Mechanic says you should always buy used estate cars over SUVs

A car mechanic has suggested that if drivers are looking to buy a used car that they should opt for estates over SUVs.

For nearly two-decades SUVs have been flooding the market as manufacturers saw a sustained spike in desire for the vehicle type.

In response to this desire by the public to ride high in large and bulky behemoths, major manufacturers have almost turned themselves into one-shape model producers. Everyone from Ford to Aston Martin, from Ferrari to Fiat, Peugeot, MG and co are churning out SUVs.

However, while the public is enamoured with the bulky bastions that have become emblematic of the past two automotive decades, not everyone is convinced.

Speaking to ReachPlc, car mechanic James Goodhand said he was one of those who was against the popularity of SUVs and instead recommended estate cars instead.

Estate cars are like SUVs except they are lighter and lower to the ground. They have similar carrying capacities but don’t need to bend the laws of physics to stay upright in the corners. What’s more, because they are traditionally lighter they need less powerful and thirsty engines to achieve the same performance.

James told Reach: “Largely personal prejudice here, but I always advise buying an estate car rather than the equivalent SUV. Who needs the extra height?

“Take Volvo’s big car offering for example - you can buy an XC90 SUV or a V90 estate. The V90 is a good 25% cheaper used, it’s got more room inside, its faster, handles better, uses less fuel, and you're far more likely to be let out of side turnings in one!”

Whilst there are many people who are critical of SUVs, one motoring expert has said that one should be careful when generalising a car shape that is continuing to see its popularity rise year on year.

Speaking to Auto Express, expert Steve Walker said that, at the end of the day, the public want to buy SUVs because they make their lives easier, and they shouldn’t be blamed for that.

He said: “We would all like to see smaller, lighter cars that consume fewer resources in their construction and use, but ‘SUV’ is a lazy way of defining vehicles that don’t conform to this vision.

“Buyers want cars that are easy and affordable to live with. Legislators (in Europe at least) demand cars that are packed with safety tech and use electrified powertrains to lower emissions.

“Car makers want to turn a profit. The SUV is just what the compromise between these conflicting demands looks like in 2025.”

With that in mind, there are multiple used car experts lining up to help people choose the right Sports Utility Vehicle for them. Speaking to the Express, the TikTok channel @CapturingCars recommended the Hyundai Tucson.

They said: “It’s reliable enough. They’re a good car but the infotainment system on them is fantastic. Really easy to use, very well equipped. It’s a good-looking car, reliable, reasonably priced, plenty out there to choose from for under £10,000. A clear winner.”