Never buy a new estate car, that’s my advice. True they are as practical as most small MPVs and they are more enjoyable to drive. But the reason you shouldn’t buy one is they are initially more expensive than the more popular hatchbacks, but often end up being worse less. The premium price when new reflects the cost of manufacturing the bigger car rather than demand.
However, I do strongly recommend buying older estates, because the deflated price is somebody else’s loss and your gain. Here are three great family estates that will take the kids, the kit that goes with them, be a pleasure to drive along a country lane and cost less than their MPV or hatchback alternatives.
Ford Focus (pre 2002)
The no brainer family estate buy which is comfortable, spacious and practical. Pre-2004 still looks good and it delivers on many levels from driving pleasure to fitting all the family inside.
Most economical: 1.8Tdi
Best used buy: 1.8 P
UsedCarExpert.com faults: 30
Used Car Expert price magazine pick: A 2001 1.8P Ghia Focus Estate with 81,000 average miles should be around £2,100 - £2,500, £150 less than the hatchback.
Nissan Primera (pre 2006)
Still looks unusual. But it is one of the most practical and best value family cars on sale. Sold well to company fleets so lots around and cheap. Worth it for the comfy and well finished interior.
Most economical: 2.2TD
Best used buy: 1.6
UsedCarExpert.com faults: 9
Used Car Expert price magazine pick: A 2002 1.8 Primera 16V S with average mileage of 69,000 will be £2,200 - £2,600, £120 less than the hatchback.
Peugeot 306 (pre 2002)
Comfortable, versatile and good value. Lots around and that is good for prices, heavily revised from 2000. Lots of models to choose from and saloon is the cheapest.
Most economical: 2.0 Hdi
Best used buy: 1.6 GLX
UsedCarExpert.com faults: 40
Used Car Expert price magazine pick: A 2002 1.6 GLX estate with average mileage of 56,000 will be £1,990 - £2,350, up to £250 less than hatchbacks