Recommend an estate car.

ZENER

Hi all. A friend of mine who has 3 kids under 8 and runs a small catering business is looking to replace a 2001 Fiat Multipla with an estate car of 2007/2008 vintage.

Her budget is up to 7,500 euro and she'd like to buy into at least 06/07/08 era. She has her mind set on a Skoda in some guise or other but I'm more inclined to recommend her a Ford Focus TDCi. Reliability is the ultimate decider as she's had bad luck with a Renault Scenic (Head Gasket/ blown engine) and her current Multipla (damaged Valves - though fully repaired with new HG, TB, WP and valves at a cost of 850 euro !).

Anyone got any ideas what to recommend to an uber-paranoid lady ?

Ken

deandean

With three kids across the back, prob two in car seats / booster seats, your friend would be better off with a full size car such as a Mondeo Estate.

Theee best (IMO) is the Volvo V70 with the 7-seater option for bringing pals to parties at weekends, but I dunno if she'd get one within her budget.

ZENER

What are the Volvos like for reliability ? I've never owned one myself but they have a good rep for safety (which would be paramount) is it justified ? Are they expensive to repair if they go wrong ?

Thanks for the suggestions !

Ken

kerten

ZENER wrote: »

Hi all. A friend of mine who has 3 kids under 8 and runs a small catering business is looking to replace a 2001 Fiat Multipla with an estate car of 2007/2008 vintage.

Her budget is up to 7,500 euro and she'd like to buy into at least 06/07/08 era. She has her mind set on a Skoda in some guise or other but I'm more inclined to recommend her a Ford Focus TDCi. Reliability is the ultimate decider as she's had bad luck with a Renault Scenic (Head Gasket/ blown engine) and her current Multipla (damaged Valves - though fully repaired with new HG, TB, WP and valves at a cost of 850 euro !).

Anyone got any ideas what to recommend to an uber-paranoid lady ?

Ken

From her previous motoring expenses, she is so unlucky or not interested in servicing her cars. Both case, I suggest a japanese car with petrol engine. Toyota verso or avensis estate maybe?

barura

kerten wrote: »

From her previous motoring expenses, she is so unlucky or not interested in servicing her cars. Both case, I suggest a japanese car with petrol engine. Toyota verso or avensis estate maybe?

Then educate her! Jesus christ, that will be a huge waste of 7k if she isn't going to service a car she needs for her livelihood!

Hellrazer

deandean wrote: »

Theee best (IMO) is the Volvo V70 with the 7-seater option for bringing pals to parties at weekends, but I dunno if she'd get one within her budget.

Id agree--great car but Im biased

Also the 7 seat option was done away with from the 06/07 model onwards.

mathepac

ZENER wrote: »

... Anyone got any ideas what to recommend to an uber-paranoid lady? ...

What is her annual mileage?