Had Enough Of Fords And Vauxhalls

[Quoi]

I need a small automatic estate car with a budget of £2k-£3k but i seem to be mentally stuck on looking at ford (focus) and vauxhall (astra) offerings. What other makes should I look at that you would recommend - especially interested if you have had one for a while and like it.
TIA

[kvalidir]

Volvo, awesomely safe, not overpriced, reliable as heck, my brother has one and it's been brilliant.

[Fitzer]

Skoda, excellent value for money

[Togo]

Small estate is a bit of a poser Quoi. Unless you mean an suv type of thing. Some nice motors to be had including Saab, Merc and even a Skoda. A rough idea of location would help.
http://www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/used-cars-for-sale/skoda/octavia/skoda-octavia-1.9tdi-pd-105bhp-se-estate-5d-1896cc-dsg-19295315

[Captain2]

I do a lot of car boots and I was worried about losing boot space when I changed from a Nissan Xtrail. Finished up with a Kia Venga automatic; with the back seats down I have as much, if not more, boot space.
There aren't many around and I don't know if they will fall into your price range, but they come recommended.

[Togo]

Just put your details including your postcode into this search facility. Put in your price range and set transmission to automatic and any preference for colour or fuel type and off you go.

[Togo]

Forgot link.^^

http://www.exchangeandmart.co.uk/used-cars-for-sale/bodytype-estate/price-between-2000-and-3000/any-distance-from-st11ap

[douglas9401]

http://www.motors.co.uk/car-45523459/?i=0&m=sr

[Quoi]

Good suggestions - are you thinking of the v40 volvo or the v70 kvalidir?
I like volvos but seen a lot with auto gearbox and electrical problems that come into my price range.
I would be happy with mercedes c class estate even though thats a bit mid range.
Just dont want an expensive auto gear box failure after 5 mins which the astra has a bit of a reputation for.

In Northampton Togo - looking for personal recommendation rather than a list of possibles

[Togo]

A fishing pal of mine has a Skoda Estate. I don't think it is automatic though. He gets a ton of stuff into it , including tent and barrow. He loves it. Lot of motor for the money.

[SPARKPLUGZ]

Volvo every time for me. I have an XC60 love it but probably too big for what your're wanting.

[kvalidir]

My brother bought an accident damaged V40, repaired it and loves it. I've driven it and it was very nice :)

[ToraToraTora]

A6: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2008-Audi-A6-Avant-2-0T-FSI-CVT-AUTOMATIC-SE-1-P-OWNER-FULL-SERVICE-HISTORY-/142534564479?hash=item212fb8da7f:g:W8IAAOSwuLFZ3L9z

[ToraToraTora]

these are very good: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2002-BMW-525-2-5i-SE-Auto-Touring-Estate-E39-/371793206776?hash=item56909a1df8:g:3nkAAOSwj85YL5vR

[ToraToraTora]

newer shape 5 series: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-5-SERIES-523I-M-SPORT-2005-Silver-Auto-Petrol-92233-Petrol-Automatic-/162636261809?hash=item25dde069b1:g:ka0AAOSwHzBZmCN4

[bhg481]

He's looking for a SMALL estate TTT. They may be small to you but not to most people.

[ToraToraTora]

ok A4 then: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Audi-A4-Avant-S-Line-Drives-Great-Cambelt-Changed-MOT-July-18-/272883958683?hash=item3f8926c39b:g:tTUAAOSw705Z3pol

C-Class: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-1-8-C180-Kompressor-Avantgarde-SE-5dr-/253145396658?hash=item3af0a435b2:g:UUMAAOSwLlpZuQkJ

3 series: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-318-2-0-Touring-2006-i-SE-Black-Manual-Full-Service-History-/182803164208?hash=item2a8feaec30:g:S4kAAOSwD15Z0oiZ

for 3k should get something pretty good

[Quoi]

thanks for your efforts there ttt - some interesting stuff - hadnt looked at audi expecting them to be a bit pricey.
Been to look at a v50 tonight and now autotrader for the rest of the evening.

[ToraToraTora]

one way is to search by category on ebay, just put in cars then tick estates, then automatic then petrol then add £3000 as price limit, sort in order of distance and voila! a list of possible candidates.

[ToraToraTora]

PS - used cars are depressed now so for £3k you should get something pretty tasty.

[ToraToraTora]

eg this is well within your range: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Audi-A4-2-0T-FSI-SE-5dr-Multitronic-5-door-Estate-/162684317012?hash=item25e0bdad54:g:3hcAAOSwuD9ZyT1N
auto trader tend to be more expensive, Ebay sets the price more than glasses these days.