12k to spend - need suggestions for SUV, estate or crossover etc

Zascar

Posting this for a friend who needs help choosing a car. He wants to keep this for the long haul, preferably 10 years. He's a very large lad so needs something roomy and comfy. Something practical so maybe an suv or estate or similar. He's got 12k max to play with. He would like a crew cab (Commercial with back seats) as already has the insurance from his last one..

Musts:
Young as possible
Low mileage
Reliable / inexpensive to maintain
Large cab for comfy driving for a large chap
Cheap to tax and insure
Get fuel efficiency
A big boot & Seats that fold flat.

Likes:
Leather interior.
Hybrid maybe?
Bluetooth connectivity
Back seats
A brand that holds its value ie not a Dacia or French.


My advice to him is something japanese - but I really dont know these types of cars at all.

Any suggestions please lads?

BorneTobyWilde

A Ford Kuga would tick those boxes.

ghrghd

Is a brand that holds its value that important? The car will be pretty much worthless as it will be at least 14 years old when he's done with it.

How about a Skoda Octavia or superb estate? Reliable, good value, economy and seem to be loved by many on these forums.

Shefwedfan

That's some list of requirement for 12k, if I could find a car like that I would buy it myself...

I think you need to take a step back and see what exactly is top and bottom of list. First off what type of vehicle, you mention SUV, estate, Crossover and then a crew cab. So which is it? as his insurance is already with a commercial vehicle then I would guess that is what he has to stick with? if commerical does he have other things which are worth nothing? VAT off?

Also, you want a low mileage vehicle for 12k, what do you classify as low mileage?

Do you mean great fuel efficiency? if so why are you looking at SUV/Crew cab/Crossover? all will be harder on fuel compared to a car.

You want a brand that holds in value, so you want to premium brands which means you pay more, so automatically you will be restricted to older and higher mileage. If the person plans to keep for 10 years then any brand will be written off anyway at that stage so will be close to worthless, so I don't understand why you want it to hold value?

bazz26

Someone looking to buy a used car and keeping it for 10 years shouldn't really be putting "a brand that holds its value" high on their priority list. All that means is that you are paying strong money up front for something that like most cars will be worth very little anyway 10 years later irrespective of what brand it is.

Dravokivich

If looking for a big boot, why SUV and cross overs?

screamer

Don’t think you’ll get all that for 12k. Hybrid for 12 k not a hope.... you’re looking at something like a navara but their Diesel engines are pants. How bout a caddy van, or an older x5..

Zascar

Thanks for the replies. He's still trying to figure out the exact requirements so appreciate the guidance. They are more wants than musts really. Yes, brand is less important if he's going to be keeping it for a long time. When he says good fuel efficiency really he wants to avoid something with terrible fuel efficiency...

Skoda Octavia/Superb is definitely a good option. Any others? I was thinking something like a Toyota Rav4 or similar might be a good idea. Thoughts? I think you can't go too wrong with Japanese. What else is worth a look?