What's the best used car for carrying bikes?

I will soon need to replace a 1998 Mazda 323 that I have had from new. I would be happy with something similar in size noting that we do little town driving, it is mostly round trips of 180 miles (mostly on motorways). I am thinking of a diesel for economic reasons.

I want five-doors, ideally a hatchback, though I would consider an estate. I transport two bikes from time to time and would like to stand them up in the back. Length is a consideration as I live on a London street and parking is sometimes tricky. The Mazda is 4.2m long and I am tempted by an Audi A4 2.0 TDi Estate even at 4.7m, especially with its 55mpg. What do you suggest I buy?

Asked on 29 July 2014 by 850cc

Answered by Honest John

Better a KIA cee'd or Hyundai i30 1.6CRDI SW. Longer warranties (7 and 5 years), generally more reliable, chain cam rather than belt cam engines, and you'll get a newer car for the same money.

Tags: buying a used car diesel cars

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Related models

Hyundai i30 (2012 - 2017)

Good quality interior, very efficient engines, excellent value for money, good reliability record, plenty of equipment as standard.

Kia Cee'd (2012 - 2018)

Impressive value for money and plenty of standard equipment, later T-GDI petrol engine offers impressive performance and economy, seven-year warranty.