Used estate cars for sale

SUVs may have become the default choice for family buyers but there’s still something to be said for picking one of the best estate cars. They’re no longer boxy ugly things, instead the current crop of estate cars offers a dose of style along with the usual estate practicality. And in most cases, an estate car is more practical with a bigger boot space than a similarly priced SUV.

For buyers who want something comfortable and dependable, there’s a great choice of used estate cars for sale, including hybrid estate cars, on the second-hand market and you don’t need to spend a small fortune either. 

Why buy a used estate car? 

The chief reason for buying a used estate car is the bigger and more useful boot, often even bigger than in SUVs. Saloons usually have restricted openings into the boot, which stops you loading bulkier items in, whereas the big hatchback opening on an estate car and extra load capacity means you can carry more than the kitchen sink. Many estate cars also have practical boot storage features, while you can also get estates with four-wheel drive and a raised ride height for a bit of SUV flavour. Estate cars aren’t as boxy as they used to be, either, with sleek bodies adding extra style. 

What are the best makes and models of estate car? 

Estate cars aren’t all huge vehicles, as impressively spacious smaller models such as the Skoda Fabia Estate and Dacia Jogger show. But if you do need something larger then the Ford Focus Estate and Toyota Corolla Touring Sports are great all-round family cars, or there’s the vast Skoda Superb Estate if your family is larger or carries more stuff. If you want a posher executive estate then check out the Mercedes E-Class Estate or Volvo V90, while the exciting Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo shows estates don’t have to be dull.

What should I look out for when buying a used estate car? 

Some estates aren’t as practical as they might appear, so make sure they can deal with your loads before buying. Estate cars are sometimes used for towing, which can put increased strain on the engine and transmission, too. Estate cars with electric tailgates make for easy loading, but it’s worth noting that many hybrid estate cars lose some boot space because of the battery pack. If you’re buying an older estate car, make sure it hasn’t been used as a work van and is in good condition. 

If you're not sure if a used estate car is quite right for you, we've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs. 

Written by Phil Hall