Any thoughts about estate cars?

[doglover]

We're looking to update our ancient Ford Mondeo and are considering an estate car. We have 2 large dogs and always seem to be carting around lots of clutter so feel that this would suit our needs. Do any of you have any views on your own cars that you'd be prepared to share? We're looking to spend about £10k (about 2 years old) and plan to keep the car for a very long time! It needs to be economical to run and repair/service. Thanks all.

We have an S-reg Volvo V70, which I love to bits. It has the extra fold-down seats in the boot, so can seat 7, though only kids in the back. With the extra seats down it has a boot the size of Manchester, tho' if you need even more space you can fold down the rear seats too. Ours is petrol and auto so not the most economical, but diesel ones have much better economy.

I paid £7k for it a year ago, with 70,000 miles. They go on forever, I am reliably informed.

hth

I think your dogs would thank you for a Citroen Berlingo/Peugeot Partner/Fiat Doblo/Renault Kangoo type (you can look at them \link{http://www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/carreviews/list.aspx?family_id=MPV&x=14&y=8\here}) but they're not very sexy...cheap though.

The reviews seem to prefer the Renault (but they all look the same to me!)

We have a mondeo too which is currenly being fixed but have borrowed a fiat marea estate from a friend and it is quite nice to drive, lots of space and quite economical I think - probably cheap too.

We have a Volvo V70 too, love it completely. Bought it when DS was born to accomodate baby, dog, pushchair, DHs' fishing gear etc. It's huge, lovely to drive and they go on forever.

This is great! Thanks for your input. We went to a Vauxhall garage today to browse around and get a 'feel' for different cars. We'll probably visit more next weekend to help us clarify our minds. I quite fancy a Volvo butI think DH is anxious about expensive services and repairs; he'd rather buy a newer, cheaper car! We'll have to see!