Mini-Estates, what ones am I missing?

barura

I had a drive in a friends Skoda Fabia Combi the other day and frankly was in love with how it drove and its size. To each there own and all that... But I was wondering which ones I'm missing out on? I would like to get one for about 6k-8k but would be willing to get one brand new for the sake of warranty and peace of mind being the first owner.

So I'm quite set on checking out the Skoda Fabia's models, but would like some other recommendations just to be sure. Basically it needs to be a hatchback with a large boot. I'll be doing about 12-15k miles a year in it if that's any help. I would plan on having this car for at least 5 years annnnd.... A diesel would be nice since I'm not really fussy about the "thrill" of driving. Just something reliable and spacious that can do the speed limit.

Thanks in advance!

johnos1984

Seat Ibiza estate

barura

OSI wrote: »

The one that you practically mentioned in the title Although I'll personally shoot you if you buy one.

Mini Clubman

There's also:
A3 Sportback
Ford Focus Estate
Astra 5 Door
BMW 1 Series
Alfa Giulietta

As much as I'd like a failing power steering pump...
I've been in an astra, it's nice but you can't see out the back! BMW's are outta my price range, as are alfa's. The focus I forgot about! I'll have a look at some and add it to the list.

johnos1984 wrote: »

Seat Ibiza estate

Seat is part of the VAG group is it not? I'll check it out as well, thanks!

johnos1984

barura wrote: »

Seat is part of the VAG group is it not? I'll check it out as well, thanks!

Sure is.

Don't forget the Pug 207SW and the Renault Clio estate

barura

Pull the other one! There's a Clio estate?? I'd love a polo estate from the late ninety's... Too old though. Know of any dealers that stock the Clio estate?

johnos1984

Renault Grand Clio

http://www.renault.ie/renault-range/passenger-vehicles/clio/grand-clio/overview/index.jsp

Cheshire Cat

johnos1984 wrote: »

Seat Ibiza estate

Just had one as a hire car. Very nice car, drives really well and the boot is surprisingly big.

barura

Holy cow, the Clio is quite a little outta my range for a diesel. Naturally I'll look at the trade in situation when the time comes.

The Seat Ibiza seems a lot more reasonable. Makes sense as it's the same as the Skoda's underneath if I'm not mistaken. Looks a lot sportier as well, I like the look of it a lot! Though looks aren't everything of course.

Thanks again for the replies, it's very helpful!

bazz26

Maybe a Ford Fusion might be worth looking at? Based on the Fiesta with a decent boot and generally unloved by the public meaning they are reasonably priced second hand.

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201126203154216

If you are only doing 12-15k miles per year then you are probably better off with a petrol car. No point in paying a premium to get into a diesel when you are not doing the mileage to make it back.

colm_mcm

The ibiza is only just launched. Older ones are called the cordoba vario

dgt

barura wrote: »

As much as I'd like a failing power steering pump...
I've been in an astra, it's nice but you can't see out the back! BMW's are outta my price range, as are alfa's. The focus I forgot about! I'll have a look at some and add it to the list.

Hello Joe

Alfas are not dear to buy, you could get the bigger engined models that no-one wants and run it cheap enough, if insurance lets you

If youre going for a Fabia, wait till the prices fall a bit. A 1.2TSI would be ideal for city driving

Maybe a Bravo 1.6 multijet if you can find one...?

coolbeans

dgt wrote: »

Hello Joe

Alfas are not dear to buy, you could get the bigger engined models that no-one wants and run it cheap enough, if insurance lets you

If youre going for a Fabia, wait till the prices fall a bit. A 1.2TDI would be ideal for city driving

Maybe a Bravo 1.6 multijet if you can find one...?

Diesels are not ideal for city driving. Much better off with a petrol.

dgt

coolbeans wrote: »

Diesels are not ideal for city driving. Much better off with a petrol.

Freudian slip, corrected Stupid TDI brigade :rolleyes:

V Eight

johnos1984 wrote: »

Seat Ibiza estate

Agree - If you liked the fabia - The SEAT Ibiza ST has the same engines, good spec - but looks ten times better...