Hi, I'm looking for help finding our next family car. Previously we've had a 2006 Accord CDTi estate and had no end of trouble with the tailgate and currently a Subaru Legacy 2.0R estate, which is currently OK, but has showed signs of an unreliable engine and parts have proven to be very expensive.
So I've now got a budget of around £5k and would like to find a reliable family car with good load space. We don't do a high annual mileage so I'm thinking petrol, but I'm not averse to diesel as long as there isn't a DPF. ISOFIX is a must as we've got two car seats that need it. I'm not a badge snob or a speed freak, so any suggestions would be welcome!
Currently thinking along the lines of Suzuki Grand Vitara, but not many petrol variants around. Mazda 5's also look good value. So what you got car buffs of STW?
I'd have said Petrol Accord with that description, but assume you wouldn't want another one?
It's not so much low annual mileage, it's short trips that diesels don't like.
Mondeo every time with that description.
V50 1.6 Drive here (tax free)
Mazda 6 estate 2.0l petrol.
[url= http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201702262711531?fuel-type=Petrol&make=MAZDA&sort=sponsored&body-type=Estate&model=MAZDA6&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=dh14eh&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&page=1 ][/url]
Just an example of what you can get.
Not my post code by the way!
As above, Mondeo. An older V70 would fit the bill as well, but it will be a higher miler than the Mondeo. So, get a Mondeo.
Mazda 6 and Mondeo both look like a good shout. Even the hatchback boots look large. Will have to view some.
Honda CRV? bit thirsty..
Any minute now a Skoda will be mentioned.
Volvo V50 or
Avensis Estate. I would go with an Avensis
[url= http://www.monkscrossusedcars.co.uk/used-mazda-6-york-yorkshire-1104340 ]Mazda 6[/url]
This was the one Inbred456 was linking to
[url= http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201704104281026?price-to=5500&make=FORD&radius=1501&postcode=ol145px&fuel-type=Petrol&year-from=2008&body-type=Estate&sort=datedesc&onesearchad=New&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&model=MONDEO&advertising-location=at_cars&page=1 ]Mondeo[/url] and £1300 change.
Berlingo Multispace or Partner Tepee
Mondingo.
Bloody link didn't work. I tell you what that Mazda 6 looks a lot of car for 5k. If you can get an auto they have a proper auto box so no DMF. What's not to like. When my current deal with my Yeti ends in October I may well go back to a used car. This thread has sparked a lot of interest in just what you can get for a few K.
That Mondeo is a good shout but I would want roof rails on an estate. Still good value though. I think the Mazda is a nicer looking car though.
Thanks all, purchased a lovely (imo) Mazda 6 yesterday. 2007 petrol with only 66,000 miles on the clock. Previous MOT history indicates it's been well looked after and the bodywork is tidy. Thanks for the advice, here's hoping it's reliable!
Berlingo Multispace or Partner Tepee
Horrid seating position, there's a footrest next to the clutch pedal that forces you to sit with knees bent, there's no space to be able to stretch your leg out, although it's sort of possible with the auto.
I have an arthritic left knee, and driving those is absolute misery.
Just noticed the OP has gone for a Mazda6, good shout, only driven one, but very impressed with it.
Hmmm, I'll need to double check mine as it is very comfy...foot rest works well for me (but I'm lucky as don't have arthritis (yet!)).
SKODA OCTAVIA. Well someone had to say it. Actually the 1.6 petrol version makes perfect sense in this case.
The 1.4tsi makes even more sense.
I imagine a 1600 petrol octavia estate would be painfully slow unless it's turbo charged.
2.0 petrol is a good size for an estate.
Not great efficiency for town driving but fine on a motorway.
