATM, although it's a shame the 1.5 petrols don't get better mpg, otherwise they'd be a nicer drive. The Active X and Titanium X versions give us the right spec. Any anecdotal advice good or bad on these is welcome.
I’d love some advice from anyone with experience of the F30 BMW 320Efficient Dynamics Touring in this context. My wife is concerned about the RWD-ness of it for when she needs to drive it. I am just wondering if it would tick just as many boxes as the Focus and actually be just as solid an option to fit our bill, if the RWD factor was all that stood in our way. There seems to be loads of these out there and most have the minimum level of kit on them we're after.
I appreciate that's a lot to tie together in one car, but if anyone can put forward the best option out there I'm sure it's you lot
The replacement needs to tick the following boxes:
Must haves:
- Be automatic (no Powershift / DSG dry clutch / dodgy reliability ones though)
- Have steering that is not heavy (very subjective one I know; my wife has arthritis though and cannot drive anything with any real heft in the steering. Our Auris Hybrid on 17's + 225/45's she gets on fine with, as the steering is well assisted electronically...we had a CX-5 previously though which was too heavy in every way, and put me off SUVs ever since)
- Have heated seats and reversing camera
- Be inexpensive to run at circa 15k miles per year (doesn't have to be absolute cheapest, just not high cost)
- Be big enough to take 2 adults, 2 kids, 1 small dog (no saloons). Estates are the primary target but keeping an open mind.
- Not bought at high mileage or age; needs to potentially last 4+years or over 150k miles
Would like to have:
- Be good to drive. This really should go into 'must haves' as 'be more interesting / rewarding to drive than our current coma-inducing enjoyment void. Bonus points for the best steers in the sector though.
- Prefer to have petrol so as not to have to worry about diesel DPF / short journey driving issues. Jury's out on this one though.
- Decent soundsystem
We tested a MK4 Focus Estate Titanium X 2.0 EcoBlue diesel and were pretty happy with it. Sadly the price of that example is just out of reach at £17k. The Focus estates are in pole position ATM, although it's a shame the 1.5 petrols don't get better mpg, otherwise they'd be a nicer drive. The Active X and Titanium X versions give us the right spec. Any anecdotal advice good or bad on these is welcome.
I’d love some advice from anyone with experience of the F30 BMW 320Efficient Dynamics Touring in this context. My wife is concerned about the RWD-ness of it for when she needs to drive it. I am just wondering if it would tick just as many boxes as the Focus and actually be just as solid an option to fit our bill, if the RWD factor was all that stood in our way. There seems to be loads of these out there and most have the minimum level of kit on them we're after.
I appreciate that's a lot to tie together in one car, but if anyone can put forward the best option out there I'm sure it's you lot
Sounds like its going to be a BMW touring or a Volvo.
As for RWD, dont worry about it - if its being driven normally, you wont notice the difference.
Plethora of safety systems now anyway, traction control, ABS.etc - wont catch you out unless you are very unlucky, even in inclement weather.
As for RWD, dont worry about it - if its being driven normally, you wont notice the difference.
Plethora of safety systems now anyway, traction control, ABS.etc - wont catch you out unless you are very unlucky, even in inclement weather.
Honda Civic Tourer, 1.8 i-VTEC petrol auto.
I've had one for 5 years, family of 4 (one kid now 6'2") and a dog, we have driven to Montenegro and back in it.
Hugely practical for its size, massive boot, magic seats, plenty of interior room, nice and nippy to drive. TC auto. Gets 40-50mpg on a run, it got us from Dumbarton to Reading this year on a single tank with 100 miles range remaining.
100% reliable, not a single issue with it yet.
I chose it from the pack for pretty much the exact same reasons you stated, OP. Brilliant things, sadly consigned to the dustbin of history by the trend for less practical, less fun to drive crossovers and SUVs. Get one while you can.
I've had one for 5 years, family of 4 (one kid now 6'2") and a dog, we have driven to Montenegro and back in it.
Hugely practical for its size, massive boot, magic seats, plenty of interior room, nice and nippy to drive. TC auto. Gets 40-50mpg on a run, it got us from Dumbarton to Reading this year on a single tank with 100 miles range remaining.
100% reliable, not a single issue with it yet.
I chose it from the pack for pretty much the exact same reasons you stated, OP. Brilliant things, sadly consigned to the dustbin of history by the trend for less practical, less fun to drive crossovers and SUVs. Get one while you can.
I have a BMW F31 335d (F30 is the saloon, F31 is the estate). Mine is X drive, which removes the RWD concern somewhat however I've had numerous BMWs over the years and RWD hasn't been an issue. Mine also has the heated seats, reverse camera etc.
Here's an F31 320d- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403288...
Doesn't seem to have a reverse camera but it is X drive.
And here's one with the reverse camera- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189...
Here's an F31 320d- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403288...
Doesn't seem to have a reverse camera but it is X drive.
And here's one with the reverse camera- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189...
Bobupndown said:
Were it not for you ruling out dsg box a Skoda Octavia estate ticks a lot of those boxes.
Secret to long life with dsg (as with most mechanical things) is to have it serviced. Lots don't then whinge when it packs up and spread the unfair reliability woes.
He only says "no dodgy reliability ones" rather than no DSG, so it could still be an option,Secret to long life with dsg (as with most mechanical things) is to have it serviced. Lots don't then whinge when it packs up and spread the unfair reliability woes.
petrolJim said:
My wife is concerned about the RWD-ness of it for when she needs to drive it.
Is there any context to her worry such as bad experience in the past, etc? As mentioned they are pretty dosile and my wife (who has zero interest in driving/cars) will happily daily-drive my M140i and has never been troubled by it being RWD.Chris
ScoobyChris said:
Is there any context to her worry such as bad experience in the past, etc? As mentioned they are pretty dosile and my wife (who has zero interest in driving/cars) will happily daily-drive my M140i and has never been troubled by it being RWD.
Chris
School runs on icy B-roads are the main concern, whether the handling in slippy conditions is trickier.Chris
AlexGSi2000 said:
Sounds like its going to be a BMW touring or a Volvo.
As for RWD, dont worry about it - if its being driven normally, you wont notice the difference.
Plethora of safety systems now anyway, traction control, ABS.etc - wont catch you out unless you are very unlucky, even in inclement weather.
Thanks, that helps. On the Volvo front, I had a C30, and that felt heavy on steering even to me. Being it the smallest Volvo going I’ve discounted them ever since on steering weight alone. Would keep an open mind to others if people’s experience differed though.As for RWD, dont worry about it - if its being driven normally, you wont notice the difference.
Plethora of safety systems now anyway, traction control, ABS.etc - wont catch you out unless you are very unlucky, even in inclement weather.
CivicDuties said:
Honda Civic Tourer, 1.8 i-VTEC petrol auto.
I've had one for 5 years, family of 4 (one kid now 6'2") and a dog, we have driven to Montenegro and back in it.
Hugely practical for its size, massive boot, magic seats, plenty of interior room, nice and nippy to drive. TC auto. Gets 40-50mpg on a run, it got us from Dumbarton to Reading this year on a single tank with 100 miles range remaining.
100% reliable, not a single issue with it yet.
I chose it from the pack for pretty much the exact same reasons you stated, OP. Brilliant things, sadly consigned to the dustbin of history by the trend for less practical, less fun to drive crossovers and SUVs. Get one while you can.
Really helpful, thank you. These were on my shortlist until I checked Honest John’s Real Mpg and saw 40 for mixed driving. Given our current mileage that’d be just too much a drop from our Auris. With you advocating for them though I’m going see if I can find one locally to have a look at 👍 I've had one for 5 years, family of 4 (one kid now 6'2") and a dog, we have driven to Montenegro and back in it.
Hugely practical for its size, massive boot, magic seats, plenty of interior room, nice and nippy to drive. TC auto. Gets 40-50mpg on a run, it got us from Dumbarton to Reading this year on a single tank with 100 miles range remaining.
100% reliable, not a single issue with it yet.
I chose it from the pack for pretty much the exact same reasons you stated, OP. Brilliant things, sadly consigned to the dustbin of history by the trend for less practical, less fun to drive crossovers and SUVs. Get one while you can.
StuTheGrouch said:
I have a BMW F31 335d (F30 is the saloon, F31 is the estate). Mine is X drive, which removes the RWD concern somewhat however I've had numerous BMWs over the years and RWD hasn't been an issue. Mine also has the heated seats, reverse camera etc.
Here's an F31 320d- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403288...
Doesn't seem to have a reverse camera but it is X drive.
And here's one with the reverse camera- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189...
Useful to add that to the mix of RWD context, thanks. I thought X-drive but then instantly thought that it would add a little weight to the steering feel, is that anything that holds true for you? Here's an F31 320d- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403288...
Doesn't seem to have a reverse camera but it is X drive.
And here's one with the reverse camera- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189...
Bobupndown said:
Were it not for you ruling out dsg box a Skoda Octavia estate ticks a lot of those boxes.
Secret to long life with dsg (as with most mechanical things) is to have it serviced. Lots don't then whinge when it packs up and spread the unfair reliability woes.
I hear you. My mechanic has one and vouches heavily for it, echoes exactly what you say about the boxes too. Seems that I need to get a wet clutch one in order to be in with a safer distance from known issues.Secret to long life with dsg (as with most mechanical things) is to have it serviced. Lots don't then whinge when it packs up and spread the unfair reliability woes.
My main trouble with the Octavias tends to be finding one with the camera & heated seats, at the right price/year/mileage.
All this being said, they’re still very much on my radar.
petrolJim said:
School runs on icy B-roads are the main concern, whether the handling in slippy conditions is trickier.
It will behave differently in low-grip situations but (with standard traction control on) I still think the cars require some pretty aggressive inputs to unsettle them. Mine runs winters through November-March and has taken ice, snow, torrential rain, etc in its stride. If you don't want to swap wheels, a decent set of all-seasons may give her the confidence she needs.Chris
I've got an F30 320D ED. Fuel efficiency is great, especially on long motorway trips. I've had 70.7mpg on a steady run from York to Keswick in the past. 60mpg is usually easily doable on the MW/DCW. I've taken mine from 27k to 87k, averaging 10k per year. My daily commute is about 12 miles on slowish roads, through villages and York itself, so far (touch wood) I've had no DPF issues. RWD isn't an issue, you can be heavy footed with the accelerator and the traction control sorts everything out with no fuss! I did think about getting some winter wheels/tyres when I bought the car but never did. I was right not to do so as it only snows one day in the year nowadays!
petrolJim said:
StuTheGrouch said:
I have a BMW F31 335d (F30 is the saloon, F31 is the estate). Mine is X drive, which removes the RWD concern somewhat however I've had numerous BMWs over the years and RWD hasn't been an issue. Mine also has the heated seats, reverse camera etc.
Here's an F31 320d- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403288...
Doesn't seem to have a reverse camera but it is X drive.
And here's one with the reverse camera- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189...
Useful to add that to the mix of RWD context, thanks. I thought X-drive but then instantly thought that it would add a little weight to the steering feel, is that anything that holds true for you? Here's an F31 320d- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403288...
Doesn't seem to have a reverse camera but it is X drive.
And here's one with the reverse camera- https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405189...
I did 60,00 in a civic 1.6 diesel estate over 3 years. Mostly at 60 mpg.
There was very little town driving, mostly long runs on a road and motorway.
I worked in a variety of honda dealerships and no one had anything bad to say about them. This was 2015-2018. 0 problems.
Some customers bought 1.6 diesel civics and only used them about town. They had some expensive trouble with DPf filters.
I have had a BMW 335d touring since 2018 and taken it from 90,000 to 140,00.
It melted some plastics in the engine when a egr valve failed. That was £3000 which was eventually covered by BMW.
It's had 2 more egr cooler under recall.
Other than that it's mostly done 40-50mpg. Mostly with a bike rack on for the last 4 years.
When it dies I'll probably replace it with a smaller engines 3 series tourer. Mostly for cost.
They are both nice cars, the BMW is nicer to drive (unsurprisingly)
The only time I ever felt the honda was slow was coming onto an a road from a service station. Sometimes it wasn't quite up to 70.
There was very little town driving, mostly long runs on a road and motorway.
I worked in a variety of honda dealerships and no one had anything bad to say about them. This was 2015-2018. 0 problems.
Some customers bought 1.6 diesel civics and only used them about town. They had some expensive trouble with DPf filters.
I have had a BMW 335d touring since 2018 and taken it from 90,000 to 140,00.
It melted some plastics in the engine when a egr valve failed. That was £3000 which was eventually covered by BMW.
It's had 2 more egr cooler under recall.
Other than that it's mostly done 40-50mpg. Mostly with a bike rack on for the last 4 years.
When it dies I'll probably replace it with a smaller engines 3 series tourer. Mostly for cost.
They are both nice cars, the BMW is nicer to drive (unsurprisingly)
The only time I ever felt the honda was slow was coming onto an a road from a service station. Sometimes it wasn't quite up to 70.
Peugeot 508 GT, these tick every box but a smidge over budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
GT Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404198...
Mondeo Hybrid Titanium Edition, these have a CVT gearbox which some like but others can't stand so a test drive will be needed:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405229...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404188...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404058...
1.5T (avoid the 1.0T) Focus Vignale:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404058...
The 1.5T Insignia is a great family car & again it ticks the boxes but has the bonus of being cheaper to buy (much nearer to 10k) & also being sensible on maintenance:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404198...
2.5 Mazda5 GT Sport Nav+:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405280...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405270...
GT Line:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404198...
Mondeo Hybrid Titanium Edition, these have a CVT gearbox which some like but others can't stand so a test drive will be needed:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405229...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404188...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404058...
1.5T (avoid the 1.0T) Focus Vignale:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404058...
The 1.5T Insignia is a great family car & again it ticks the boxes but has the bonus of being cheaper to buy (much nearer to 10k) & also being sensible on maintenance:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202404198...
2.5 Mazda5 GT Sport Nav+:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202405280...
petrolJim said:
I hear you. My mechanic has one and vouches heavily for it, echoes exactly what you say about the boxes too. Seems that I need to get a wet clutch one in order to be in with a safer distance from known issues.
My main trouble with the Octavias tends to be finding one with the camera & heated seats, at the right price/year/mileage.
All this being said, they’re still very much on my radar.
Cracking car, those and the Superbs, which I think will be my next car.My main trouble with the Octavias tends to be finding one with the camera & heated seats, at the right price/year/mileage.
All this being said, they’re still very much on my radar.
For heated seats and camera I guess you'd need a top spec Lauren and Clement, not sure if the VRS has heated seats?
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff