Brunibear, welcome to the forum.

If you want some help, please let us know more about your specific needs and particularly your budget.

Okay, thanks in advance for any help you can give me. I am looking to buy a second hand estate car and have a pretty long list of requirements. We have 2 children (4 months and 2 years so need to fit car seats) at the moment and are looking to get a dog. Ideally we want an estate over and MPV as my husband doesn't really like the look of them (although he does like the Mitsubishi Grandis) and I would prefer long boot space over an MPV where you would probably have to stack the boot. 

Here is the list

Budget £6,000 - £8,000

Low mileage as we will be doing 100 miles a day 4 days a week (mainly motorways) so thinking diesel and needs to be good MPG.

As much boot space as possible to fit double pram, dog, shopping, luggage etc

Ideally a good looking car (we like Audi A4 and A6, Saab 93, Renault Laguna, Mazda 6) 

Engine size around 1.9 to keep the cost of fuel down

I went to look at diesel estates yesterday and saw a nice Audi A6 but it was an 03 reg and was £1500 more than an 06 Peugeot. Are you getting a far superior car, in build and quality with an Audi?

I don't really have a clue where to start as my dad has always helped in the past with our car purchases. Have had Escort, Focus and latterly a Golf which I loved but was feeling a bit small and was written off just before Christmas so the insurance money will go on an estate now.

Thanks,

OP - you mentioned that you like the Mazda 6 estate. That's a very good choice. Very reliable, very roomy, and winner of used-car awards by car magazines.

On your budget you should be able to get a decent 2 litre car from a dealer. Round about 2005 vintage, and 40k miles (or less). The official MPG is 46.3 and the 0-60 time is 10.9, so its a good all-rounder. They are considered good to drive as well.

They are also safe cars and have all the essential kit and the "Karakuri seats" (dead simple folding of rear seats).

Edited by LikedDrivingOnce on 05/04/2010 at 22:17

Skoda Octavia estate or Mondeo Estate - like the man says - ticks all boxes,

I'd add an Accord Tourer to your list. Well built and lovely to own. Normally reliable (although mine is an exception). Loads of room, and lots of features that make it easy to own.

Second the recommendation for the Octavia - I know someone that ran one for four years and 630,000 miles with no problems (taxi obviously). Mondeo is very very hard to ignore. All available with good diesel engines.

Mazda 6 diesel had some DPF problems, not sure if they are fixed, but probably not an issue given your desired useage.

HTH