Evening. The wife has convinced herself we need a new car and after lengthy discussion we seem to be agreed on an estate car. We will be buying used, with an upper budget of about 8k. Ideally I'd like something that's half decent to drive, decent power for over taking is a must as we regularly visit our families which can be 160 mile round trips.
We both like the octavia vrs, insurance seems reasonable and we've seen a few we like in our budget. Any owners on here care to share their impressions? Others we've looked at are the toyota avensis 2.2, which appeals because of the vast boot and the subaru legacy because I just like them, and the idea of the faster versions (thought they seem to get pretty lousy mpg).
Thoughts?
EDIT: I am also pondering whether we "need" a diesel or not. Annual mileage in the car will be roughly 10k. I would definitely prefer a petrol, and I know conventional wisdom says you need to do space shuttle miles to save on a diesel, but I fear a heavy right foot might see me drinking fuel in the petrol.

