Car question

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BikerGran · #1 Post by **BikerGran** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 8:57 pm

I have a Nissan estate car which I find very useful as I can sleep in it if it's too wet or I'm too tired to put the tent up, and of course for carrying stuff around, but it's getting old, and I need to think about what to get when something goes wrong that's too expensive to repair. It has to be an automatic as I can't use a clutch pedal.

But searching for used estate cars only brings up really old ones, or Mercs and Volvos. (I don't want anything that's going to have gold-plated parts!) So I'm wondering if they call them something other than 'estate car' these days, and if so, what is it?

#2 Post by **mangocrazy** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:05 pm

I think 'estate' is still the accepted term. Shooting brake went out of favour in the late 60s/early 70s I think...

You might try looking at Ford Mondeo estates, they're pretty cavernous inside and the older ones (over 8 years old or so) are cheap now.

Aladinsaneuk · #3 Post by **Aladinsaneuk** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:32 pm

Tbh

If it's a good car - and mechanically sound - don't change it

Especially if it owes you nothing....

A lot of modern cars, imho, have a finite life - a well cared for older car lasts longer

D-Rider · #4 Post by **D-Rider** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:50 pm

"Wagon" and "Station Wagon" are other terms used.

My Mazda 6 estate was brilliant .... but ended up smoking and had a few other problems before I traded it in for a Merc. The Merc is brilliant - so comfortable and incredibly fuel efficient but I do regret deciding it would be too extravagant to put in the extra to get an estate.
That said, if I hadn't opted out of the company car scheme and get paid a car allowance, I'd not have even considered it.
An older Merc would probably be a good bet - they go on for miles.

BikerGran · #5 Post by **BikerGran** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 9:53 pm

I'd have subscribed to that view a few years ago, but although 16 years old, it's modern enough to have all sorts of electronic stuff that's starting to give problems, like the key fobs that don't work any more, and the box of tricks that needs replacing to make the blower work on the 2nd setting - last year I had to have an ABS sensor replaced which cost a ridiculous sum of money, the kickdown works when it feels like it, and now there's a nasty noise when I'm on the right hand lock, doesn't sound like a cv joint so I need to get that checked out.

All these things are fixable but there'll always be another and another, and I want something that's as reliable as this one was for the first few years. I'm not planning to part with it just yet, but I'm also very much aware that any kind of bodywork prang would result in the car being written off, as would any really expensive repair to engine or gearbox (or whatever it's called when it's auto) so I really need to be on the ball as to what to look for.

Have to say the idea of a Mondeo appals me as the last two I've driven were soooooo uninspiring!

Willopotomas · #6 Post by **Willopotomas** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 10:29 pm

Older Ford Galaxy's can be had quite cheap. They also come with auto boxes. The 2.3 petrol isn't as thirsty as it sounds and once all the rear sears are removed, it's like having a small van. My old one slept three adults in comfort when we did LeMans last year. Just as thought.

Gio · #7 Post by **Gio** » Tue Oct 13, 2015 10:31 pm

Hyundai i30 estate, its a nice car if a bit insipid, lots to the gallon and if you can get an auto its a proper one. a 2010 will cost about 6k. BTW make sure its petrol if you do want one, I think the markets fallen apart on any diesel.

flatlander · #8 Post by **flatlander** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 7:06 am

Honda every time solid basic but less to go wrong relatively cheap and same for repairs think the older ones were aero deck go for miles had a merc a class nice to drive but made of glass and ridiculously expensive for repairs
What about the Honda CRV cracking cars

wayno · #9 Post by **wayno** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 11:51 am

I have a Vauxhall astra estate, big enough to fit 8" planks in over the top of the front seats, might be a bit small for sleeping in.

If you're searching, used the body type selections in auto trader. Estate is still what they're called, but maybe not in the description.

randomsquid · #10 Post by **randomsquid** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 4:35 pm

Gio wrote:Hyundai i30 estate, its a nice car if a bit insipid, lots to the gallon and if you can get an auto its a proper one. a 2010 will cost about 6k. BTW make sure its petrol if you do want one, I think the markets fallen apart on any diesel.

My sister and her husband have both got Hyundais and they've been very solid. One I10 bought new seven or eight years ago an I20 bought a couple of years ago to ferry grand kids about and another one that lives at their flat abroad. Used to only buy Volkswagens but they seem to be better now.

BikerGran · #11 Post by **BikerGran** » Wed Oct 14, 2015 9:43 pm

Lots of estates a lot newer than mine seem to have higher mileage than mine!

Been looking at reviews on What Car - strangely they don't list Hyundai!

So far I'm most tempted by a Vauxhall Vectra - as well as other stuff, it's red! (well I am a woman!).

But it's a good thing I've got plenty of time to think about it!

Another stupid thing I've noticed - when you're searching for an estate, clearly the load soace is one the main things of interest - but the photos only EVER show you the load space with the rear seats up, not with them down. Daft.

T.C. · #12 Post by **T.C.** » Thu Oct 15, 2015 9:06 am

Have you considered the Jaguar X-Type estate?

Now that the the X-Type has been out of production for 3 or 4 years and the new XE is in the showrooms, with the older model you get a lot of metal and toys for your buck.

The estate is very spacious in the back, and although I have the saloon, I have had it from new and it has been uber reliable and is the most comfortable car I have ever had and I have driven a number over the years.

BikerGran · #13 Post by **BikerGran** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 9:44 am

I thought about it for about a second TC!

I know it's daft but I'm old and way back, the Jag name really meant something - my dad had a couple of Jags, different models of MkIII I think.

I just can't stomach the idea of a Jag estate car - it seems all wrong and terribly sad - I just wouldn't be happy to own one.

squadron Nero · #14 Post by **squadron Nero** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 10:47 am

If you want something reliable and cheap a Honda Accord estate would be a good choice. I'd go for a Bmw e46 touring. I've just sold my 330d and couldn't fault it in any way. That had the step tropic auto box and although I despise autos it was actually a brilliant gearbox. They can be picked up cheap and are pretty much bombproof. An e39 touring is even cheaper to buy, larger and won't cost anymore to run. You'll probably be fine as long as you steer clear of anything French or Italian.

fatboy · #15 Post by **fatboy** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 5:45 pm

Yep, I'd agree with steering clear of French or Italian cars