3k mountain bike and daily car

LowCreditSteve

Hi all,

I've recently got into mountain biking and really enjoy it, I'm looking for something to make that a bit easier than my current fiesta.

I'm looking for a car that's £3k-ish, that I can sleep in and will hold a bike. I'm currently !!!!!! about with a tent and a blow up bed which just isn't comfortable. I'm looking for something with a large flat interior that I can put a foam mattress into when I go away this summer.

I've looked at mondeo estates, they look decent.

£3k also creeps into older Land Rover Disco money but I am curious if this is for a reason. Is this a stupid decision?

I've never liked BMW's but some of their touring models keep coming up in my budget.

There's also a vauxhal antera locally that looks kind of nice but the dealer has had it for a while... Are they pants?

I'd prefer something sensible, I'm not overly into cars beyond a vehicle to go A to B (mainly as I can only afford sheds) but wouldn't mind something a bit nicer than my usual "cheapest car within 10 mile" strategy.

What would you suggest?

Stubod

..try putting a search into Autotrader. You can search on "type", ie Estate, and price, ie up to £3k.

NB £3k would be considered "banger" territory these days given the price of 2nd hand cars....

..just tried the above and put in price between 2.5k min and 3k max and it has found 1,400 cars, the newest of which is a Vauxhall Zafira tourer, 2015 with 200+k miles on the clock...(diesel).....fill your boots!!

Also worth considering an Octavia diesel estate...big boot!!

baser999

Try looking at Skoda Citroen and Volvo estates, all pretty roomy

Chickereeeee

I would second the Volvo estate: V70 if you can get one.

Johnmcl7

I've done what you're planning with a mk2 Octavia estate and now a mk2 Mazda6 estate although it's not something I've been keen on as it's still quite tight for space even though they're both big cars.

I'm guessing Caddy type vehicles are a silly price and out of the budget?

Grumpy_chap

Citroen Berlingo or equivalent.
You can even buy bed kits if you are keen:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144884817412

Herzlos

Are you wanting to store the bike inside the car whilst you sleep? Because that means you'll need something tall to store the bike upright. I've got the newer Berlingo and if I lay my bike on it's side it takes up pretty much the entire rear area. With it in an upright rack of some sort I could sleep beside it.

It's not going to be notably more comfortable than an air mattress on the ground though. I'd be tempted to spend the money on a B&B or hotel instead, ideally one with secure bike parking. That'll save you needing to change car, will get you a good bed, hot breakfast, toilet and shower.

Another option may be to just get an estate big enough to take the bike in the back, and then sleep on the passenger seat folded back.  You can get a 2012ish Skoda Superb with huge miles within budget.

Otherwise you're probably looking at 7 seaters like the Berlingo, Seat Alhambra, Ford Galaxy, etc. or vans, both of which carry a premium.

Sapindus

LowCreditSteve it might be useful to know how tall you are?

Is it important for the bike to be IN the car rather than on a bike rack as some seem to be assuming?

Have to say I keep reading your thread title as meaning you have a £3k mountain bike and are looking for a car for everyday use...

ThisIsWeird

The Vauxhal Antera has to be worth a look, as they tend to be cheap because they aren't as desirable as the competition. Is it the diesel version? FSH? Come with a half-decent warranty? It's a lot of car for the money, tho' won't be as refined or as economical as their much-more-expensive rivals. Should be a competent vehicle, tho'. Might be a bargain.

stuhse

Don't even think about a Discovery....unless you want to go everywhere on your bike.

ThisIsWeird

Tell us about the local Antara, LCS. Age, mileage, service history, model, warranty?

I've just looked at these cars again, and I recall why I liked them - and even considered one - at my last car change.

They are solidly handsome, without being OTT. Well equipped. Very decent interior. Very roomy. And do everything 'well' whilst being outclassed by most of the competition - but that's why they are cheap.

Not the best for reliability either, it seems, but there must be some good, lower mileage, full-serviced, examples out there. How does your local one compare?

Oh, and an optional extra was a pull-out bike rack that fitted under the rear bumper!