The best used estates
By Motor Match • 29/12/2023
We take a look at the best sleek but practical machines available on the used market.
When looking for a practical everyday car, the booming SUV market may have you believing a high-up car is the way to go — but there’s an alternative.
Step in the humble estate car. Once the bread and butter of UK roads, the saloon/hatch-turned-workhorse formula has fallen by the wayside in recent years, yet they remain a truly compelling option for those after space above all else. Not only that, they can be properly fun to drive too.
Skoda Superb
When it comes to sheer space, it’s hard to beat Skoda’s (frankly) Superb estate. In its latest guise, it offers a whopping 660 litres of load space — beaten pretty much only by vans.
It’s far from just a load-lugger, though. The Volkswagen Group-designed model is an exceptionally comfortable machine, with a solidly built cabin as well as a reputation for reliability. With our budget, high-spec examples with around 30,000 miles from 2019 come into play.
Ford Focus ST
Who said estates had to be boring? Certainly not Ford, which has long offered a more practical version of its loveable Focus ST hot hatch.
Powered by a 247bhp, 2.0-litre petrol engine, it’s certainly no slouch — capable of 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds — and tops that off by being a complete riot in the corners. All that, while offering 476 litres of boot space. Examples from as recent as 2018 with miles well under 10,000 are available at a £20,000 price point.
PEUGEOT 308 SW
The PEUGEOT 308 SW is the ultimate family car. It offers up 608 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place, rising to 1,634 litres with them folded down.
With a budget of £20,000 there’s lots of choice and we’d be tempted to opt for a GT Line model. All examples of used cars for this budget are under 20,000 miles and 3-4 years old.
Volvo V90
Looking for a premium alternative to the usual German suspects? The Volvo V90 may just be the practical machine you’re looking for.
Our budget may only allow for lower-specification Momentum models if you’re looking for recent examples, though this still delivers big on comfort and efficiency — a claimed 50.4mpg if you opt for a D4 engine. It also boasts a remarkable 560 litres of boot space.
SEAT Leon ST
The SEAT Leon Estate stands out even when it’s standing still. You won’t be sacrificing appearance for practicality when you get a Leon Estate.
With a budget of £20,000 you can have your pick of the Leon range including the higher trim levels of FR and Leon Cupra variants all of which are no more than 5 years old with under 50,000 miles.
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