We have upto £12k,including trade in,to get a newer car.We need a car that will go down farm tracks,paddocks etc so dont need a full on 4x4.The car must have plenty of room in the boot area for the lintran dog box or our camping gear.The car must be reliable and bullet proof and as cheap as possible to maintain.What should it be? Skoda octavia scout tdi or Volvo xc70?.What would you choose

Scout TDi for two reasons,

1. initial purchase price was lower, so guess you would get a newer/better model for same money?

2. MPG, check the combined figures, heard some negative points about the fuel economy of the XC70

although I do like those cross country's, also worryingly- found this

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/neil-lyndon/8850282/Winter-driving-best-and-worst-cars-for-handling-snow.html

(cars most likely to break down in winter!)

let us know! and happy motoring!

For economy it's the skoda, for reliability it would be the Volvo D5, although I think it only comes in automatic in the XC70. 6 and two threes I think.

Scout TDi for two reasons,

1. initial purchase price was lower, so guess you would get a newer/better model for same money?

2. MPG, check the combined figures, heard some negative points about the fuel economy of the XC70

although I do like those cross country's, also worryingly- found this

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/neil-lyndon/8850282/Winter-driving-best-and-worst-cars-for-handling-snow.html

(cars most likely to break down in winter!)

let us know! and happy motoring!

I wouldn't take too much notice of that plus the Audi all road which is basically a scout scores a lot worse than the Volvo. But I would say that as I am a big Volvo fan.

Lot's of us Scout owners in the Octavia forum, posting there will get you plenty of feedback

If money was no object I'd go for the Volvo, unfortuantly life isn't that simple, as you are on a budget then £12K will get you a newer lower mileage Scout - nuff said

I wouldn't take too much notice of that plus the Audi all road which is basically a scout scores a lot worse than the Volvo. But I would say that as I am a big Volvo fan.

Not true. The original Allroad suffered extensive problems regarding the air suspension, an accusation that simply cannot be levelled at the Scout.

I've driven both old and new A6 Allroads, and love them. Brilliant cars. If you are tempted by an Allroad, the newer shape is far more economical in both diesel guises than the first gen diesel.

The Scout is awesome too. Some people may not like him, but Clarkson described it as the best possible car you can buy with your head. Just does it all.