Can anyone recommend an Estate for £2.5k Max?

pippy100

I am looking for an Estate car mainly for putting our dog(German Shepherd) in when we go for walks. Budget is £2.5k Max. I like A4,Volvo V40, Saab, alfa romeo 156 But want to ask what you guys would recommend either because you own one or have experience of them. Things i should look out for,potential problems etc?
Basically anything to help me decide and find a car that fits my needs and budget?
Thank You.

LandyAndy

I like A4,Volvo V40, Saab, alfa romeo 156

I don't think I would be buying a 'premium' estate to put a dog in.

pippy100

LandyAndy wrote: »

I don't think I would be buying a 'premium' estate to put a dog in.

Lol, i want a nice looking,nice drive also. The dog would be in the back in a crate so won't get too messy(I hope!).

Hintza

At that price level their premium days are over!

michaelvintner

Skoda Octavia

LandyAndy

Hintza wrote: »

At that price level their premium days are over!

Not necessarily when it comes to insurance and servicing/repair costs.



Old definition of an optimist - Someone who thinks he can just afford to run a second hand Aston Martin.

pippy100

Thanks Guys for your replies, but other then michaelvintner. You haven't actually given me any sound advice?! Other than the make of car as Hintza states the budget i don't thinks warrants 'Premium' status. But i assume would be built better? I appreciate that it would possibly be an older model than maybe a run of the mill estate but having had Mondeos, Focus's etc i fancied something different.
Would i really be wasting my money on the makes i am looking at?

harveybobbles

LandyAndy wrote: »

I don't think I would be buying a 'premium' estate to put a dog in.

Been there, done that. Wrecked a 525d and a lovely A4. So now I stick to a humble Mondeo estate that gets abused.

jackieb

I have an 8yr old A4 with almost 110k on the clock. It's not an Avant unfortunately. Husband is wanting to replace it but if it were up to me i'd keep it - it feels like i'm sitting in an armchair when i'm driving it - very comfy! Absolutely no rust on the bodywork, so if you were looking for an older premium model you know that rust wouldn't be a problem in an Audi. Quite expensive to repair though and any bulbs in the front are a nightmare to change. We have to take it to the local garage, who charge for half an hour of time to change a bulb!

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Old shape Volvo V70 would be my choice. Superb car.

Please don't get the older V40. They are horrific, and are Mitsubishis in disguise.

goldspanners

pippy100 wrote: »

Other than the make of car as Hintza states the budget i don't thinks warrants 'Premium' status. But i assume would be built better? I appreciate that it would possibly be an older model than maybe a run of the mill estate but having had Mondeos, Focus's etc i fancied something different.
Would i really be wasting my money on the makes i am looking at?

at the age and mileage you will be looking at things will need doing at some point soon i would imagine.

what landy is trying to say is even although it isn't a new premium car it still comes with the associated running costs of a premium car,even more so due to age and mileage.
an old merc or volvo will need parts and repairs but so will an older focus or astra,the only difference being the focus and astra will be cheaper to maintain.

but seen as you asked about premium marques (i know volvo isn't exactly premium) but for your needs a volvo 940 or the later v70. i don't know much about the v70 but the 940 was great to look at under the bonnet, everything was easily accesed to service and fairly simplistic with a certain old fashioned look to it,which is great.
but did have a few electrical gremlins like most volvos,but could be easily remedied or just put up with.
they drive great,especially the automatic 2.3 low pressure turbo.