If your week includes commuting into Preston, family trips around the Fylde and the occasional longer journey, it is worth trying both before settling on a body style. A Volvo estate such as a V60 and an SUV such as an XC60 give you different starting points, but the individual car still matters.

Here is how to make a useful comparison when buying used.

Start with the age and version

Two cars carrying the same model badge can differ considerably in equipment and layout. Establish the model year, engine, gearbox and trim of each vehicle before comparing specifications.

For example, Volvo publishes separate specifications for the current V60 estate and current XC60 plug-in hybrid SUV. Those figures describe those versions; they should not be applied to an older used example.

Ask for information that matches the cars on your shortlist. That is particularly important when comparing boot dimensions, vehicle width and fitted equipment.

Seating: try getting in as well as sitting down

An SUV’s higher seating position may appeal if you prefer a more elevated view. An estate offers a lower seating position, which some drivers find more familiar.

Neither preference tells you which car will feel better after an hour behind the wheel. Adjust the seat properly, check your reach to the controls and think about visibility when manoeuvring.

Getting in and out deserves its own test. A higher seat may suit one passenger but be an awkward step for another. Ask the people who regularly travel with you to try the car too, where practical.

Boot space: compare the opening and floor

Do not assume the taller vehicle will carry your belongings more conveniently. The shape of the boot and the way you access it can matter as much as a quoted capacity.

Compare the width between the wheel arches, the length of the floor and the height of the loading edge. Check how much room remains with the rear seats in their normal position.

For a family visiting from Lytham St Annes, that might mean trying a pushchair alongside the shopping bags. For someone carrying work equipment, it might mean measuring a bulky case. A physical check is more useful than deciding from photographs.

Parking: measure the space you actually use

A car can feel manageable on a test drive and still be awkward on your driveway. Note the width of your entrance, the space needed to open the doors and any overhead restriction.

If you regularly use town-centre parking in Preston or Blackpool, consider how confidently you can judge the corners of each car. Try the mirrors and any fitted parking aids rather than assuming a particular trim includes everything you need.

An estate is not automatically narrower or shorter than an SUV. Compare the dimensions of the exact examples, including mirrors where relevant.

Costs: compare individual cars, not categories

The badge on the boot cannot tell you the whole cost of ownership. Engine choice, age, condition, tyres and maintenance requirements all belong in the comparison.

Before making a decision, obtain insurance quotes for the registrations you are considering. Ask about upcoming maintenance and check replacement tyre prices for the fitted wheel size. Review the service records alongside the asking prices.

There is little value in choosing a car because you expect it to be cheaper to run if you have not checked the actual version and its needs.

A simple comparison to take to your viewing

Which should you choose?

Start with an estate if you prefer a lower seating position and want to investigate how its loading arrangement suits your routine. Start with an SUV if a higher seat is a priority and you like the way it feels to access and drive.

Then let the viewing decide. A well-suited individual car with understandable records is a better starting point than a body-style preference alone.

At Corner Garage in Warton, you can see our current used cars and ask which available vehicles would be useful to compare. Call 01772 679 149 or contact us before travelling so we can confirm what is available to view.