Should we buy a Volvo V50 or an Audi A4 estate?

I was looking at a used Volkswagen Touran but test-drove one and wasn't happy with it. As we are a four-member family, we don't really need seven seats, more a good size boot for weekend trips away. I am now considering either a Volvo V50 estate, or an Audi estate. Our budget is £8000. Out of the two, which would you recommend, and in terms of servicing and upkeep, which is more economical? Are both cars easy to sell on?

Asked on 5 January 2013 by CM, via email

Answered by Honest John
Volvo V50s are very good looking Ford Focus-based cars, but don't have a brilliant record: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/v50-2004/

Audi A4 B7 estates can be excellent but a small number of 2.0TDIs have suffered from catastrophic oil pump drive problems: honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/audi/a4-b7-2005/
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