ESTATE cars are not really that cool.
Unless it’s a RS Audi, an M5 or an AMG Mercedes, the humble family holdall has very little kudos out on the road.
The rise of the MPVs like the Ford C-MAX and SUV crossovers such as the Nissan Qashqai have really put sales of the family estate under pressure.
What was once the de-facto choice for the family on the move is now an endangered species.
And that’s great news for the secondhand buyer. Compared to the more fashionable offerings the estate car’s lack of desirability makes them very cheap indeed.
Combine this with a petrol engine and you have the perfect recipe for canny, hassle free motoring.
To put this in some kind of perspective, UsedCarExpert data shows that the average price for 2.0 diesel Mondeo estate, at three years old, is £10,261.
A Ford S-MAX with the same engine and mileage comes in at £13,520. That’s quite a difference.
So if you don’t care about fashion and just want a practical, sensible car for carrying loads of stuff about, here are our three best picks at the £3,000, £5,000, and £8,000 price points.
Ford Mondeo
The Mondeo is the definitive family estate. The ride handling compromise is second to none and although cars at this price point are one generation old, they are still pin sharp. The cabin is huge and it feels well put together. Should hold its value well too.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: An eight year old car, with less than 50,000 miles on the clock with a 2.0 petrol engine and smooth automatic gearbox, can be picked up for £2,950
Vauxhall Vectra
It’s amazing how much money the wrong badge can save you. Here’s a class competitive car with excellent engine, chassis and mechanicals – yet it’s unbelievably cheap. Absolutely huge inside and immensely practical. As well built as an Audi yet half the price.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: A five year old car, with 60,00 miles showing and a 1.8 petrol engine is on sale for £4,895
Mercedes E-Class
If you go petrol and don’t care about the specification, even the mighty E-Class is within range. The gold standard of family estates and with good reason. Incredibly comfortable and easy to use, with unrivalled load capacity. Or you could buy a diesel Renault Scenic with loads of miles for the same money.
UsedCarExpert.co.uk cars for sale: A six year old car, with a bullet proof 2.8 petrol and full leather, with under 40,000 miles on the clock, is on sale for £7,995.
Motors.co.uk value verdict:
