What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Estating the obvious

Could you suggest a suitable car for my daughter and her husband? They have a three-year old son with another due any minute. Their annual mileage is about 11,000 miles, mainly short journeys with 400 mile round trips about once a month. They have a budget of £12,000-£14,000 plus their 2009 Meriva 1.6 Design petrol with about 45,000 miles on it. They also have two medium sized dogs. I have suggested a conventional estate, but my daughter quite likes the raised driving position.

Asked on 21 September 2013 by IM, via email

Answered by Honest John
The newer model Meriva 1.4T. Vastly better than the original Meriva. www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/vauxhall/vauxhall-.../. A taller MPV is better for parents backs lifting babies and children in and out.
Similar questions
My partner wishes to change her car and is rather taken with the Meriva (very practical, right size, high driving position, etc.) However, she would like an automatic and it appears that automatics are...
I have a dog that is struggling to jump into my Skoda Fabia Estate boot due to the high lip. Are there any estates with flat or near-flat boot access? Up to £10,000 secondhand and I do less than 5000 miles...
Why are car manufacturers making estates that slope down at the rear? Surely they must understand that anyone needing an estate is less interested in something which looks a bit 'sporty' and needs a practical...
Related models
Practical and easy to get in and out of. Facelifted 2014 models get impressive new 1.6-litre CDTi engine.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer