Estate cars have come a long way since the ‘box on wheels’ days and can be a practical and stylish option for a driver seeking decent boot space and a comfortable driving experience.
Opinions vary on what the first estate car was but some think this rare 1928 Rolls Royce Phantom is it.
We’ve taken a look at some of the things you might want to consider before opting to lease an estate.
Is it really an estate car you need?
Estate cars used to be the only option for those wanting a spacious car, but with SUVs, 4x4s and people carriers readily available, there is a lot of choice available to you. If you have a large family to cater for, a 7 seat people carrier might be better for you.
Another alternative is a 4x4/SUV. They are similar to estates, but come with the added ability to go off-road. However their leasing costs tend to be higher and they are often ‘gas guzzlers’so ask yourself, do you really need to go off-road?
If you've decided to purchase an estate then the chances are you're interested in a car with a lot of boot space. However, just because it's called an estate doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be big enough for your particular needs. Estate cars vary in size hugely and some models are more about style than space. For example the Volvo V60 has a boot space offering 360 litres. This is actually smaller than the Volvo S60 saloon's 375 litre boot! So do you research on size before you decide.
Diesel or petrol?
Most estate cars come with a diesel engine, as they are designed to drive long distances and make great towing vehicles. Diesel estate cars offer better fuel economy and tax benefits, as the CO2 levels produced are lower than their petrol equivalents.
If you're not planning on covering a lot of miles, then petrol is the better option. Diesel engines are more expensive, and you'd have to drive a lot of miles in order to benefit financially from the improved fuel economy.
What optional extras do you want?
If your model of choice seems to be weaker in certain departments, be sure to look at the optional extras and higher-specification models. Simple additions like roof rails or roof-top boxes can add considerable storage space to smaller estates, while stylistic packages can provide a sportier or more refined edge.
There's a huge selection of makes and models to choose from in the used estate car market, and without proper research, it can be difficult to narrow down which would best suit your needs. We have rounded up What Car magazines top 5 estates to help to get you started.
Click on each vehicle name below to view our latest leasing deals.
Skoda Superb Estate
Merc E Class
Skoda Fabia Estate
BMW 5 series estate
Ford Mondeo
How much will leasing an Estate cost?
We’ve used an example of a current leasing offer available from LittleGreenCarLeasing on the BMW 5 SERIES DIESEL TOURING 520d M Sport 5dr Auto.
For a personal lease without maintenance, based on 8,000 miles a year and a 9 months up front and then a further 35 months the monthly cost is £350.86
Road fund licence (road tax) is included and you won’t need to worry about an MOT on your fully maintained new lease car.
Your up front costs will be £3,356.74 (this includes the industry standard £199.00 admin fee).
TIPS
Remember to shop around when refuelling, don’t just go to your local garage! Does your nearest supermarket offer fuel? You might be surprised at the price difference!
You will have to insure yourself and of course prices vary based on age, location so we recommend you do your research before committing to any lease car.
Take a look at this deal here but remember our deals are constantly being updated so these prices are correct at the time of publishing but subject to change.
Got more questions about leasing? Visit our FAQs.