What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
Which reliable estate should I buy for my wife, and should I buy petrol or diesel?
I am looking to buy my wife a better car. This needs to be an estate due to the fact we have two children and a dog. I have a budget of £4000 and am wondering which car to go for, and whether I should opt for diesel or petrol?
Asked on 16 November 2013 by PC, via email
Answered by
Honest John
Focus' or Volvo V50s are the easiest to get fixed and essentially the same underneath, but the Focus is cheaper. Avoid the 1.6TDCI 110 of either. Stick to petrol. You’ll get worse fuel economy but not suffer the colossal expense of replacement DPFs, DMFs and turbos on a diesel car that could easily swallow £4000 alone.
Real MPG enables you to register the fuel economy you are actually getting against your make and model of car, its engine and type of transmission.
Every time you enter an average consumption figure against your car, the overall average automatically adjusts to reflect it.
Our Fuel Cost Calculator shows you which will be the best choice for you.
Compare the running costs of petrol, diesel and electric cars to make the right choice for you.
Similar questions
I need an estate car with good reliability, and I want an automatic with reasonable economy. I have about £10,000 plus my trade-in. I am thinking of a used Passat, Mazda 6 or Volvo V70 and I know from...
I am looking for a estate car. I am a part-time singer and am looking for the right car for me. It needs to be a good size for my music gear, reliable, good on fuel and cost around the £5000 mark. Should...
I am looking to replace my 2009 Citroen C5 VTR+ Tourer 140 HDI with one that is 2 or 3 years old. I travel 8000 miles a year, 30% in town and the balance on motorways. I recently started using Millers...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Classy-looking compact estate with very good ride comfort and tidy handling. A fine long-distance cruiser. The UK's most popular Volvo.
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Refined and upmarket feel to the cabin. Comfortable and quiet on the move. More efficient petrol and diesel engines. Better ride quality. Excellent £750 Driver Assist Pack.
Elsewhere on 
.jpg)
