Need extra space, but don’t want the added bulk an MPV or a SUV brings? Look no further than an estate.

And today you can forget preconceptions of big, boxy and boring. As we show, there’s an estate to suit everyone.

We’ve picked five of the most talented estates out there for around £8,000 and up to five years old.

Search for these cars on Auto Trader >>

Full gallery: the best estates for £8,000

Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon

Some will say owning an Alfa Romeo will make your life better. What is certain is it’ll get the neighbours talking – the Alfa 159 Sportwagon is easily the best looking estate of recent years.

But like the Jaguar below, what it offers in unquantifiable appeal, it lacks in outright space. We’ve spent time in enough Alfas to be confident that their build quality is improving at an impressive rate, but it’s still essential to buy the best you can afford.

What to look for: Diesel engines have some common problems including failed turbos, oil pumps and timing belts, so watch for hesitation under acceleration and excessive smoke. The 3.2-litre petrol engine needs a £1,400 cambelt change at 72,000 miles.

Audi A4 Avant

Understated styling coupled with peerless build quality make the A4 Avant a superb choice for the estate car buyer. The 1.9 TDI can nudge 50mpg while the 3-litre TDI, although busting our budget, is a real firecracker.

Audi’s don’t usually come with great equipment levels, with many niceties relegated to the expensive options list. The good news is these options don’t make a huge difference to used car prices. And being a popular choice with company fleets, it’s not hard to find one with a full service history.

What to look for: Diesel engines have heavy oil consumption, so check the service history to ensure regular checks and top-ups have been carried out. Sensors can fail, so check for hesitation under acceleration and a juddering clutch can mean a replacement clutch plate may be required, which isn’t cheap.

Jaguar X-Type Estate

Forget the idea the Jaguar X-Type is a Ford Mondeo in a sharp suit – the Big Cat both looks and feels significantly different to the Ford. It also spawned the first ever production estate the company had built.

It might not boast the most luggage space in this list, but with petrol, diesel and front- and four-wheel drive versions, it’s one of the most varied. It’s also supremely comfortable, but space in the rear isn’t what it should be.

What to look for: Check all chrome trim is properly attached as replacements can be costly, and listen for unusual noises from the gearbox – this can point to a worn transfer box, which can cost around £1,800.

Subaru Forester

Built with the care of a Swiss watch, the Subaru Forester is the load lugger of choice for the country set. Renowned for its robustness and understated styling, the Forester features full-time four wheel drive, good ground clearance and 2- and 2.5-litre petrol engines.

The Subaru Forester is generally solid, but parts and repairs can be costly, so it’s worth test driving a few so you really understand what you’re buying. The newer diesels are worth sniffing out, but can cost twice our budget here.

What to look for: Check for exhaust damage as it can catch the ground if used off road. The 2-litre petrol engine has a reputation for big end failure, which causes catastrophic engine damage. Regular maintenance and servicing is essential.

Volvo V50

It’s impossible to think of estate cars and not consider a Volvo. But rather than the huge V70 – the traditional Volvo estate – the Volvo V50 represents a more usable choice.

An excellent amount of space in a Ford Focus-sized car and Volvo’s legendary safety reputation make the Volvo an eminently sensible choice. But that doesn’t mean dull – those looking for a more racy look can seek out the tastefully-bodykitted R-Design model.

What to look for: Check smooth operation of the key as it can get stuck in the dashboard. The ESP warning light can point to a faulty ABS unit which Volvo will contribute to the replacement of, as long as the car has been serviced by Volvo.

Search for these cars on Auto Trader >>

By Stuart Milne