If I were on a budget I'd focus on a car that will suit requirements for everyday use and buy a trailer for those occasions when you need more space than the boot will give for camping gear.
------------- Aug 2017 St Martins Campsite, Scilly
Jul 2017 Trewan Hall, Cornwall
Jun 2017 Higher Kestle Farm, Cornwall
Mar 2017 Pitch Perfect camping Bath
Aug 2016 Brittany/Normandy:-
La Ferme Croas Men (near Morlaix)
Le Ranolien (Ploumanac'h)
Le Bois Courdrais (Cugen)
Chateau de Montfreville (Montfreville)
Citroen Xsara Piccaso,loads of space with the seats out.
But once Mrs Welsh starts getting the gear out.The new tent takes more space
I add the roof box,and the trailer Might upgrade to a Transit Luton next
Peugeot 308SW.(2L Diesel not 1600 though). Huge capacity & not too expensive to buy.Should be within your budget. Try googling boot capacity for any options...might help.
the best car is the one that will carry all your people in comfort, fit all your gear in with plenty of room to spare, is great on mpg and tax and insurance. very reliable what is the name of this car? that is down to you
I have a Mazda 6 and its surprising how much stuff you can fit in one, I also have a roof box which is a big help.
We only have 2 kids so put one half of the back seats down and ram the tent onto that half. Another plus (depending on how you look at it) is that it doesn't have a spare wheel but has space for one, so if you remove the polystyrene packer you can fit all your sleeping bags & air beds in there.
A quick look on Auto trader and there are a few for sale within your budget as long as you don't mind high milage.
Quote: Originally posted by Davefrancis88 on 02/6/2024
Kia sorento
Welcome to UKCS. A lot has changed in the car market since this 2016 thread ran for a while. Models have stopped being available, others have come onto the market, EVs have got more available too.
Good to get an update.