What is the cheapest estate car to run?
Estate cars are great for extra space, but which models don’t come with extra costs?
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Finding a model with low running costs is the best way to go if you’re after an estate car but need to stick to a budget.
Cutting back on insurance prices, the cost of fuel, and money spent on maintenance will keep your bank accounts feeling healthier.
Choosing a used estate car can also help cut back on the initial purchasing price.
Take a look at our top picks for an impressive estate car with low running costs.
Dacia Logan MCV
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The Dacia Logan MCV is an iconic estate car that’s been on the market since 2013. It’s a spacious car that features a 573-litre boot, living up to that ‘Maximum Capacity Vehicle’ title.
It has a rugged look about it too, so would be ideal for motorists torn between a sporty SUV and a sleek estate.
Despite its large size, you can expect to return up to 49.5mpg from the Dacia's 73hp 1.0-litre engine.
Models sit in insurance groups 2-12, so it can be cheap to insure.
Skoda Fabia Estate
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The Skoda Fabia Estate is a smaller model that stands out among much larger estates, making it a great option for a bit of extra room without the extra bulk.
You’ll get 530 litres of boot space in a sleek but simply-designed car, and that capacity can be extended to 1395 litres if you lower the rear seats.
When it comes to running costs, the Skoda Fabia Estate usually sits in insurance groups 2-10 and is considered a generally reliable car.
Reviews from its drivers are positive, so you shouldn’t expect to need to do more work on your Fabia than the usual wear and tear with proper maintenance.
The five-star Euro NCAP safety rating also gives a nice bit of reassurance.
Volvo V60 Recharge
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Choosing a plug-in hybrid like the Volvo V60 PHEV is a great way to get an economical runner.
The Volvo V60 PHEV has a fully electric range of up to 54 miles on a full charge, so you can get that far without touching your fuel supply at all.
Amazingly, the Recharge T6 claims it can offer up to 352.6mpg. This may differ from real-world driving, but it’ll still be an efficient choice.
With a wall box charger, you can boost the same model from flat to fully charged in five hours.
Electric charging is cheaper than filling up with fuel, and you can even find some free charging points on your travels.
Hyundai i30 Tourer
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The mere mention of Hyundai has many motorists feeling safe and at ease, so it’s no surprise that the Hyundai i30 Tourer is considered a reliable model that’s not too pricey to run.
There are ways to keep insurance costs low – like covering fewer miles annually – but the i30 Tourer sets a good base by sitting in insurance groups 9-16.
It’s a great option for efficiency too, so you can expect to return up to 53mpg.
Hyundai parts are easy to get hold of and are cheaper than many other brands, especially the premium contenders.
This means that should you need to make any repairs, you won’t be forking out for high prices.
Mercedes C-Class Estate PHEV
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Another impressive plug-in hybrid is the Mercedes C-Class Estate, a premium option that combines a luxury feel with reduced running costs.
You can cover up to 65 miles with electric power alone, taking the pressure off your fuel tank. In fact, it claims a 74.3mpg stat from the C300 BlueTEC HYBRID model.
You do lose a bit of boot space when gaining the hybrid tech, so the C-Class is a smaller estate model. Still, 455 litres are nothing to sniff at, and it will be enough for most motorists.
Having that reliable Mercedes reputation is ideal, too. You might have to pay slightly more for parts when it comes to upkeep, but these will be of great quality and built to last.
Citroen C5 X PHEV
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The Citroen C5 X is another plug-in hybrid choice for cutting back on fuel costs.
In this one, you can expect up to 39 miles of electric mile range while still getting a combined 225hp.
The C5 X is a great one to drive, too. It’s comfortable and quiet, with plenty of space in the rear – an ideal choice for busy families.
To be specific, that rear space includes a 485-litre boot that can be extended to 1,580 litres if you drop the rear seats.
Plus, sitting in group 31 will mean it’s not too pricey to insure either.
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer
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The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer brings claims that it can achieve up to 74mpg, which is impressive for a large estate that can fit 540 litres in the boot.
It also sits in groups 8-23 for insurance, so it won’t be as expensive as other models to insure (depending on your individual circumstances).
Parts are easy to come by and are affordable while still being high quality, so you shouldn’t stress about shelling out for repairs.
With the right care and upkeep, a Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer should give you a lengthy run with minimal wear and tear.
Skoda Octavia Estate
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A Skoda Octavia Estate is a classic pick and one of the most popular estate models on the road.
It’s affordably priced from the get-go and boasts an exceptional amount of space.
You’ll get 640 litres in the boot that can extend to 1,700 litres if you fold the rear seats, and an optional boot floor add-on that makes for a flat loading bay.
Despite lugging around its larger backside, you can still expect up to 65.7mpg from the 1.6 TDI model.
That can be pushed up to a claimed 282.5mpg from the Octavia Estate iV plug-in hybrid.
Skoda models are cheap to maintain, too. You’re not sacrificing solid quality to get an estate that’s easy to maintain and comes with perks, like a fixed-price servicing scheme for cars over three years old.
Mini Clubman
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If you’re in the market for an estate that’s not too expensive to upkeep but offers quirky styling, the affordable yet premium Mini Clubman is a top pick.
You’ll get that iconic Mini design as well as 360 litres of space in the boot that’s easy to load up thanks to the open-door function.
There’s a claimed statistic of 50.4mpg from the 1.5-litre engine, with models sitting in groups 15-23 for insurance.
Minis are regarded as reliable cars too, scoring their lowest average on reliability surveys but usually getting a positive review that’s improved in recent years.
SEAT Leon Estate
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As a brand, SEAT performs well for reliability, and the Leon Estate is no exception.
There are some glowing reviews and impressive results on reliability surveys that will convince you this won’t be an expensive car to maintain.
When it comes to getting on the road, the plug-in hybrid options are again the best for fuel economy.
You can cover up to 40 miles in the electric driving mode, getting up to 235mpg with a fully charged battery.
The Leon sits in insurance groups 12-24, so you can get a good deal on insurance costs depending on your individual circumstances.