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Best estate car with all-wheel drive under £10,000?

I am looking to buy a used mid-size estate car. As I drive a lot in Europe during winter, I could probably do with 4WD. Also, it should be reasonably economical as I drive a lot of long distances, and not too dull. My budget is around £7,000 to max of £10,000. I've been thinking of the BMW F30 3 series xDrive, but not sure if a high-mileage example could be a false economy, and if the xDrive all-wheel drive system is reliable. I'd be very keen to hear other recommendations, too.

Asked on 28 December 2022 by Alexander White

Answered by Lawrence Allan
The F30 3 Series is a good car and the xDrive all-wheel drive system is well regarded, but you'd likely be looking at a pretty leggy example for your budget which could prove costly to run. We'd also be looking at the Audi A4 Avant/Allroad, VW Golf Alltrack or, Skoda Octavia Scout or SEAT Leon X-Perience. To be honest, though, a good set of winter or all-season tyres on any estate car would be more effective in adverse conditions than four-wheel drive and regular summer tyres.
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