3k max- which diesel hatchback/estate

mrs_baggins

my little car is very poorly so am on the look out for a replcement.I dont car about looks etc as my current car has many dents etc and it doesnt bother me. I am after the impossible I think though!

i need the following:

big enough to get pushbike and camping gear in hence hatchback
diesel
easily/cheaply repaired
good fuel ecomony
lowish car tax (currently about £180)

I know zilch about cars but am looking around at weekend to see whats on offer. was thinking maybe vauxhall estate? ford mondeo? maybe

Strider590

The 2002+ Vauxhall Vectra has (afaik) the biggest boot in it's class...

I fit a new half oil drum (boxed) BBQ + 15kg bag of charcoal in the boot + 1 months shopping without putting the seats down and still had room for more.
It'll take a mountain bike with ease, either with the seats down (1 wheel removed) or with the seats up (with both wheels removed) it'll take a bike in the boot without so much as touching the parcel shelf.

I managed to fit a full sized fully assembled work desk inside with the seats down in the hatchback version, the estate is even bigger.

MX5huggy

Skoda Octavia estate 1.9d but how far do you drive per year?

mrs_baggins

I probably do about 13000 per year. will have a look at those 2 to see how much I can get for my money

interstellaflyer

Another one worth considering is the Vauxhall Astra Estate, I have a 1.3 CDTi and it is more than capable and will easily cope with what you want, may be a little over your 3K budget I paid £4.5k foran 06 plate. Very cheap to run, £66 for 6 months tax and bargain basement insurance costs.

forgotmyname

You want something older than 2000 really if it has to be a diesel and cheap to fix.

Most cars from 2000/2001 have expensive common rail injector systems which can cost £600+
to repair and a Dual Mass Flywheel which breaksup and adds £300 to the price of a clutch change.

Ford charged my sister £1200 to replace her clutch and DMF.