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So we need a new vehicle after I wrote off our last large diesel estate. What’s the current best way you go about it?
Last one was a lease which was nice (set cost, brand new car), but now the insurance has paid off the lease we have nothing to show for having it.
We have some cash 5-10k in the bank we could use, but not sure where to put it in a changing market of petrol/diesel taxation etc.
Needs to take 2 people and 2-4 bikes on long trips, won’t get used much during the week as I ride most days to work. As an example we are driving to Ironman Austria this year, and possibly a trip MTBing in Scotland later in autumn (from wilts). Also can’t be a pig to drive- estates are nice to cruise the motorway vs a van (unless a very new/nice van!)
So recommend me what you have/ how you bought it!
Whatever you do, don't spend 5-10k on a car.
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Berlingo has been discussed, but I’ve never sat in one never mind driven one. I’m thinking a cadddy would be too expensive with a VW badge on the front.
Agreed that it’s a lot of cash to put into a car, and I’m e that’s the best way of using the money.
Have a look at a Galaxy / Sharan... more car than van, loads about, drives like a car.....
Berlingo has been discussed, but I’ve never sat in one never mind driven one
put prejudices aside and drive a modern one, a million miles from the old ones (of which ive had 2) Its no audi , but it doesnt pretend to be, its a utilitarian mile muncher very well suited to moving loads like bikes long distances while taking up a minimal foot print.
'more car than van, loads about, drives like a car'
a tall and heavy car - in much the same way a van drives like a car really.
Volvo V70 D5
Big, fast(ish), comfy, economical(ish) and well made. Many out there are on well over 200k miles.
Ideal for crossing continents in comfort.
(Make sure the handbrake shoes have been renewed or they wreck the hubs but not much else to worry about.)
Spend £3-4k on one with a good SH and stick another £1k in a contingency fund and off you go...