What Family Estate for £12k should I buy?
Discussion
Good morning all,
I'm going to buy a new car in soon and I'd love some advice about what to buy. I'll have a budget of £12k with no car to PX.
Ideally, I'd like no older than 2015 and mileage I'd like to buy with between 60-90k on the clock.
I'd like it to be comfortable for long journeys so leather and electric seats would be preferred. Id also like to have plenty of leg room in the rear so I have currently leant towards the Skoda Superb Estate. I'd love a sunroof but that's way down the "want" list.
Monday to Friday it'll be the wife driving the kids about a bit (not a lot) but then weekends we'll all pile in and take the inflatable paddleboard & kayak out.
The musts are:
Auto (the wife)
Big boot (hence estate)
Economical (would like 60+ mpg on long trips)
Cheaper to road tax (up to £150 per year)
So far these have been my observations:
VW Passat, too many miles on the clock in the age range that I'm looking at
BMW 3 and 5 Series Touring - Can't tell which I'd be better suited to
Skoda Superb - Front runner due to boot size but can't often find without some compromise on age / mileage / trim
Skoda Octavia - When compared to the Superb it doesn't have the same size rear leg room which is a consideration
Mercedes - don't appear to be in price range
Mazda 6 - seem OK if not a bit boring!?
Seat Leon - I'm sick of Seat ... I drive an Altea at the moment and don't like it
VW Golf - Not big enough
Any other suggestions?
I'm probably going to own this car for 5-6 years ... maybe longer if it goes well.
Thanks all
Additional - I thought I might add some more information so you get the sort of guy I am.
I love estate cars anyway ... It's always my go-to regardless of the fact that I have a wife and 2 kids.
The best car I've ever owned (I really loved it) was a Subaru Legacy 2.0L GL Sport. N/A sadly but I loved it.
I'd be looking at another one if I had the money to look at the E-boxer and sadly the diesel versions just don't quite do the MPG that I'm looking for. Also they aren't that cheap to road tax.
Also, this budget represents the most money i'll have ever spent on a car after nearly 20 years of being on the road so I'm really looking to have something I can be proud of for the next 5-6 years. I really want it to feel like I've upgraded from cheaper second hand runners you know .. just me being a bit selfish really.
I'm going to buy a new car in soon and I'd love some advice about what to buy. I'll have a budget of £12k with no car to PX.
Ideally, I'd like no older than 2015 and mileage I'd like to buy with between 60-90k on the clock.
I'd like it to be comfortable for long journeys so leather and electric seats would be preferred. Id also like to have plenty of leg room in the rear so I have currently leant towards the Skoda Superb Estate. I'd love a sunroof but that's way down the "want" list.
Monday to Friday it'll be the wife driving the kids about a bit (not a lot) but then weekends we'll all pile in and take the inflatable paddleboard & kayak out.
The musts are:
Auto (the wife)
Big boot (hence estate)
Economical (would like 60+ mpg on long trips)
Cheaper to road tax (up to £150 per year)
So far these have been my observations:
VW Passat, too many miles on the clock in the age range that I'm looking at
BMW 3 and 5 Series Touring - Can't tell which I'd be better suited to
Skoda Superb - Front runner due to boot size but can't often find without some compromise on age / mileage / trim
Skoda Octavia - When compared to the Superb it doesn't have the same size rear leg room which is a consideration
Mercedes - don't appear to be in price range
Mazda 6 - seem OK if not a bit boring!?
Seat Leon - I'm sick of Seat ... I drive an Altea at the moment and don't like it
VW Golf - Not big enough
Any other suggestions?
I'm probably going to own this car for 5-6 years ... maybe longer if it goes well.
Thanks all
Additional - I thought I might add some more information so you get the sort of guy I am.
I love estate cars anyway ... It's always my go-to regardless of the fact that I have a wife and 2 kids.
The best car I've ever owned (I really loved it) was a Subaru Legacy 2.0L GL Sport. N/A sadly but I loved it.
I'd be looking at another one if I had the money to look at the E-boxer and sadly the diesel versions just don't quite do the MPG that I'm looking for. Also they aren't that cheap to road tax.
Also, this budget represents the most money i'll have ever spent on a car after nearly 20 years of being on the road so I'm really looking to have something I can be proud of for the next 5-6 years. I really want it to feel like I've upgraded from cheaper second hand runners you know .. just me being a bit selfish really.
Edited by RicoBanderez on Tuesday 30th March 12:03
Jonno02 said:
Hear me out.
I had to upsize my car recently and was looking for an estate. Went through many of the options you have listed and settled on an automatic Vauxhall Insignia SRI vx-line. 2 years old, £12k, 28k on the clock and a high spec (heated seats, heating steering wheel, heated screen, digital dash etc). 165bhp in it, so it's not rapid by any means, but it's certainly not sluggish. Certainly surprised by the quality of the interior too.
thanks @jonno02I had to upsize my car recently and was looking for an estate. Went through many of the options you have listed and settled on an automatic Vauxhall Insignia SRI vx-line. 2 years old, £12k, 28k on the clock and a high spec (heated seats, heating steering wheel, heated screen, digital dash etc). 165bhp in it, so it's not rapid by any means, but it's certainly not sluggish. Certainly surprised by the quality of the interior too.
How long have you have you had it now? You aren't the 1st person to say that and when i've checked Cinch / Cazoo they're certainly coming up as options.
Something I'm considering as well but didn't mention above (I might edit the post) is the annual running cost. Id like to cost less than my Altea which is currently £800 a year at my local garage just keeping it going. It's never anything major but it just always costs a lot of money all the time.
Although I've said some pretty uncharitable things about their typical drivers in the past, I have to say that if I wasn't bothered about my estates having at least some off-road ability then an Insignia would be a very strong contender. For something as big and as loaded with kit as they are they are a bargain and the newer ones even look pretty natty.
Just throwing another one in the mix - OH has a 2016 308SW HDi Auto primarily for Dog carriage duties as the boot is the largest in class. Not a sporty ride by any means but comfy over long distances. Free road tax and 60mpg. Should be able to get a pretty new one for your budget.
Edited by Dal3D on Tuesday 30th March 10:14
RicoBanderez said:
thanks @jonno02
How long have you have you had it now? You aren't the 1st person to say that and when i've checked Cinch / Cazoo they're certainly coming up as options.
Something I'm considering as well but didn't mention above (I might edit the post) is the annual running cost. Id like to cost less than my Altea which is currently £800 a year at my local garage just keeping it going. It's never anything major but it just always costs a lot of money all the time.
I've only had it for 4 months, but it's been great. Well put together, extremely comfortable, great spec and the autobox is surprisingly good (coming from VAG DSG's I was expecting it to be terrible). Mine is the 1.5 petrol and it's not amazing on fuel (30mpg~ generally per tank but to be fair my driving is a lot of short journeys under 8 miles) but it's a big boat of a car. I was pretty wary of returning to vauxhall after years in VAG cars, but there's nothing really negative about the car that sticks out to me; plus I actually think the current estate Insignia is a good looking car.How long have you have you had it now? You aren't the 1st person to say that and when i've checked Cinch / Cazoo they're certainly coming up as options.
Something I'm considering as well but didn't mention above (I might edit the post) is the annual running cost. Id like to cost less than my Altea which is currently £800 a year at my local garage just keeping it going. It's never anything major but it just always costs a lot of money all the time.
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11405720?c...
Volvo V70. Lot's of kit, big boot. Might be worth a look.
2l gives a lot better mpg - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...
Volvo V70. Lot's of kit, big boot. Might be worth a look.
2l gives a lot better mpg - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...
Edited by Masiv on Tuesday 30th March 10:18
Masiv said:
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11405720?c...
Volvo V70. Lot's of kit, big boot. Might be worth a look.
2l gives a lot better mpg - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...
Thanks @Masiv! that's been favorited Volvo V70. Lot's of kit, big boot. Might be worth a look.
2l gives a lot better mpg - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...
Edited by Masiv on Tuesday 30th March 10:18
That Volvo looks decent.
You mentioned an Octavia. I had a Scout for over 3 years and it was great family transport. The Superb is obviously more roomy but I was always surprised at what I could fit in the Octavia for our regular Aviemore holidays with the kids.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103290...
You mentioned an Octavia. I had a Scout for over 3 years and it was great family transport. The Superb is obviously more roomy but I was always surprised at what I could fit in the Octavia for our regular Aviemore holidays with the kids.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103290...
First on the list should be the Mondeo preferably in Titanium 180 spec with the X Pack it's the best FWD steer in class with a fit & finish on par with VW/Skoda:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102048...
508 GT these come fully loaded but are a little bit smaller than the Mondeo/Superb
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103109...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102229...
CLS250 AMG Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103250...
2017 Insignia SRI VX Line 170 when it comes to VFM these are nigh on impossible to beat for your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102169...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103260...
Mazda6 Sport Nav 175
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102048...
508 GT these come fully loaded but are a little bit smaller than the Mondeo/Superb
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103109...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102229...
CLS250 AMG Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103250...
2017 Insignia SRI VX Line 170 when it comes to VFM these are nigh on impossible to beat for your budget:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102169...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103260...
Mazda6 Sport Nav 175
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103120...
I recently had similar problem - I was seriously considering 508 SW. Did lot of research, people are apparently trashing 1.6 HDi, but after lot of reading, its because some other versions had issues - the one in 508 SW is absolutely fine (there were more then 10 different versions of this engine). I drove Citroen C5 for several years and never had serious issues - the last one (56 reg) started to give lot of check engine warnings recently, but I decided not to investigate and get a new car - I had to anyway because of ULEZ and lack of a trusted cheap garage. Also, the Peugeot doesn't have complicated auto boxes that are expensive to drive. But instead I went for petrol CRV as reliability is most valued car virtue for me.
Martyn76 said:
Is it me or is the new Insignia an ok looking car? Hints of Jag XF estate and possibly better built, it's built in Germany?
No, not just you.Neighbour has one and it really looks good.
Same with the Mondeo, not quite as nice as the Insignia but then the Mondeo is meant to be the better drive.
Personally I think the C Class would be too small for the OP, ditto 3 series and not as good VFM.
IMO the V70 is looking it's age, not helped by how good the latest Volvos look (and I'm a huge Volvo fan).
Superb is massive so has the space but not sure if they drive as well as the Mondeo and look quite plain IMO.
Also you'll probably want the 190 bhp version and they aren't many around.
5 series aren't as good VFM but they drive well and has probably the best gearbox.
If you go for the M Sport or Luxury you'll pay a premium, most are company car SE spec.
Edited by GreatGranny on Thursday 1st April 11:32
Hi all,
Thanks very much for the suggestions!
It’s helped in that I’m considering the longer term running costs considering I’m looking to get a car that’s 3-6 years old and keep it for 5+ years but not helped in that I’m fighting practicality/desirability.
I’ve only ever had 1 car in my 19 years of driving that I’ve been really proud of so I’m looking to change that. I’m also looking for something that’s comfortable for long journeys and I do like my tech.
My timeline though has recently changed and due to new boiler being needed 1st, it’s now September time that I’ll be making a purchase.
So I guess the thing is which is going to be win ... head or heart.
Head is Vauxhall Insignia Estate / Skoda Superb Estate
Heart is Mercedes C class estate / BMW 3 or 5 series Estate
Remember... budget is £12k and trying to be Max 6 years old and between 60-90k on the clock
Thanks very much for the suggestions!
It’s helped in that I’m considering the longer term running costs considering I’m looking to get a car that’s 3-6 years old and keep it for 5+ years but not helped in that I’m fighting practicality/desirability.
I’ve only ever had 1 car in my 19 years of driving that I’ve been really proud of so I’m looking to change that. I’m also looking for something that’s comfortable for long journeys and I do like my tech.
My timeline though has recently changed and due to new boiler being needed 1st, it’s now September time that I’ll be making a purchase.
So I guess the thing is which is going to be win ... head or heart.
Head is Vauxhall Insignia Estate / Skoda Superb Estate
Heart is Mercedes C class estate / BMW 3 or 5 series Estate
Remember... budget is £12k and trying to be Max 6 years old and between 60-90k on the clock
Jonno02 said:
Hear me out.
I had to upsize my car recently and was looking for an estate. Went through many of the options you have listed and settled on an automatic Vauxhall Insignia SRI vx-line. 2 years old, £12k, 28k on the clock and a high spec (heated seats, heating steering wheel, heated screen, digital dash etc). 165bhp in it, so it's not rapid by any means, but it's certainly not sluggish (although with your MPG requirement it'd be a diesel with slightly less power). Certainly surprised by the quality of the interior too.
I had to upsize my car recently and was looking for an estate. Went through many of the options you have listed and settled on an automatic Vauxhall Insignia SRI vx-line. 2 years old, £12k, 28k on the clock and a high spec (heated seats, heating steering wheel, heated screen, digital dash etc). 165bhp in it, so it's not rapid by any means, but it's certainly not sluggish (although with your MPG requirement it'd be a diesel with slightly less power). Certainly surprised by the quality of the interior too.
Does the 2 l diesel have less power than the 1.5 petrol? I thought they were both 165bhp? We're considering both. My concern was that the petrol engine might require constant gear changes in the mid range. I don't think you'll get a 2 yr old , 2 l diesel for £12k, but we have been looking for manuals, so automatics might be cheaper as their seems to be more of them about.
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