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Original poster

Volvo, Merc or VW estate

14 replies

Betsysmummy · 10/01/2012 11:41

My Freelander is dying a quick death and I need to get into a new car in the next couple of weeks. My budget is £11k and i'm looking for an estate, no more than 3 years old with less than 50k miles.

Right now i've found a few volvo, merc and vw estates that tick the boxes but wanted to see if anyone had any feedback on any of them?

OP posts:

AnonymousBird · 10/01/2012 11:56

I have a Merc estate and I LOVE it. It was 3 years old when I got it, and I've now had it 3 years and it feels like it will go on forever (though we are quite low mileage). However, I am certain I'd be completely happy with either a Volvo or a VW, all great cars.

And I suspect any one of them will be a joy after a Freelander (unless you have been very lucky and had a reliable one - in which case well done!).

VinoEsmeralda · 10/01/2012 12:04

I have a Volvo estate but its not really an estate (V50), looks like one but the boot is very restrictive. V70 on the other hand is (DH has one) perfect.

Another one to bear in mind is a vauxhall insignia estate. I had this as a courtesy car a few months back and it drove lovely and it has a huge boot. You get a lot more Vauxhall with your budget.

Popbiscuit · 10/01/2012 12:05

I have a Volvo XC70. We've changed cars quite a bit and this is my favourite EVER. Have got three children and a dog; plenty of room for everyone. It's much, much, much better on fuel than our old SUV and more pleasant to drive.

I really like the look of the Mercedes and the VWs too, though. Estates seem to age really well, I think. I often see quite old ones driving around and they still look to be in great shape...

TheReturnoftheSmartArse · 10/01/2012 12:10

I've had both a Merc estate and a Volvo XC90. The Merc was, surprisingly, very unreliable. We got it brand new and the electrics went twice in the first year, then there was a problem with the suspension making a loud squeaking noise. It went back 4 times and they never sorted it. After 2 years we were fed up and changed it for the Volvo. The Volvo was fab, like driving an armchair - but not very economical! It also saved DH's life when he drove into a river, but that's another story! Mind you, it didn't survive it's swim, unfortunately.

AnonymousBird · 10/01/2012 12:14

I should have said, mine is an E class, quite a bit bigger than the C Class if space is an issue. I have 2 DC plus dog, and often have 4DC in the car and we have plenty of room. Incredibly good on the diesel. I did a motorway run at the weekend and got 44mpg out of it. Typically on my shorter runs, am getting at least 35mpg.

Popbiscuit is right, you do see loads of older Merc/Volvo/VW's so clearly they have longevity! (hopefully!)

MrsJasonBourne · 14/01/2012 17:18

I love my VW Passat estate. It's comfortable, solid, reliable and roomy.

Dh wants to get rid of it for something smaller and economical.

I don't.

scarlettsmummy2 · 14/01/2012 17:25

I have a passat estate (I swapped my toureg 4x4 for it) and I am generally happy with it- as much space in side as the 4 x 4 but a fraction of the cost to run, both in diesel and road tax. It is fairly basic inside, but the seats are comfy for long journeys and I am not stressed about the kids wrecking it. The only thing I don't like is the electric handbrake which had to be replaced, luckily under warranty.

You could also look at the Skoda Octavia estate- again had one as a courtesy car and it was very nice. I also like the citroen grand picasso, loads of room, nice and high off the ground and has the two additional pull up seats in the boot.

thisisyesterday · 28/01/2012 19:54

we have a volvo v70 and really, really love it.
the boot is just monstrous!

sadly, we're thinkking of upgrading to a 7 seater, so mine is up for sale if you happen to be in the south east

BelleDameSansMerci · 28/01/2012 19:58

I think some of it depends on where you live/drive. Most Mercs are rear wheel drive and will be rubbish in the snow/ice.

fruitshootsandheavesupafurball · 28/01/2012 20:02

I have a Volvo V70
It's lovely and comfortable with loads of room in the back for the dogs
We have the 7 seater version which was hard to find, the rear seats are only suitable for younger children.
It's very long but seemed really low after driving MPV's for several years

suebfg · 28/01/2012 20:03

Can I put a word in for the Avensis estate - we're thrilled with ours

hermioneweasley · 28/01/2012 20:08

I effing hate Mercedes. We've had nothing but trouble with ours and got no help from them at all.

Butterbean2 · 28/01/2012 20:16

Ditto hermione.
Our Merc spent more time in repairs garage than on road!! Snotty after sales staff too. Never again.

Proud owner of land rover discovery. Fab in all weathers. 7 seats and bum warmers. Bliss.

PickleSarnie · 07/03/2012 12:29

Mercedes are awful. Crap cars and worse service.

DH had a C220S estate and when it was 8 weeks old, the engine died. It had to stay in the garage for a week. He has a 120 mile round trip commute and we have a toddler. They tried to palm him off with a smart car as a courtesy car!! Obviously he objected but they still charged £9.98 for the replacement car. It was in and out constantly for the year he had it (changed jobs now and it was a company car)

They never clean the cars when they go in for services and you have to drop them off yourself.

Oh, and if there is even a sprinkling of snow and you live on even a teeny tiny incline you wont be able to get the car up. The joys of rear wheel drive.

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