Best used estate car 2024
The best used estate car can be tricky to pick with so many options to choose from. Take a look at our favourites for 2024
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Best secondhand estate car picks
Choosing your next used estate car can be a daunting experience, simply due to how many different models are on the used car market.
This can make the process more confusing, so we’ve put together a list showing 10 of the best used estate cars.
The cars listed below offer a wide range of sizes and use cases, so there’s something for everyone.
Best estate for business people - BMW 5 Series Touring
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If you’re a businessperson who drives up and down the country a lot for work, then the BMW 5 Series Touring is by far the best car for the job – and it’s also why they’re so popular as executive airport transfer cars.
Reliability isn’t a concern because BMW knows how to make a solid and dependable car. Even if you opt for a used BMW, it's going to be high quality.
Plus, it’s ideal for family holidays thanks to its large 560-litre boot that increases to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Engine options include petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid units, so there’s something for everyone.
We’d recommend the petrol and PHEV if you don’t always drive long distances, but the diesel if most of your trips are up and down the country.
Best large estate - Skoda Superb Estate
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One of the best large estates in the world is the Skoda Superb Estate, no question. And with its huge 660-litre boot and large cabin, it’s not hard to see why.
This used Skoda is a proper car for the family adventurer – offering plenty of space for the kids and luggage – and its rear seats fold flat to create even more room. For longer objects, simply open the ski hatch.
In terms of engines, there are three main variants. You start with the entry-level petrol then move on to the larger and more powerful diesel units, before ending up with the top-spec plug-in hybrid that has an official range of up to 37 miles on a single charge.
Best mild hybrid estate - Volvo V60
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If there’s one thing we can learn from the Swedish, it’s how to make a cracking car.
The Volvo V60 comes from a long line of class-leading estate cars, and the modern iterations are the best yet.
You can pick up a used Volvo example at a reasonable price, and that gets you a large square-shaped 519-litre boot that’s perfect for loading boxes or suitcases.
As you move to the front of the Volvo's cabin, you’ll be greeted by a very sleek and modern design – something that all Volvos are known for.
This includes an excellent infotainment system with Apple CarPlay connectivity.
There are also some cracking engines on offer, including mild-hybrid petrol engines and a more economical plug-in hybrid unit that offers an all-electric range of up to 34 miles.
Best mid-sized estate - Mazda 6 Tourer
 "Mazda 6 Tourer")
Sometimes large estates such as the aforementioned Volvo are just too big, so this is where mid-sized ones such as the Mazda 6 Tourer come into play.
This stylish Japanese alternative to its European rivals offers a very well-equipped interior and a surprisingly sporty driving feel, which can be a pleasant change from the usual slow estates.
The best way to think of the Mazda 6 Tourer is as a cheaper BMW 3 Series Touring that’s just as good in every way. It can be even cheaper if you opt for a used Mazda.
It comes with a range of economical petrol and diesel engines and can be had with either a manual or automatic gearbox.
Best affordable estate - Kia Ceed Sportswagon
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If you’re working to a budget but need a dependable and practical estate car, then the Kia Ceed Sportswagon is a superb choice to add to your shortlist.
No matter which trim level you go for, you’re getting an insane amount of tech.
Even in the entry-level model, you can expect to find an eight-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring, plush interior finishes, and comfortable seats.
The boot measures in at 625 litres, beating most of its rivals, and there’s even more space hidden under the boot floor if you need that little extra.
Models across the years include petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains – all of which are very frugal when it comes to fuel, which is ideal on longer drives.
Best family estate - SEAT Leon Estate
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If you’re familiar with the Volkswagen Golf Estate, then the SEAT Leon Estate won’t seem too different.
That’s because the two share many of their parts, which adds to their longevity and solid build quality.
The SEAT Leon’s sharp design and clean interior add to its overall appeal, but it gets even better as you move to the rear and discover a massive 620-litre boot.
It should be noted, however, that the plug-in hybrid variant’s boot shrinks to 470 litres due to the extra batteries.
Speaking of engines, the Leon Estate is available with a bunch of petrol and diesel options, but the pick of the bunch would be the mid-range 1.5-litre petrol that produces 148hp, is good on fuel and is very responsive.
Best electric estate - MG5 EV
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No one wants to spend more than they have to on a quality used car, so those who own an MG5 can laugh in the face of high costs.
This excellent estate is one of the cheapest on the market, yet it doesn’t disappoint in terms of features.
It’s obviously no Bentley inside, but we’d say it matches the Golf in terms of quality and overall feel – which is as much as you’d need.
Being electric, the MG5 is much more efficient than most other estate cars thanks to its 61kWh battery, which offers 249 miles of range.
Best practical estate - Volkswagen Golf Estate
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If you thought the standard Golf was practical, then prepare for your socks to be blown off by the Estate variant.
With a 605-litre boot (1,620 litres with the rear seats folded flat), you’re not going to be short on space, plus its wide shape makes it easier to slide larger items such as furniture in.
Like with the used Volkswagen Golf hatchback, there are some excellent engines available.
But if we were going to choose just one, we’d opt for the mid-range petrol engine that is either a 1.4 or 1.5, depending on the model year.
Best premium estate - Audi A4 Avant
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Like its Mercedes and BMW rivals, the Audi A4 Avant sits at the top of the luxury estate car food chain.
It’s got the largest boot of the trio too, measuring in at 505 litres, which is plenty for the family dog to stretch out in, or many bags for a long trip away.
The engines are excellent too, with around seven to choose from. Every option is turbocharged, which equals greater efficiency, and the petrols offer mild-hybrid assistance for greater fuel economy.
Audi's torquey diesel engines are great if you’re planning on towing anything, and every mode comes with a solid automatic gearbox – though manuals are available on older models – that’s incredibly smooth.
Most comfortable estate - Mercedes C-Class Estate
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If you’ve ever taken a taxi to the airport at 1am, then the chances are you’ve been picked up in a Mercedes C-Class Estate.
This is because they’re comfortable (even at that time in the morning), practical and spacious.
The Mercedes' boot offers a generous 490 litres (1,510 litres with the rear seats folded), which is plenty for several cases and some soft bags.
If you do lots of short journeys then the smaller petrol engines will be just fine, but if you do longer journeys or need to tow, then we’d opt for the larger and more powerful diesel engines.
There are also some performance variants such as the AMG C43 and C63 to rival the Audi RS6 if you fancy some fun while on the road.
What to look out for in used estate car
Buying a used estate car is easy if you purchase from a reputable seller and know the details of the car. You can get some good deals from private sellers, but this does come with more risks.
If you're buying your estate car privately, an HPI check is a good idea to take a look into the background and history of the car. If the car is stolen or has issues like outstanding car finance, an HPI check will alert you to this.
You should also give the car a good checkover before you purchase or accept delivery. If you order a car from us, you'll be given a tour of the car when it's delivered.
All of our cars are thoroughly inspected by trained technicians so you know you're getting a high-quality car.
You can also take a look at our in-depth estate car reviews to learn more about your potential vehicles.
It's also worthwhile looking at Euro NCAP rating to see how safe the car is, and considering details like the mileage and age of the car.
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