Fast estates - V70 T5 vs 95 Aero vs Legacy spec B
Discussion
I am in the fantastic position of being given the go ahead to start the ball rolling on our next estate car purchase!
Our Passat estate has served us well for 5 years but it is dull and getting tired now, so something needs to take its place. Our mileage is low so I am keen to go for something petrol and fast, but it has to be an estate.
I was given the Passat by my grandad and it bores me to tears, as do most German cars, fords, etc. I have always loved volvo estates, legacy estates and Saabs as they are slightly alternative to the norm.
I have read huge amounts already about comparisons between the V70 T5 and the 95 aero but not with the legacy.
All advice appreciated.
Our Passat estate has served us well for 5 years but it is dull and getting tired now, so something needs to take its place. Our mileage is low so I am keen to go for something petrol and fast, but it has to be an estate.
I was given the Passat by my grandad and it bores me to tears, as do most German cars, fords, etc. I have always loved volvo estates, legacy estates and Saabs as they are slightly alternative to the norm.
I have read huge amounts already about comparisons between the V70 T5 and the 95 aero but not with the legacy.
All advice appreciated.
What are your priorities in terms of requirements - for comfort, the v70 takes some beating, the legacy is the drivers car and has the bonus of 4wd (although v70 has awd as an option too) I guess the saab is probably the best value and something of a leftfield choice - all are pretty reliable and practical - if it were me I'd have the volvo as I suspect it is the best all-rounder but then I'm biased
Edited by morgrp on Sunday 1st February 15:20
I'd suggest you could buy a hell of a lot more Saab than the other 2 for yer money, probably the fastest especially after spending £100 for a remap, seats are extremely comfortable but the materials and build won't match that of the Volvo and handling won't match that of the Subaru
I confess to being biased too
I confess to being biased too
I agree with you folks, Saab for value for money, Subaru will probably be more involved to drive (4WD, sound of the flat 6 etc), Volvo for quality and comfort perhaps.
I'm leaning towards the Saab I think, because of the value for money. However I have not driven them so it is all irrelevant until then I guess.
I'm leaning towards the Saab I think, because of the value for money. However I have not driven them so it is all irrelevant until then I guess.
The Spec B is the most entertaining drive. They're very capable all rounders but a lot of fun to punt around on British B roads, you'd almost think it was designed for exactly the job of providing a supple yet controlled and confidence inspiring blast over poor quality tarmac.
The two Swedes are also great cars but nowhere near as much fun as the Subaru.
The two Swedes are also great cars but nowhere near as much fun as the Subaru.
Legnum VR4? Effortless speed, AWD, AYC for seemingly magical road holding, and if you can manage to find a manual you don't need to worry about the rigmarole of the 3000 mile ATF service interval and £1000 gearbox replacements when you forget. I had an auto. It was a money pit.
Alternatively, and although you say you're not keen on Germanics, how about a Passat 4motion W8? Proper Q car, that is.
Alternatively, and although you say you're not keen on Germanics, how about a Passat 4motion W8? Proper Q car, that is.
I'd argue that Saab comfort isn't far off that of the Volvo. A manual Aero estate is ridiculous value for money, the only Volvo that would tempt me away from mine is an 'R'. Legacy would be sportier in my opinion, as others have said.
Does size matter? If so, i imagine the Volvo is the biggest and the Legacy the smallest.
Does size matter? If so, i imagine the Volvo is the biggest and the Legacy the smallest.
MiniMan64 said:
Interesting estate car choices?
I had them same ideas so only Volvo wasn't on my list.
Ended up with a v6 alfa Romeo 156. Love it.
Absolutely, something a bit different has always allured me. I have endured the diesel Passat for 5 yrs because it was free, economical and a long commute meant i couldn't justify getting rid. I had them same ideas so only Volvo wasn't on my list.
Ended up with a v6 alfa Romeo 156. Love it.
I personally love alfas but my wife is not keen. She is however keen on the three above, which is great because they are my personal choice too!
I think I am leaning towards the Saab. Here's my thinking on this:
-Value for money is a big factor. Will leave money to sort any issues out/remap etc
-always loved Saabs, love the way the 95 estate looks (prefer it to the legacy and Volvo)
-like the idea of the lunacy it has from 40mph plus in third.
-comfortable ride and seats (for the family, dog etc)
-seems to be slightly better economy wise on a run (30mpg)
-Value for money is a big factor. Will leave money to sort any issues out/remap etc
-always loved Saabs, love the way the 95 estate looks (prefer it to the legacy and Volvo)
-like the idea of the lunacy it has from 40mph plus in third.
-comfortable ride and seats (for the family, dog etc)
-seems to be slightly better economy wise on a run (30mpg)
Had a saab 9-5 aero estate for a few months. Recently sold it for more than i paid. Comfortable, plenty of room with seats down, heated seats are great. Seemed quick. Wanted to get a remap but didn't keep it for long enough. Fuel economy wasn't great. Averaged about 27 mpg driving like a granny. Its a big old bus so this isn't a surprise. Handling was ok, plant your foot whilst turning in second in the wet and you'll just go straight on 
Only got rid as I didn't need such a big car and I've put my e46 330ci back on the road.
Only got rid as I didn't need such a big car and I've put my e46 330ci back on the road.
The Flying Ox said:
Legnum VR4? Effortless speed, AWD, AYC for seemingly magical road holding, and if you can manage to find a manual you don't need to worry about the rigmarole of the 3000 mile ATF service interval and £1000 gearbox replacements when you forget. I had an auto. It was a money pit.
Nissan Stagea RS4V; pros are 230hp DOHC straight 6, more room than the Mitzi, simpler and more robust 4WD trickery and gearbox than the Mitzi, cons are it likes a drink(20-25mpg), the looks are an acquired taste, no-one will know what it is and it's not the most involving drive.ikarl said:
E55 AMG estate is interesting
That's a great shout!moustache said:
-seems to be slightly better economy wise on a run (30mpg)
I've seen 41mpg at a steady cruise controlled 60mph on the way up to Scotland. Most often though my heavy right foot and majority urban journeys see me at 19mpg, which can be a little hard to bear.moustache said:
I think I am leaning towards the Saab. Here's my thinking on this:
-Value for money is a big factor. Will leave money to sort any issues out/remap etc
-always loved Saabs, love the way the 95 estate looks (prefer it to the legacy and Volvo)
-like the idea of the lunacy it has from 40mph plus in third.
-comfortable ride and seats (for the family, dog etc)
-seems to be slightly better economy wise on a run (30mpg)
My 9-5 Aero Estate has averaged 30mpg over the last 10K miles and will easily achieve 35 average for long distance runs. The manuals are another couple of mpg better again.-Value for money is a big factor. Will leave money to sort any issues out/remap etc
-always loved Saabs, love the way the 95 estate looks (prefer it to the legacy and Volvo)
-like the idea of the lunacy it has from 40mph plus in third.
-comfortable ride and seats (for the family, dog etc)
-seems to be slightly better economy wise on a run (30mpg)
AlexS said:
My 9-5 Aero Estate has averaged 30mpg over the last 10K miles and will easily achieve 35 average for long distance runs. The manuals are another couple of mpg better again.
That's pretty decent for its size and power. Now to find a decent one with a manual 'box!I'm in no rush though, the Passat continues to soldier on.
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