Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Alper beater

Alper beater

We are looking to replace our trusty 10 year old SAAB 9-5 Estate with a new manual diesel estate (or similar). It will be used mainly for an 80 mile daily M4 commute. We drive to the Alps so it must also either take snow chains or winter tyres (or both) (without having to change tyre size to fit the chains). Our budget is £25,000. Any suggestions please?

Asked on 5 February 2011 by PH, Bath

Answered by Honest John
A Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 140 or 170 4WD is an obvious contender but there is a 6 month + waiting list and it has a belt cam diesel engine. Maybe the MINI Countryman 2.0SD ALL4 with its new 143PS chain cam diesel. Maybe a BMW X1 X-Drive with a chain chain cam diesel. Or, for better economy, a straight diesel estate such as the new Focus 1.6TDCI, or Astra 1.7Eco, bought at a considerable discount, fitted with 15" or 16" wheels as standard and fitted with winter tyres from November to March (both belt cam diesel).

Our honest used car pricing is a little bit different to all the others. You can get to our values through make or model - you don’t have to follow a prescribed route. Plus, it’s live, which means we can react to changes in the market quicker than any printed price guide.

Honest Used Car Prices

From which small car to buy at which price point to the best UK-built cars, our Top 10s have the lot. Click now for your shortlist.

Unsure of what to buy? Our Top 10s are here to help you....
Similar questions
I need an estate to accommodate two adults and two children at weekends. I will be commuting 500 miles a week to work mainly on A roads. I would like to spend as little money as possible but have a budget...
Hello HJ, I currently own a 2006 (pre facelift) Jaguar XJR. It's fantastic. Apart from the standard Jaguar suspension issues, the car has been very reliable. It's great to drive, very powerful and...
I have about £3k and am after a car. I have a commute of only ten miles. I also play in a band and need to have something that can transport music gear, sometimes on much longer journeys. Not enough for...
Related models
Golf sized MINI has five seats and a 350-litre boot. Available with BMW's chain cam 1.6 diesel engine. Option of diesel automatic with 4WD.
Unique styling. Solid build. Excellent petrol engines including frugal yet peppy 1.2 TSI. Good space in the back. Frugal 1.6 TDI Greenline can return 60mpg+.
Good combination of ride quality, steering and safe handling. Strong yet economical 1.4 turbo engine. Frugal CDTi diesels. Neatly styled interior.
As good as the hatchback. Great to drive and very refined. Upmarket and comfortable interior. Usefully large boot. The best looking estate this size.