Very hard to find a decent petrol car nowadays!

[Hell27]

I'm looking to change my car next year, and have 3 kids and go on an annual continental road trip each year on holiday with the family.
I'm currently cycling to work, and it's only a 6 mile drive to work anyway, so looking for a decent paced petrol 5 seater estate either 4 wheel drive or rear wheel drive.
It seems about 5 years ago I could take my pick with 545i's, 530i's, Audi A4 3.2v6 quattro, Merc 420 V8.
Now it seems the modern equivalents are either out of the price range (£20k) or there are a few tidy examples knocking around.

Don't get me wrong, a decent 530d or E350CDi would be great, but at such small day to day mile ages, it would be basically abusing a decent Diesel engine.
Seems like it's only diesel in the market ATM. Pain in the arse, as legislation is getting anti diesel again.
So looking for a 1/2 decent A4 avant 2.0 TFSi Quattro, 5 yr old S4 if I can find one, or a 535i estate if I can find one. Considered an insignia vxr but don't fancy the bills that will come with it, plus in 5 yrs time will be worth fk all divided by 6!

[Hell27]

Sorry, should have added more of a point. Apart from the models I'm considering, are there any other contenders to the decent pace petrol estate fold (non FWD)?

[Fittster]

What I found there are few petrol models sold that you can't be choosy over spec.

[thelawnet]

Lexus still petrol.

[Hell27]

I know! Might have to end up doing silly short journeys in a big diesel then unclog the dpf with a nice long drive at weekend (which is what we tend to do now anyway).

[Fittster]

thelawnet said:

Lexus still petrol.

Aren't a lot hybrids?

Personally I'd wish Lexus would start offering estates.

Edited by Fittster on Thursday 13th November 17:41

[MattOz]

Is the E91 330i or 335i too small? They are fairly rare, but always a handful for sale.

[Hell27]

MattOz said:

Is the E91 330i or 335i too small? They are fairly rare, but always a handful for sale.

Great cars Matt but the e91 is a bit too small mate. The b8 A4 is a lot bigger inside

[sebhaque]

Subaru Outback? There's still a few petrol versions of those rumbling about.

[bint]

We have a similar position, only one child but like having a large car to throw stuff in. We both cycle to work and wanted a petrol with oomph (circa 6000 miles a year).

Started with a 156 V6 about 9 years ago, changed due to suspension rebuild costing more than car, moved on to a Saab HOT 95 Aero and when that got to cost vs value this year we got really stuck on a replacement. Ended up with the E500 and I really like it.

[Baryonyx]

Fittster said:

Aren't a lot hybrids?

Personally I'd wish Lexus would start offering estates.

Edited by Fittster on Thursday 13th November 17:41

Perhaps they don't want to cheapen the brand? Lexus have always been comfortable and focused mainly on US sales, their European operation is an afterthought. Though as dealers go, tbeytew excellent and their cars are superb.

[dcb]

Hell27 said:

Great cars Matt but the e91 is a bit too small mate. The b8 A4 is a lot bigger inside

Surprising. I went from old shape five series E39 to newer shape 3 series
E61 and it's only a few cm shorter.

Maybe have a look at a newish C class from M-B ?
Id guess it can't be very much shorter than an old shape E class.

[Beer Man]

Jag XF

[Monty Python]

There are 9 used approved 5-series petrol estates - this any good?

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/5-Series/3.0-525i-SE-Tou...

[ArmaghMan]

Get yourself a nice petrol Phaeton.

[Dr Jekyll]

Why rule out FWD?

[Mr E]

We're in almost exactly the same position. Ended up with a nice E500. I believe there're quite rare and merc don't make them anymore.

[Clivey]

There are a couple of S4 Avants with c40k miles for about £23k on AutoTrader.

Or you could get a sensible 7-seater for £24k.

Overall though, I can see the problem. - It's the same with stuff like the 540i saloons etc. - We're practically having diesel (or worse, hybrids) forced down our throats.

[Hell27]

Clivey said:

There are a couple of S4 Avants with c40k miles for about £23k on AutoTrader.

Or you could get a sensible 7-seater for £24k.

Overall though, I can see the problem. - It's the same with stuff like the 540i saloons etc. - We're practically having diesel (or worse, hybrids) forced down our throats.

Ha! Now that's a 7 seater you can get excited about!

To answer another query, I just like RWD but concur that May performance cars now are 4wd. Just don't want my daily to be a FWD. Did that with a v40 and a mondeo and it just didn't feel right.

[Schermerhorn]

M5 with a V10.