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the-best-used-estate-cars-and-the-one-to-avoid

best-used-estate-cars-and-the-one-to-avoid

We all know someone who aces everything, no matter what activity you throw at them.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/estate-cars/n16998">Estate cars</a>&nbsp;can often prove the automotive equivalents of these people. From&nbsp;family holidays to&nbsp;morning commutes, the class leaders&nbsp;take it all in their stride.&nbsp;

Versatility tends to be an expensive commodity, mind you. To avoid some&nbsp;of this cost and get yourself a great deal, the used market is an excellent avenue. But which model should you buy? Here’s a list of our top 10 favourite used estates&nbsp;to help you decide...

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Best used estate cars

Estate

Today, the resurgent Seat brand is selling better cars than at any time in its history.

In large part, that’s because it is one of the brands owned by the VW Group. Underneath, all of the cars it sells are strongly related to similar models sold by Volkswagen itself, or the likes of Skoda and even Audi. If you are buying a Leon, for example, the hardware will be similar to that of the Golf, Octavia and A3.

But while Seat makes the most of this tie-up to offer everything from city, small and family cars, including estates, through to a full range of SUVs, it also adds in its own slice of character, both with its distinctive styling approach and because its engineers generally tune the cars to deliver sportier handling.

While all of its cars are decent, it is the SUVs that stand out. The Arona and Ateca are among the class leaders and have enjoyed triumphs at the What Car? Awards.

SEAT

LEON

This latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/leon/estate/review/n17368">Seat Leon Estate</a>&nbsp;finishes high up in our list, not just because of how much car you get for your money, but also how much quality you get. It barely feels any less classy than the related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/golf/estate/review/n22">Mk8 Volkswagen Golf</a>&nbsp;yet will generally cost you less to buy. Add in&nbsp;sharp handling and a good-sized boot&nbsp;and the Leon Estate is very compelling. Only an average result in our latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars-brands/n26159">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>&nbsp;stops it from finishing higher here. &nbsp;

"Once upon a time, the old Seat Leon ST was an estate-car bargain. This later version is even better to drive and live with and yet it continues the original car's theme of value for money. For me, few can match it on that front." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Seat Leon Estate&nbsp;1.5 TSI Evo&nbsp;SE Dynamic, 50,000&nbsp;miles, £12,895

10: Seat Leon Estate

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good to drive</li>
	<li>Plenty of space in the back</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Firm ride on FR models</li>
	<li>Road noise</li>
	<li>EHybrid’s ride and boot space drawbacks</li>
	<li>Reliability mixed</li>
</ul>

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a4/estate/review/n101">Audi A4 Avant</a>&nbsp;is about as refined as estate cars come for our budget. And that term spreads across essentially every aspect of the car, from its efficient engines to its supremely classy interior. If you're after a functional workhorse, there are other estates&nbsp;more suited to you. However, if you desire a premium load-lugger&nbsp;that can cater for your family, and one with a good reliability record, the A4 Avant is right up your street.&nbsp;

"The A4 Avant seems to have been around for centuries, but this latest version still has the power to charm. Its refinement and its plush and well-finished interior are its main selling points. If you can't stretch to a newer one the older ones are really nice too." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Audi A4 Avant 1.5&nbsp;TFSI Sport, 51,000&nbsp;miles, £14,990

9: Audi A4 Avant

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Refined engines</li>
	<li>Smooth ride on Comfort suspension</li>
	<li>Superb interior quality</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as much fun to drive as some rivals</li>
	<li>More practical estates are available</li>
	<li>Economy not outstanding</li>
</ul>

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

C CLASS

Mercedes has built its reputation on luxury,&nbsp;and that's reflected in the attractive, plush&nbsp;interior of the current&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C-Class Estate</a>.&nbsp;Add decent load-lugging abilities and you have yourself a compelling package – one you can pick up for less money than you might think. It rides well, has a striking interior and the hybrid version has a very long electric-only range.&nbsp;

"If the voluminous E-Class Estate is just a fraction more than you actually need or want, try the C-Class Estate. This latest model is a class act and if you can stretch to the plug-in hybrid version I've found that to be unbelievably frugal too. " - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Mercedes C-Class Estate C220d AMG Line, 75,000 miles, £30,495&nbsp;

Read our full&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/used-review/n797">used Mercedes C-Class Estate review</a>

8: Mercedes C-Class Estate

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Well-judged ride and handling</li>
	<li>Good fuel economy</li>
	<li>Long electric range for the C300e PHEV</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>So-so interior quality</li>
	<li>Mixed Mercedes reliability record</li>
	<li>Many cheaper and more practical estates available</li>
</ul>

E CLASS

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/estate/review/n17209">Mercedes E-Class Estate</a>&nbsp;blends a capacious interior and a huge boot with a comfortable ride. All the engines have plenty of punch and are smooth and refined. It rides well, too, even better on its optional air suspension, and its handling is tidy.&nbsp;However, where the E-Class really scores is its high-speed refinement. Add in a spacious interior of rare class and you've got a great used buy.&nbsp;

"So nearly matching the all-round quality of the BMW 5 Series Touring, the E-Class Estate is a terrific used buy. For starters, you'll find few estate cars that are so quiet at speed, and very few who can match that boot space." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2019 Mercedes E-Class Estate E220d AMG line, 55,000 miles, £19,995

7: Mercedes E-Class Estate

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good high-speed ride</li>
	<li>Refined at speed</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Unsettled low-speed ride</li>
	<li>Not as much fun to drive as some rivals</li>
</ul>

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

5 SERIES

Big, practical and refined, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/estate/review/n34">BMW 5 Series Touring</a>&nbsp;is one of the finest luxury estate cars. It's hugely impressive. There's the superb refinement, generous amounts of high-tech kit, economical engines, excellent driving manners and the classy image, so this Touring really could be 'all the car you’ll ever need'. The plug-in hybrid 530e is a great used buy, too, with the potential for impressive economy.&nbsp;

"This is one truly tempting used buy. You get all the plushness of the 5 Series and the huge load space of this Touring variant wrapped up in a surprisingly affordable package. Your neighbours will love it, I love it and so will you. " - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;BMW 530e&nbsp;Sport Touring, 68,000 miles, £24,500

6: BMW 5 Series Touring

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Quiet ride</li>
	<li>Interior quality</li>
	<li>User-friendly infotainment</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as good to drive as the saloon</li>
	<li>Standard M Sport suspension</li>
	<li>Vague off-centre steering</li>
</ul>

One of the greatest success stories in the car world of recent decades is Skoda’s rise to become a hugely credible mainstream maker of good-value, good-sense cars.

Central to that success has been its place within the VW Group, alongside the Volkswagen brand itself, plus the likes of Seat and Audi. That has given it access to exactly the same underpinnings for its cars as the other brands, and it has complemented this by adding its own developments, from the way the cars drive and ride through to the features they have and the pricing.

The result is a range that extends from a city car to a large executive saloon, with family and large seven-seat SUVs too. There’s a wide variety of petrol and diesel engines, all of which are competitive for the class.

As a result, Skoda has a range of cars that is almost entirely class-leading or among the class leaders, and it has enjoyed long-time success at the What Car? Awards as a result.

SKODA

SUPERB

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/superb/estate/review/n17344">Skoda Superb Estate</a>&nbsp;is massive both inside and out, so if you're looking for maximum passenger and load space&nbsp;and you're on a budget,&nbsp;this is the one for you. It's good to drive and it should be&nbsp;reliable, too - its saloon counterpart also did well in the executive car category&nbsp;of the&nbsp;most recent What Car? Reliability Survey. We'd look at a 2021&nbsp;car with plenty of equipment for the best value.

"Like the Passat, the Superb majors on space. It's not quite as well finished inside as the Passat otherwise I think there'd be little to choose between them if you were looking for a large used estate car." - Oliver Young, used cars reporter&nbsp;

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Skoda Superb Estate 1.6 TDI SE Business, 74,900&nbsp;miles, £13,900

5: Skoda Superb Estate

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Class-leading space</li>
	<li>High-quality interior</li>
	<li>Excellent value used</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Diesels sound a bit gruff</li>
	<li>Some rivals are more fun to drive</li>
	<li>2.0-litre petrols are quick, but rather thirsty</li>
</ul>

Toyota is a company undergoing a quiet revolution, as it works hard to replace its sensible but somewhat bland reputation with one for being a bit more daring, in areas such as the styling of its cars and its enthusiastic leadership of cutting-edge technology, such as hybrid systems.

That process seems to be working for buyers, with the hugely popular and striking-looking C-HR SUV in particular attracting a great deal of interest. The latest version of the hybrid Prius is also rated highly by What Car?; it’s the first Prius to go on sale that our testers have felt can truly compete all round with existing petrol or diesel rivals.

However, it’s worth noting that this period of transition is also a work in progress, and that many of the firm’s cars are still rated as being no more than average among class rivals by our testers.

TOYOTA

COROLLA

The best estate cars are not only practical, they're comfortable, frugal and dependable. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/corolla/estate/review/n19141">Toyota Corolla Touring Sports</a>&nbsp;has all these qualities, plus it's supremely reliable and really good value to buy used.&nbsp;In our recommended 1.8-litre hybrid form, the Corolla averages 62.7mpg, rides well and is eminently practical, too, with a large square boot that has a low load floor for easy access.

"Modern hybrids like the Corolla can be amazingly economical on everyday roads. I have seen over 60mpg on my commute on a mix of roads. Its potential for a very long warranty is also awe-inspiring. " - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Toyota Corolla Touring Sports 1.8 Icon, 30,000&nbsp;miles, £12,895

4: Toyota Corolla Touring Sports

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Hybrids are very fuel efficient</li>
	<li>Supple ride and good to drive in general</li>
	<li>Confidence-inspiring reliability</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>So-so infotainment system</li>
	<li>Noisy under sustained acceleration</li>
	<li>Some rivals whip up less wind and road noise</li>
</ul>

3 SERIES

Like the contemporary&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/c-class/estate/review/n17346">Mercedes C-Class Estate</a>, this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/estate/review/n108">BMW 3 Series Touring</a>&nbsp;doesn't have the biggest boot going, but it's a decent size&nbsp;nonetheless. Its most notable strengths lie in its smart interior and precise handling, as well as its&nbsp;wide range of gutsy yet economical engines. Those who value a car's driving experience&nbsp;will adore this sophisticated yet fine-handling&nbsp;estate, although our latest reliability reports on it are a bit mixed.

"Such class doesn't come cheap usually, but I think a second-hand 3 Series is surprisingly good value bought at two or three years old. " - Oliver Young, used cars reporter

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;BMW 320i Sport Touring, 68,000 miles, £19,500

3: BMW 3 Series Touring

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Agile around corners</li>
	<li>Accurate steering</li>
	<li>Brilliant infotainment system</li>
	<li>Ace plug-in hybrid</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as well finished inside as an Audi A4</li>
	<li>Boot isn't the biggest</li>
	<li>Firm ride on M Sport versions</li>
	<li>Reliability of diesel-engined cars mixed</li>
</ul>

Ford builds some of the most popular cars in the UK, including the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks.

This success is partly down to longevity and the fact that there’s a Ford dealer around every corner. However, it’s also because Fords tend to offer good value and be among the best cars in their respective classes to drive.

The company’s huge range also helps; it offers everything from the small – but surprisingly practical – Ka+ to the large and lavishly equipped Edge SUV.

Meanwhile, other highlights of the range include the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers, the Mondeo executive car and the Ranger pick-up.

FORD

FOCUS

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/focus/estate/review/n8">Ford Focus Estate</a>&nbsp;combines the style and driving behaviour of its family car counterpart with a much bigger boot. It drives really impressively, gripping and handling nicely. Its steering is pleasingly light and direct and its ride is comfortable and composed over urban ruts and potholes. And above all, it's practical and great value. Oh, and it's proving reliable, too. Our money would go on&nbsp;a car with the lively 1.0 Ecoboost engine in mid-range Titanium trim.&nbsp;

"This really is the do-it-all estate car in that it's good to drive and wonderfully practical. But it's its affordability that marks it out for me here." - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2022&nbsp;Ford Focus Estate 1.0 Ecoboost 125 Titanium, 49,000 miles, £11,900

2: Ford Focus Estate

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Eager handling</li>
	<li>Plenty of passenger space</li>
	<li>Large and practical boot</li>
	<li>Good value used</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Interior feels cheap</li>
	<li>Infotainment system a little old-fashioned</li>
	<li>Seating could be more versatile</li>
</ul>

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

PASSAT

You know an estate car is doing its job well when it makes life a doddle, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/passat/estate/review/n29">VW Passat Estate</a>&nbsp;has that effect. Its huge boot will save you the question of whether items will fit (unless you're transporting an elephant), while its engines are smooth and economical, keeping running costs low. Its interior is also suitably smart, and the Passat should be reliable, too. Its used prices are temptingly affordable.&nbsp; In short, it does all that a great estate car should.&nbsp;

"I remember one memorable holiday I took the family on to Cornwall where we almost couldn't fill the boot of the Passat. And that was when my children were young and insisted on taking every toy they possessed with them. " - Mark Pearson, used cars editor

We found:&nbsp;2021&nbsp;Volkswagen Passat Estate 2.0 TDI SE Business, 49,000 miles, £14,925

1: Volkswagen Passat Estate

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good range of engines</li>
	<li>Spacious interior and boot</li>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Slightly unsettled ride</li>
	<li>Base S trim misses out on some kit</li>
</ul>

GENESIS

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/genesis/g70/estate/review/n23816">Genesis G70 Shooting Brake</a> is nicely made,&nbsp;but it's outclassed by nearly all its rivals. It's expensive too, even on the used market.

And the estate car to avoid: Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

The best used estate cars (and the one to avoid)

Best used estate cars (and the one to avoid)

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

In need of a practical car to suit an active lifestyle? Don't rule out an estate. Check out our top 10 favourites here

NEW REVIEWS:

The best used estate cars (and the one to avoid)

In need of a practical car to suit an active lifestyle? Don't rule out an estate. Check out our top 10 favourites here...

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