Estates sometimes can feel like a forgotten segment, especially with the ever-rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers — but they’re by no means dead. In most cases, for the same price, you can get a lot more estate than you can SUV.
The function-over-form bodystyle was however once the go-to for the salesman, bigwigs and families all-over — and the result is a used market full of bargains. We take a look at what £8,000 can get in the classifieds…
Volvo V70
Practicality is something usually associated with Volvo estates – the V70 is no exception. With a massive boot and lots of cabin space, this is one handy family wagon. And on this budget, there is plenty of choice on offer. Want sporty looks? Opt for an R-Design model. After something a bit posher? Go for a Lux model. Don’t think you have to stretch back too far either, with good examples from 2008 available within budget.
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon
Style is something the 159 Sportwagon doesn’t lack in the slightest. It’s sleek, striking, suave exterior turns heads like no other estate. In TI and TBi form, Italian flare is turned up to 11, adding bigger wheels along with some other sporty styling upgrades. Not many estates manage to blend practicality and good looks as well as this Alfa does.
Audi A4 Avant
Those looking for a good all-rounder with a premium badge, take a look at the Audi A4 Avant from around 2010. While it may not be as handsome as the 159, it’s still certainly a smart package. This German estate can be had with an efficient, yet punchy, 2.0-litre engine, with many of those equipped with a generous amount of gizmos and gadgets.
BMW 330i Touring
Another good German estate is the BMW 330i or 330d Touring. With an almost 300bhp, 3.0-litre engine, what you have here is a fast and practical car – two words that aren’t often associated with each other. Those with kids in need of a fun-to-drive machine will find this a good bet – especially at a bargain £8,000.
Skoda Octavia vRS
Speaking of performance, here is the Octavia vRS – a fast variant of the practical Octavia. In estate form, this becomes a car than effortlessly blends performance and practicality. And it does this without shouting about it – to most, this looks no different to a normal Octavia. But you see, that is the beauty of this car; because the subtle visual upgrades don’t make you twig it’s something quite special, which makes how quick it is even more surprising.
Jaguar X-Type
Want something a little bit fancy and British? Well, the leather-filled X-Type upmarket X-Type may be a good choice. There’s a good choice of engines too, all the way from a 2.0-litre diesel to a 3.0-litre sporty petrol V6 – all under £8,000. If any car screamed picnic in the countryside, it would be this one. A luxurious, yet affordable estate for the family.
Vauxhall Insignia Sport Tourer
For the biggest breadth of options, look at the Insignia Sport Tourer. There are tons of used ones out there, from 2010 to 2015 – there’s a lot of choices under £8,000. Anything from a Tech Line to an Exclusiv model can be bought within this budget.
Saab 9-3 2.8 T
We don’t hear about Saab that much anymore. Since the company went bust in December 2011, nothing has really happened that could bring back the carmaker from the dead. However, although the company’s gone, not all their cars are. A lot of them are still going, like the 9-3 estate. The one we’ve selected is the sporty 2.8 litre T for some extra performance.
by Oliver Young