Compare the best used estate cars
High-quality second hand estate cars from rated and reviewed dealers
Best used estate cars of 2025
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.
Battery range up to 44 miles
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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Battery range up to 46 miles
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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.
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.
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.
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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 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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