Please suggest a car that works well with a roof box.

[CuppaTeaJanice]

I currently drive a small van, but it's not very practical only being able to carry one passenger, so I'm thinking of changing to a car.

However I still have to carry business stuff around that for safety reasons I don't really want inside the car, so I'm thinking a roof box might be the answer.

Can anybody suggest a car that might be suitable? I want something with a large roof area (to take a medium - large roof box), not too tall so I can reach to put things inside, back doors, reliable, safe, reasonable parts prices, and a model that's been around for a few years so I can pick one up secondhand for £3000 or less. I don't want much do I!!!!!

I'd also be interested in hearing from people who have roofboxes. Do they significantly increase fuel costs? Any good makes of roofbox? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!!

First tip re roofboxes - don't forget it's up there... when you enter underground car parks or car parks with height restrictions on entry.... especially on high up cars like Scenics, Zafiras etc.

Not that I caused a bit of kerfuffle when I had to back out of our local carpark (when 27 cars were lined up behind me) when I remembered in the NICK OF TIME that the roof box was on, the day before we went on holiday! Oh no, not me.

We've recently got a ford focus estate. Really pleased with it - good size but not too big and its a TDI version which makes is econmical.
Lots of them about too.

Funnily enough DP suggested a Ford Focus too! I didn't realise there were different types, I'll have a look at them. Thanks!

I've got a Ford Focus, old X reg diesel. We have a roofbox when we go camping as IMO the boot is miles too small for all our stuff. I am currently eyeing up a focus estate or s max for our next car.

Our Focus has been (touch wood) really reliable after 103,000 miles and still going strong. I've never seen one on the hard shoulder either!

you can't beat Thule

they are a bugger to get things in and out of though - ok for going on hols but you wouldn't want to do it every day, and they're an awkward shape to pack too.

what are the dangerous work things? would an estate car with a dog grille work?

have just had to sell my diesel Focus estate (complex tax reasons) and I really miss it, it was lovely

Thanks - that's 3 votes for a Ford Focus! They must be good!!

The dangerous stuff is glass, so I don't think a dog grille would work - shards would go straight through! Nobody makes enclosed glass racks for cars either - I've checked! I'd have to line a roof box with sponge I think. Hopefully it won't be too difficult to load!

The other cars on my shortlist are..

VW Golf
Vauxhall Astra
Mazda 3
Toyota Corolla
Honda Civic
Renault Megane
Daihatsu?

Any opinions on any of these?