Best used estates on Gumtree

Proving that an estate can have both style and substance, the Leon ST is our first pick. Built to the same high quality and with similar sharp styling as its hatchback equivalent, it’s got an extra 27 cm added to the rear axle to boost its boot space. This makes a big difference, giving you over 200 litres more room than a standard Leon (587 litres). Gutsy engines in petrol and diesel and great handling give you all the performance you need when out on the open road. The interior is a match for some of the pricier alternatives too, with a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control and air-con all offered as standard. The neat package is completed with great headroom and excellent rear passenger space.

If you’re after a little bit of luxury, you won’t go far wrong with a 3 Series Touring from BMW. A prestigious, roomy interior and top tech will keep all the family comfortable and safe on longer journeys. It scored the maximum five stars in Euro NCAP testing in 2019 and there’s a raft of driver assistance kit on board such as lane-departure warning. What’s most impressive is its excellent handling and suspension. A wide engine choice offers something for every driver, and we particularly rate the drive and fuel economy from the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Despite being so practical, it’s really fun to drive too.

Affordable and family-friendly, the Astra has been a firm favourite for many years. There’s lots to enjoy with the Estate Tourer version: it offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience without breaking the bank, and later models in particular boast premium styling features. Its boot floor is flush and the rear seats fold flat easily from the side to give an extended load bay that can take items up to 1.8m long – great for moving bulky things. Both diesel and petrol engines deliver good fuel economy and are sufficiently punchy.

As the top-selling range of Mercedes’ line-up, the E-Class has a great combination of practicality and all the executive luxury features you’d expect from this premium brand. Its distinguished good looks offer alluring kerb appeal and the high-quality interior is something to admire. Little touches like the automatic opening to the boot can really make the difference when juggling shopping and the kids. It’s also got one of the largest boots on our list at a whopping 640 litres. Models from 2016 onwards can also fit up to seven people, making it a great choice for larger families who don’t want to compromise on style.

The second BMW to make our wish list is the 5 Series Touring. Slightly longer and wider than the 3 Series, it’s got over 30 years of heritage as a tourer and is one of the best driving estates on the market. Responsive and agile handling, improved by the xDrive four-wheel-drive system, will make light work of taking on any difficult conditions, and the interior is as premium as the engineering. You’ll find its coveted infotainment system, quality interior finish and spacious seating in both the front and back. The boot space is ample too with 570 litres to play with. As a popular model in the range, they’ll feature a lot in used estate car listings.

The XF is British engineering at its finest, and the Sportbrake delivers on its promise of a smooth and comfortable ride. Its sporty feel belies the large chassis, and powerful petrol and diesel engines will get you up to speed quickly – even with a full load in the back. The drive feels seriously good too, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and options for all-wheel drive on hand. Safety features such as anti-lock braking and lane departure warning are standard equipment, helping the XF achieve the maximum five stars from Euro NCAP safety tests in 2015. Oh, and it’s more affordable than the 5 Series, making it one of the best-value used estate cars.

If it’s tons of space you need then the Octavia Estate has you covered. Coming in at 4.69m long, you’ll easily fit three adults in the back with ample legroom and headroom thanks to its lengthened roofline. The boot has a huge 640 litres of space, no lip, plus the added bonus of a split-level floor, which can be a useful hideaway for smaller items. Diesel and petrol engines use the latest VW efficiency-boosting technology and there are hybrid variants available too, making this an affordable choice for families looking to get the best mpg. You’ll find all versions of the Octavia sit in lower insurance groups than many rivals, keeping your premiums very competitive.

Offering great value for money and a market-leading seven-year warranty, the Ceed Sportwagon is an excellent choice for a new or used estate. Good looking with hatchback styling, there’s plenty of room on board for passengers and luggage. The boot has an impressive 625 litres of space, and its high roofline with no awkward tailgate lip makes it easy to lift items in and out. Larger adults can fit comfortably in the back too thanks to its almost-flat floor. You’ll find it in both petrol and diesel varieties as well as an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid version.

No list of the best used estates to buy on Gumtree would be complete without a Ford, and we’ve gone with the Mondeo Estate as our ninth pick. Like its hatchback counterpart, it offers a great blend of practicality and comfort. Its popularity means you’ll find plenty of good used models for sale at a reasonable price. If you want pulling power, go for the 2.0-litre engine – it’ll tow up to 2000kg, making it perfect for caravanning holidays. The Mondeo got top marks in Euro NCAP safety tests in 2019 and comes with automatic emergency braking as standard. A plush interior greets you on the later models, and even on the entry-level Zetec trim there’s a generous level of kit.

Where some manufacturers have only recently added an estate version to their line-up, it’s been a staple model for the Passat since its launch in 1970. This solid history and ongoing refinement mean there are lots of great choices for all budgets when looking used. Big rear doors make it easy for you to get the kids and their seats into position, and there’s plenty of room for adult passengers too. Planning a road trip with the whole family? The boot’s 650-litre space will fit everything you need, especially as the Passat’s square rear shape gives it a nice high roofline.

Each entry in this list delivers on the core promise of an estate: a spacious cabin with room for all the family and a cavernous boot. Used estate cars don’t need to compromise on their style or performance for practicality, making them some of the versatile models on the market. If you’re ready to find the right estate for you, check out our in-depth reviews and get to know more about the best cars on the market.