I have £12k to replace my aging E-Class Estate - what reliable, diesel Estate do you suggest?

I currently have a 2011 Mercedes E250 CDI Estate, which has nearly done 100,000 miles. I do around 24,000 miles a year, mainly commuting on B roads to my business. I use it to carry stock between two shops I own and also as a family car, two kids and black Labrador. It really comes into its own on holidays as it can carry huge amounts of luggage without the need for a roof box. However, it's not the best for the types of roads I mainly drive on and I am looking to change the car next year with a £12k budget. It never seems to go more than two or three months without needing to go the garage for some fault (mostly minor ones) either. I'm looking for a reliable, used estate - probably diesel due to the number of miles I do and I would prefer a manual gearbox. What do you suggest?

Asked on 22 October 2019 by Richard Cole

Answered by Andrew Brady
I'd recommend a Skoda Superb. It's very practical, offers excellent value for money and is very comfortable for covering high miles in. It'll be cheap to run, too. Also consider a Kia Optima.
Similar questions
We have a 2-year-old and another on the way, so are looking to purchase a diesel (used mostly as a family runabout with the odd commute) for less than £4000. But it'll be the wife driving most of the time,...
My Vauxhall Astra is coming to the end of its useful life. It is the second car in the family, and is the only one insured for my children who are at university. As such it is used more as a runabout,...
I need a cheap large family car for general use (Asda trips) and longer road trips with lots of baggage. I only have about £1500 for the purchase. I would prefer a diesel automatic and preferably an estate...
Related models
Boot capacity is massive. Limousine-like levels of passenger space. Refined driving experience favours comfort. Tremendous value for money.
Great looking, spacious. High quality. Well-equipped. Good to drive and very reasonably priced. Three petrol engines as well as new diesel from 2018.