3k mountain bike and daily car

[TopPlonker]

Hi all,

I've recently got into mountain biking and really enjoy it, I'm looking for something to make that a bit easier than my current fiesta.

I'm looking for a car that's £3k-ish, that I can sleep in and will hold a bike. I'm currently pissing about with a tent and a blow up bed which just isn't comfortable. I'm looking for something with a large flat interior that I can put a foam mattress into when I go away this summer.

I've looked at mondeo estates, kept my eyes peeled for a good ST220 estate but they are few and far between now sadly.

£3k also creeps into older Land Rover Disco money but I am curious if this is for a reason.

I've never liked BMW's but some of their touring models keep coming up.

There's also a vauxhal antera locally that looks kind of nice but the dealer has had it for a while... Are they pants?

I'd prefer something sensible, I'm not overly into cars beyond a vehicle to go A to B (mainly as I can only afford sheds) but wouldn't mind something a bit nicer than my usual cheapest car within 10 mile strategy.

What would you suggest?

[Truckosaurus]

One of the things to check when in the market for something cheap and big, is that they haven't dropped into the £675 tax bracket - I know some Discoveries do.

That certainly makes a cheap car expensive to keep going.

[AKjr]

Volvo V70 D5 would be just the ticket, I think

[Pent]

for all different reasons i got myself a 2006 VW touran 1.9PD

lovely engine , 6 speed , cavanous interior and can even tow as it has a tow bar. 100k miles on the clock full history. Parts are cheap and very reliable , comfortable to sleep in too. all for the princly sum of £2000

[Scootersp]

Volvo XC90 2.4 D5 Active (manual) ?

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd suggest looking at an MPV as they''re more suited to your needs.

Mazda5:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304236...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305237...

Ford Galaxy:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303185...

[biggbn]

Something with a Toyota badge.

[georgeyboy12345]

Get a van

Citroen Berlingo (or Peugeot Partner) - get the 90 bhp version over the 75 bhp one
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202305257...


Vauxhall Astra van 1.7 CDTi
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202304055...


Mercedes Citan 1.5 CDI
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202305267...

[TopPlonker]

I'm only 32 so I'm trying to stay away from Volvo's for at least another 10 years.

I don't want an MPV either, although they would probably work fine.

I can't have a van, I occasionally need back seats when it's my turn to drive to the footie.

Suggestions are good enough, keep them coming.

Any thoughts on VW Tuaregs? I've seen a couple from 05-08 in budget.

[redrabbit29]

Following as am also interested in this. Not just for biking but for days out running like a trip to Wales or something

[Jamescrs]

TopPlonker said:

I'm only 32 so I'm trying to stay away from Volvo's for at least another 10 years.

I don't want an MPV either, although they would probably work fine.

I can't have a van, I occasionally need back seats when it's my turn to drive to the footie.

Suggestions are good enough, keep them coming.

Any thoughts on VW Tuaregs? I've seen a couple from 05-08 in budget.

When you are looking at cheqap Landrovers and Tuaregs you have to consider these were probably 50k plus cars new and even though they are cheap now they have potential to throw a 50k car bill at you at some point.

I'd take a Tuareg over a Landrover but even so don't forget about running costs, buy carefully

[Truckosaurus]

biggbn said:

Something with a Toyota badge.

Indeed. Something dull like a Verso with a petrol engine will cost pennies to run compared to a rusty old Disco or shonky Toerag.

Although it looks like you'll need 4k to get into a non-written off one.

Otherwise, how about a Suzuki (Grand) Vitara?

[Fusion777]

Touareg for £3k is going to be a nail. Don't forget running costs.

[imck]

Large hatches any good?
Have just sold my 2008 Mazda 6. The boot was huge and pretty flat. Never tried lying down in it though.

https://parkers-images.bauersecure.com/wp-images/1...
.
Have slept in the back of a MK 3 Escort estate.
A Focus sized estate may be suitable.

[valiant]

Subaru Legacy/Outback?

[7 5 7]

Vectra estate? Get a bloody good one for £3k,this is without the seats down either this image, or Mondeo estate or Accord Estate equally as big and cheap!!

Suppose you want the squarest/boxy as you can, don't discount a "...I will whisper quietly, for not to awake the hate I will receive" Vauxhall Zafira...

Edited by 7 5 7 on Saturday 27th May 17:49

[defblade]

Citroen C5 estates feel like good value at the moment. No clue if you can get a flat floor in them or if they're long enough to sleep in tho, but might be worth a look.

[ninjag]

How tall are you? Just thinking about boot depth.

[LudaMusser]

Having mtb all over the UK, I’d suggest an estate car

When I had a Passat estate I’d have the back seats down and not even have to remove a wheel, the bike would go straight in. Just sling it in, no fking about in the cold and rain

Any big SUV for up to £3k is going to be a snotter. Some have £600+ tax too

Get a German wagon

[Oldybaldy17]

How about a skoda superb/octavia estate. Masses of room and comfortable for travelling around.