Need to get a (sensible) V8 out of my system...

[McHaggis]

OK, I have to do it and get a V8 out of my system. I don't do many miles a year at the moment (<8k) so MPG is not an issue. I have enough buffer funds for most repairs and insurance is not an issue (39, low crime area, full no claims, etc)

Twist is, it should also be practical...
Second twist is, outright performance isn't that key - I just want the sound, though a turn of speed would help - but I'm not obsessed by a difference of .5 of a second to 60.

Criteria:

• V8
• Good load space - so preferably an estate (!)
• A good sound from the engine without silly mods, but would consider a Milltek or similar as an addition
• <15k

Long list so far:

Audi S4 Avant
Audi A6 4.2 Avant (plus a decent exhaust)
BMW 550i
Chrysler 300c Hemi
Merc E55AMG

Bigger...
Range Rover
Porsche Cayenne

Any I have missed?

(edit to add, I know about the spelling error in the title)

[McHaggis]

80sboy said:

The op didn't specify whether he wants to go around corners or not...

Ideally, corners would be good...

[McHaggis]

R300will said:

RS6 had a V8 at one point. Bet they're cheap now. Cerbera's have back seats

Nice cars, but a bit high mileage now for the ones I have seen. Agree re: Cerbera's but doesn't fulfill the load requirement, or I would be getting an XKR...

[McHaggis]

pwd95 said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3791382.htm

My favourite so far - thanks to all the other ideas, so nice saloons about but I really need an estate.

The Alpinas are very appealing for something a bit different in the BMW guise and the B10s are rare... and pricey!

[McHaggis]

But this is strange...

Looking at the seller:
http://www.wyleshardy.com/details_single.asp?pge=2...

Not the typical car sale - "Private Treaty Sale on Behalf of a Retained Client."

[McHaggis]

LukeSi said:

Obvious answer is obvious.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3830290.htm

Except I've said I'd prefer an estate...

Now if only they had done an estate version...

[McHaggis]

Vitorio said:

I suppose you cant find a maserati quattroporte in decent nick for 15k yet?

Even if I could, I said I had some reserves for repairs, not the GDP of a small country.
Also not an estate...

All - I love the V8 saloon suggestions, but I need flexible load space - going to the tip and picking up things that don't fit in a saloon boot...

[McHaggis]

RenesisEvo said:

E39 M5? Or an Alpina for some exclusivity?

Touring? Can't find any in the <£15k bracket.

[McHaggis]

At the moment it's the 550i Touring as a sleeper, A6 4.2 post 05 and the S6 4.2...

[McHaggis]

Thanks again all.

It's bloody difficult.

To answer a previous question - it's a (hopefully very PH reason) - I love the burble of a V8... I don't do big miles but when I do it's mostly for pleasure these days.

I want the surge of torque. The burble at 1200rpm. The <end of the world is nigh> of a big V8 with suitable exhaust echoing against a tunnel wall in the Alps as I climb out of the valley floor....

...and practicality to stick the garden waste in the back on the weekend. And pick up a lathe from an ebay sale. And not worry about how many boxes of wine I've bought in France. And I like German engineering - even if that is a cliche.

Revised shortlist:

E55AMG or E500
S4 4.2 or A6 4.2
Cayenne

I have driven the Cayenne before and an A6 (but not in 4.2 guise and they are rare). Time to see if any friends or connections have an E55AMG. Don't want to waste a dealers time.

Thanks to the owners of said cars for the offer of advice... I may well PM you... time to talk to the boss; fortunately she is a petrolhead and also wants a V8...