What Car? Used Car of the Year - Best estate car

£7000 to £12,000
Volvo V70 2.4 SE 140bhp ’00/W, 49k, £11,290
Volvo is renowned for its estate cars and, when you drive one, you will see just why.

Last year we recommended the old V70, since prices for the latest model were still too steep. This year we can report that values of the new-shape car have dropped to sensible levels.

It’s the attention to detail which has gone into designing the V70 which makes it such a great estate, with luggage nets and hooks to stop your groceries flying around the boot, a bin and even an umbrella holder. It goes without saying that the Volvo’s load area is big as well as clever.

Passengers should be able to get comfortable, too, although kneeroom for rear-seat passengers could be better.

There are several engines to choose from, although the diesel wasn’t available initially and is still a little expensive to win our whole-hearted recommendation.

The higher-powered models can overstretch the V70’s chassis, and models fitted with bigger wheels and tyres have an over-firm ride. It’s better to stick with the 140bhp 2.4-litre, which suits the Volvo’s easy-going character but still delivers enough pull for load-carrying. Expect close to 30mpg.

Don’t lose any sleep over reliability – although we have heard of flat batteries due to an immobiliser fault.

Also consider
Citroen C5 2.0 HDi 110 LX ’02/02, 30k, £8400

Up to £7000
Peugeot 406 2.0 HDi 110 LX ’00/X, 45k, £6045
The 406 is spacious, easy to find and great value. The 110bhp diesel is the model to go for, mixing plenty of punch with low fuel bills. You’ll need to watch for suspension and brake wear on high-mileage examples, and electrical problems are not unheard of.

Also consider
Vauxhall Omega 2.0 GLS ’00/W, 49k, £4770

Over £12,000
Mercedes E320 CDi Elegance auto ’00/W, 49k, £17,150
The arrival of the new-shape E-class estate may date the looks of the old car, but don’t be put off: this is one of the finest load-haulers you can buy. The boot is cavernous and room for passengers is almost as generous, while the plush ride and high-speed refinement make the E-class a superb long-distance machine.

This year prices of the E320 CDi, with its super-strong diesel engine, have softened enough to make it our preferred model. Expensive, but worth it.

Also consider
Audi A6 2.4 SE ’01/X, 42k, £11,710