Eclectic Car Choice

[Alex Gurr]

Right chaps.....I need some help here.

I currently have an old Fiat Brava which I have used as my car for transporting carp to the tip in and for my wife to use around town with the kids. We also have an E34 M5, which we use for longer journeys once every couple of weeks (I commute to work by train).

The Fiat was free, but is starting to play up and probably needs to go soon, so we need a new car.

Budget is up to £15,000. I need something that isn't another money-pit like the M5, but is big enough to take the kids and their stuff away for weekends, but practical enough for my wife to use a few times a week. I also really want something interesting, so choices are:
- Defender 110 TD5
- Subaru Legacy Estate (not sure which one, but the 3l appeals)
- Mercedes W124 Estate (280 or 320)

Any thoughts on the above? I know they will vary wildly in price and age, but as I said, I want something different and "pistonheads".

[eldar]

Alex Gurr said:

I have used as my car for transporting carp to the tip

Opel Manta?

[sday12]

E46 BMW, favourite with the carp lot.

[weezb]

Alex Gurr said:

Right chaps.....I need some help here.

I currently have an old Fiat Brava which I have used as my car for transporting carp to the tip in and for my wife to use around town with the kids. We also have an E34 M5, which we use for longer journeys once every couple of weeks (I commute to work by train).

The Fiat was free, but is starting to play up and probably needs to go soon, so we need a new car.

Budget is up to £15,000. I need something that isn't another money-pit like the M5, but is big enough to take the kids and their stuff away for weekends, but practical enough for my wife to use a few times a week. I also really want something interesting, so choices are:
- Defender 110 TD5
- Subaru Legacy Estate (not sure which one, but the 3l appeals)
- Mercedes W124 Estate (280 or 320)

Any thoughts on the above? I know they will vary wildly in price and age, but as I said, I want something different and "pistonheads".

Skoda Octavia vRS Estate (as an aside; I think there are 4 wheel drive versions of this model)

[bazking69]

E39 Touring?

[Risotto]

DC5 Integra? Ultra reliable, four seats, big boot, good fun.

[Alex Gurr]

Hmmmmm........

The Skoda is a great car, but too new and bland for me. The same goes for the Honda. The e39, whilst a great car, is far too ubiquitous for my liking.

I really am looking for something with more character.

Any other ideas?

[rottie102]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-MG-ZT-SE-260-V8-SILVER-...

[dcb]

Alex Gurr said:

- Defender 110 TD5

Always slow, usually badly driven too.

Unless you need to tow something really really large
or you live somewhere without tarmac access, why bother ?

[Orangecurry]

Of those, the Legacy in 3.0R Spec B.

The Impreza is a more erm sharper tool if it is big enough for you, but I'm guessing not eclectic enough.

ETA MrsOC loves her Impreza - not too big on the outside for daily chores, but enough room on the inside for us all (two children under 10) to go on holiday full to the gunwales.

Edited by Orangecurry on Saturday 21st August 20:57

[GravelBen]

Orangecurry said:

Of those, the Legacy in 3.0R Spec B.

Or an imported GT-B (280bhp turbo version)

[Pig Skill]

I understand your predicament - I was exactly the same when looking for my daily. Something different, practical, fast when needed but safe for the family. I bought this - an Imprezza GB270 Wagon (Estate). The Wagons are a little different to the saloon - for me a little geeky chic; and eclectic mix of power and practical. Mine is #001/100 Only problem is finding one - they are as rare as hens teeth and seldom come up for sale.

Edited by Pig Skill on Sunday 22 August 07:00

[maurauth]

Vauxhall Vectra VXR Estate, the hatchback has a huge boot as it is for it's size car, and with heated leathers front and back it would be good for the kids, have a huge amount of space for tip runs and still be interesting for a little hoon. They're starting to come up quite cheaply, and don't be fooled by the bks spouted by clarkson about the vxr.

[SDxsi]

Pig Skill said:

I understand your predicament - I was exactly the same when looking for my daily. Something different, practical, fast when needed but safe for the family. I bought this - an Imprezza GB270 Wagon (Estate). The Wagons are a little different to the saloon - for me a little geeky chic; and eclectic mix of power and practical. Mine is #001/100 Only problem is finding one - they are as rare as hens teeth and seldom come up for sale.

Edited by Pig Skill on Sunday 22 August 07:00

I love that, never even knew it existed. Only 100? Damn! Congrats on a superb looking car anyway!

[Pig Skill]

SDxsi said:

Pig Skill said:

I understand your predicament - I was exactly the same when looking for my daily. Something different, practical, fast when needed but safe for the family. I bought this - an Imprezza GB270 Wagon (Estate). The Wagons are a little different to the saloon - for me a little geeky chic; and eclectic mix of power and practical. Mine is #001/100 Only problem is finding one - they are as rare as hens teeth and seldom come up for sale.

Edited by Pig Skill on Sunday 22 August 07:00

I love that, never even knew it existed. Only 100? Damn! Congrats on a superb looking car anyway!

Thank you! I love it myself. They did make 300 saloons in blue as well but for me they are a little too similar to the other Impreza's because of the colour. Shame really