Thinking of treating myself to a new motor and think it'll be an estate. Probably looking at diesel, 2015 to 2019 age. Thinking Audi or Merc, BMW not really doing it for me. Any thoughts on either of these? Or other suggestions? TIA
I’ve got a 2015 335d x drive, does all the family / dump run stuff well, 8 speed ZF box is great (and I’m not a fan of autos) reasonably quick and 40-45 mpg, I’ve had it much longer than I would normally keep a car because I can’t think of anything that would do its duties better.
330 diesel with M package niceness All the space you need with fold flat rear seats Six cylinders, ZF box, like shit off a shovel! Shame it’s my wife’s
I have an old (2007) Peugeot 307 diesel estate with 7 seats, that just keeps on going and going. Well into 6 figures on the odometer, but it passes the MOT every year with minimal or no work needing doing. Its not a head turner, but its isn't fugly either. I just had two 78" internal house doors shoved in the back with the tailgate down, so its as good as a small van for shifting stuff about. I never actually had seven peeps in it - but it does have 3 point belts for each of the seven seats and every seat in the car is adjustable and/or easily removable individually. I do have a two year old company motor as well, and we have a further two cars at the house, so much as I would like a Merc or BMW estate to replace the Pug - I just cannot justify buying one. The car itself is pre DPF, so there are no issues with it being used as a shopping trolley, it ran down to Milton Keynes and back last year and had no issues there either, it is all aluminium bodied so doesn't rust and even has a panoramic sun roof. Its worth next to nothing and it paid me off what I bought it for long ago. I've had it 11 and a bit years. I really doubt I will buy any other motor that will ever behave quite as well as this has done.
SEAT Leon, 2 litre diesel, 190ps. I have the DSG gearbox which has a 40,000 miles oil change, independent of any other servicing. I tow the bike trailer and get track day gear for 2 riders in the back, including a generator and a gazebo. Great fun to drive and goes really well, stick it in sport mode and it really goes well. Andy
I have a BMW 520d touring, it’s an excellent mix of practicality, performance (7.5 0-60) and economy (45-60mpg). If I didn’t have it I’d consider a Skoda Superb or Octavia VRs. In diesel or petrol they’re excellent estate cars.
The old V70 D5 estates are very comfortable and safe, with good carrying capacity, but they can get expensive to run once things start wearing out. The proper D5 5-cylinder diesel engine (not whatever Volvo put into a "D5" these days) is good too, but probably not quite up there with the BMW and Mercedes 6-cylinder units (whereas I am not sure I would want to risk an Audi 6-cylinder diesel, but maybe do some research). The suspension doesn't seem to be quite durable enough and the electronics develop faults which aren't simple to repair. Obviously there are plenty of aftermarket parts available but the Volvo pricing for many spares is of the "you're having a laugh" type, not that they are the only ones guilty of that.
This could tick all your boxes? Great price too! https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324611950497?hash=item4b946147a1:g:s84AAOSwXBxgSRlB
I have a BMW 330I GT M Sport. It’s huge inside, more room than a 5 series and with seats down is like an estate. Goes like the proverbial, stunning stereo. But being petrol at a steady 90 it’s 37mpg and in London about 28mpg. I will keep it till it falls apart, it’s mint 2015 and perfectly reliable.
Honda Accord Tourer. Absolutely bulletproof reliability. Relatively quick. Nice to drive. Comfortable. Most have loads of stuff as standard that was extra in European cars. Loads of boot space, with a flat load-bed and low bumper, so easy to get stuff in and out. And they don't suffer from the "stigma" of being an Audi driver
A4 Avant, 2.0tsi or tdi. BMW 3.0 d tourer Passat All superb with lots of space and comfort. Was very nicely surprised at how good the 2.0tsi Audi is for the mix of performance and economy. Had one fully loaded for a trip from UK to France in 2018. 3 people, Back seat part folded, full of tools, drills, equipment and luggage. It was still blisteringly quick and returned 45mpg while making progress in France and the semi auto was a treat in traffic jam UK.
I’ve got a 2017 A6 Black edition 2.0 tdi, brilliant car, huge amount of space, only regret is I didn’t get the Quattro version !
It’s interesting the amount of good reports for estate cars. They’re tremendously flexible utilitarian vehicles. Far more room than 4 x4’s. By the sounds of it there’s a good selection out there. I’ve got a Mercedes e350 (3L) diesel, done almost 130k miles. It’s the 3rd one I’ve had, last one I had 14 years. Massive room inside when you drop the seats down or takes 5 people with ease and still has good luggage space. Also has a tow bar that folds away so you can’t see it, which is great. I use it to tow bikes on a Motolug trailer which comes apart and goes in the boot with ease. I recommend both. Khan, the dickhead Mayor of London is forcing everyone to sell up perfectly good vehicles like these and go hybrid etc. Rather than sell my 2012 version I’m going to sell the house and move out of London. Enough said.
I have an Alfa 159 Sportwagon ti 2.4 diesel. Had it for years, now getting on a bit but great to drive, looks pretty and cheap as chips. Not overly big inside but good enough for my needs.
