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Compare the best used estate cars

High-quality second hand estate cars from rated and reviewed dealers

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Rated 4.6/5 from 53,572 reviews
bmw 3 series touring rear while driving

Best used estate cars of 2024

Estate cars are some of the best all-rounders you can buy. You get a driving experience that’s almost indistinguishable from that of a saloon or hatchback, but with more space for your luggage, family and/or pets – and often with lower running costs than SUVs bring, too. Below are some of the best second hand estate cars worthy of making your shortlist.

Skoda Superb Estate (2019-2023)

1. Skoda Superb Estate

9/10
Skoda Superb Estate (2019-2023) review
Battery range up to 44 miles
When it comes to affordable practicality, the Skoda Superb Estate is pretty much unbeatable. It's roomy for passengers and has a cavernous boot, but that’s not the extent of its abilities, because it’s also comfortable, well-built and refined. It might not be the most exhilarating car to drive and the cabin lacks design sparkle, but that’s about it as far as criticisms go.
BMW 3 Series Touring

2. BMW 3 Series Touring

9/10
BMW 3 Series Touring review
In Touring form the 3 Series retains the saloon’s handling prowess but sprinkles some extra practicality into the mix with a more practically shaped 500-litre boot and a useful rear window that can be opened separately from the rest of the tailgate. The 3 Series Touring is fantastic to drive and a comfortable companion for long distance driving, though sportier trims can be a touch firm.
Volkswagen Golf Estate

3. Volkswagen Golf Estate

8/10
Volkswagen Golf Estate review
The Volkswagen Golf is hugely popular in hatchback form for good reason – it looks smart inside and out, with a decent driving experience and all the latest technology. The Golf Estate takes that winning recipe and adds a big boot into the mix. The rear looks a little awkward in load-lugging form, but see past that and there’s a great estate to be had.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (2016-2020)

4. Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate

8/10
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate (2016-2020) review
Battery range up to 33 miles
Ignoring the high-performance AMG versions, the E-Class is an executive car that focuses on wafting around in comfort, rather than delivering pin-sharp dynamics. That makes it ideal for those covering big mileages, while the interior is a lovely place to wile away the hours. The estate’s extra practicality is the cherry on top.
BMW 5 Series Touring (2017-2020)

5. BMW 5 Series Touring

8/10
BMW 5 Series Touring (2017-2020) review
Like the idea of a 3 Series Touring but need a little more space and comfort? Step forward, the 5 Series Touring. It’s a similar size to the E-Class above, and while it’s a comfortable cruiser it’s also a little more fun in corners – useful for days when you don’t have the St. Bernard in the boot.

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Skoda Octavia Estate

6. Skoda Octavia Estate

9/10
Skoda Octavia Estate review
Battery range up to 46 miles
Much like the Superb, the Octavia rocks up with a boot that dwarfs its competitors. However, while the Octavia costs less than its bigger brother it hardly falls behind in the practicality stakes, while also boasting a handsome dashboard design and keener driving experience, especially in vRS form.
Volvo V60

7. Volvo V60

8/10
Volvo V60 review
Battery range up to 31 miles
Another excellent executive car, the Volvo V60 is handsome outside and has a lovely, relaxing interior ambience, plus the obligatory estate boot - though it’s not quite as cavernous as Volvo wagons of old. The V60 is a premium car, so think BMW rather than VW pricing, but the good news is that if you like the V60 but need a little extra space, the larger V90 is at your service.
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

8. Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer

8/10
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer review
You’ll likely be looking at the previous-generation Astra rather than the sharp-looking current car, but the Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer makes a strong case for itself as a wallet-friendly option. With a spacious boot and a roomy cabin, the Astra’s range of efficient engines keep running costs low. You’ll also get a newer, better-equipped car than many competitors in this list at the same price point.
Ford Focus Estate

9. Ford Focus Estate

7/10
Ford Focus Estate review
The Focus has won many fans over the years for proving practical family cars can still be fun and engaging to drive. Not many of its competitors feel as good behind the wheel, but it is rather let down by a dated cabin and the fiddly infotainment system found in pre-2022 models.
SEAT Leon ST (2013-2020)

10. SEAT Leon ST

7/10
SEAT Leon ST (2013-2020) review
SEAT makes some great-looking cars that are well-equipped and comfortable inside, and the Leon ST is no different. It’s like a Volkswagen Golf that’s let its hair down. The interior is a little less exciting to look at than the outside, but you’ll find an easy-to-use infotainment screen and space that feels like it’s from class above.

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More advice about used estate cars

Second hand estate cars FAQs

When buying any used car it’s a good idea to give it a once over, checking for any signs of damage to the wheels, bodywork and interior. You should also check it drives straight and true without any unusual sounds.

If they have been used for transporting pets or a lot of luggage, there could be more wear and tear in the boot than you’d normally expect, so double check this before buying.

Both the Skoda Superb and Octavia Estates are fantastic value for money. That’s because they have the biggest boots in their class with solid reliability and well-built interiors. However, the Skoda badge doesn’t command a premium, meaning you can get a great deal.

The Ford Focus Estate and Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer are two more good value options. Both were affordable when new, and their ubiquity means used prices are kept reasonably low.

Reliability is important in any used car and while it’s impossible to guarantee, you can minimise the risk of something going wrong by leaning towards cars that have an extensive service history, as this shows they’ve been looked after. Some companies, such as Toyota and Kia, offer long warranties that can be transferred between owners.

It’s also worth considering that more mainstream brands, such as Ford and Vauxhall, will typically have lower repair costs than more premium names like BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Most estate cars will make for a useful camping companion because the large boot should easily accommodate your tents and other items required for staying out in the wilderness.

However, some cars are offered with rough road versions. They’re rarely true off-roaders, but the likes of the Volvo V60 Cross Country and Ford Focus Estate Active get a raised ride height and extra bodywork protection that make them ideal for heading off the beaten track.

There aren’t any models in particular that you should avoid, but reliability risks increase with age and mileage. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should steer clear of high mileage cars, though. It just means you might want a little extra paperwork to go with it.

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