I need a large family car for low mileage use. Would a plug-in hybrid suit?

I'm looking to buy a secondhand family car. I will do short commutes to work (7miles), schools trips and occasional long journeys. It will need to be a load-lugger as we have a large dog, two kids and camping gear. The other car is a new Nissan Leaf, which does all the weekend running around. This car, while being the family car, will only do 5-7k mileage a year. It feels like a diesel is out, narrowing down the larger car range for me. I don't want new and can live with high mileage (ish) as I won't put many miles on it. I have been looking at Estates - Passat GTE and Skoda Superb (petrol). I don't want to spend more than £16-18k really. Recommendations welcome!

Asked on 22 April 2021 by Chris

Answered by Andrew Brady

It sounds like you're thinking along the right lines. A plug-in hybrid could be perfect – capable of covering the commute under electric power with the petrol engine on hand for those longer journeys. A Volkswagen Passat GTE is a very practical option that makes an excellent used purchase. There aren't that many about but, if you can find one, it could be the ideal choice. If you fancy something a bit more premium, take a look at the Mercedes C350e Estate, while a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV could be a good alternative (and easier to find) if an SUV appeals.

Tags: estates dogs family cars suitable for dogs plug-in hybrid hybrids phevs

Similar questions

Can you recommend a comfortable, refined car with easy boot access for a dog?

We've just got a dog and I'm having to lift her into our Lexus RX. Something which, at 64, I'm finding a bit harder than I'd like. She's not keen on going up a ramp, so what d'you think we might consider...

Can you recommend a plug-in hybrid family car?

We're a family of 5 looking to replace our recently dead 'station car' with a hybrid - which my wife will use to take the children to school (30 mile round trip) and I will use our other car, a Nissan...