Another "What Car?" thread - Family Load Lugger
I'm currently exploring options for a "new" family load lugger - the most basic requirement being the ability to carry 5 adults and luggage in relative comfort (so an MX5 unfortunately doesn't make the cut), budget is approx £5-6k and an annual mileage of 20k. I would prefer an auto but not a must and some of the auto choices below seem to have some reliability question marks (i.e. VAG's DSG etc), so was open to manual options in those cases. The shortlisted choices are ;
BMW 5 Series Touring (E61) 2007 onwards LCI (520d, 530d or 535d, M-Sport/SE spec, Auto)
Audi A6 Avant (C6) 2008 onwards facelift (2.0TDI, 2.7TDI or 3.0TDI, S-Line/Le Man spec preferred, Manual or Auto/S-tronic??)
Mercedes E Class Estate (W211) 2006 onwards facelift (E220cdi, E280cdi or E320cdi, Sport or Avantgarde Spec, Auto/G-Tronic)
Skoda Superb Estate (B6/3T) 2009 onwards (2.0TDI, Elegance or L&K spec, Manual or DSG??)
Into this mix I have also added….
Honda CRV 2007 onwards (2.2 CDTI, EX spec preferred, manual option only within budget)
Hyundai Santa Fe 2008 onwards (2.2TD, Premium spec, Auto - though this maybe slightly over budget)
At the budget, there are high mileage Merc W212s, BMW F11s and Audi C7s available but I'm not sure I want to go there......
I'm willing to sacrifice some fuel efficiency for performance (i.e. 520d vs 530d or E220d vs E320d etc.), However in this range and budget, ultimately it's probably going to boil down to availability and an individual car's spec and condition.
It will be replacing an elderly 8 seater Toyota Landcruiser, so whilst I am used to a large vehicle, would like a bit more comfort and refinement (must be getting old!), and don't really need the 7/8 seat option any longer.
Thanks.