Best estate/mpv for fuel economy and reliability

Wig

I was just looking for a new car these last few weeks, I wanted an estate, but OH wanted a small car.

Had I had it my my way i was looking to buy a factory converted LPG estate for example a Vauxhall Astra. It works out more economical than a good diesel, and you don't worry about boot space because they always use the spare wheel well/doughnut tank. You do then have the problem of where to put the spare wheel, but
1. A spare wheel is a moveable object so it's not that bad.
2. You might be able to find a space saver wheel that fits your car, possibly from a different make/model
3. A can of foam or breakdown cover would solve the problem of having no spare wheel.

Other factory fitted LPG considerations include Vaux Zafira, Vectra, Volvos, and Fords

if you do go for this idea (especially with Vauxhall) don't get a pre 2003 or early 2003 model because Vauxhall did not fit the LPG conversion themselves - they out sourced the conversions, and the standard was not as good as the later models.

Vauxhall stopped doing LPG in 2005 I think
Volvo has also stopped - I think.

Factory conversion LPG cars means you will qualify for lower VED saving about 20 quid a year. And maybe free London congestion charge - but they are going to stop that soon if not allready, as i don't visit London ever it's not something I have looked into.

Volvo also does CNG cars but forecourt CNG is hard to find. However CNG is not on Gordon Brown's hit list, whereas LPG is expected to rise, but I don't think it will rise to a level where it is no longer more economical over diesel.

Hintza

Not being a fan of MPV's from aesthetic reasons.

I would be consideing the Mondeo or the Octavia Both are very good and should allow you to do most things. Both will be much more fun to drive.

If however you were planning longer trips etc a full size MPV might be a better solution as others have suggested.

You really pays your maoney and take a chance here there will be pros and cons for any car you decide to buy and some sort of compromise will be needed.

Might be better focusing on the best deal instead of trying to become too fixed on a particular car.

vansboy

beachbhoy wrote: »

I have a peugeot 807 auto it is no good for fuel consumption. I only get at best 30 mpg. The car is great apart from the fuel consumtion and it has a 20k service interval. .

You mention the 20k service intervals, personally I'd have the oil & filter changed lonnnnnnnnnng before that!

Even if they're using the correct spec, high cost oil, it'd be £$£$ saved in the long term. The number of extended service period vehicles I've heard making far too many rattles, despite having a 'proper' service history....

& to answer the OP, Galaxy will be a sensible option. You won't find many S Max at bargain prices, just yet!

VB

Wig

vansboy wrote: »

Even if they're using the correct spec, high cost oil, it'd be £$£$ saved in the long term. The number of extended service period vehicles I've heard making far too many rattles, despite having a 'proper' service history....

And changing the oil at 10,000 would mean using a cheaper but still good oil would be good enough.

chivers1977

chivers1977 wrote: »

Normally I would suggest you have a look at http://www.honestjohn.co.uk but as I write the site is not working.

That is so wierd -I didn't write that!!

mandm65

How about the Volvo XC90, not economical? and perhaps new trendy Subaru Tribecas?

Hapless_2

We have VW touran petrol and you can get waay over the mpg they say. Our is supposed to be 38mpg combined, we have got 55mpg before now and that was on windy country roads. We probably get an average of 45. (oh and that is with the air con on)
When it is due for upgrading (motability) we hope to go for the diesel.
The Touran's first service is 2 yrs or 20,000 miles. It will shout at you if it needs one before that (literally shout at you, it comes up on the dash SERVICE NOW).
I see more Vauxhalls, Fords and Renaults on the back of breakdown vehicles than VW's.

Wig

chivers1977 wrote: »

That is so wierd -I didn't write that!!

Is it something you would have said? Do you for example know of Honestjohn? Your partner? or maybe you're schizoprenic.