Wasn't going to do this, but what estate car?

[s2sol]

I've got a Peugeot 407 SW 2.0 Diesel Auto. I don't mind it, but it's very boring, and not really big enough. I've been thinking about changing it for a while, and I've been told by the Chancellor that once it's racked up 200k miles, I can get another one. It's on just under 180k at the moment, and it should hit 200 by August, but it's got to the stage where I'm using a van rather than the car, because it's more fun.

It's comfortable when there's just me in it - she doesn't like the passenger seat, and the kids kick the crap out of both of us when they're in the back. Also, she bought the biggest dog crate I've ever seen, and it won't fit in the boot without putting the seats down. I do about 1000 miles a week in the spring and summer, generally just me and the dog, occasionally some samples of furniture.

I need an estate, prefer an auto, would like to get 40mpg. I'd like to move up from 407/Mondeo/Vectra quality, and don't mind a 5 year old car. I'd imagine it's a toss up between a BMW 5, Merc E, Volvo v70. Budget's about £8k, plus whatever you get for a 200k 407 - not a lot.

Anything else spring to mind, or any comments about those contenders?

[mnkiboy]

Have you tried the dog crate in any of your choice cars? I thought the 407 was a pretty big estate, i'm not sure the BMW 5 would be any bigger.
There's not much choice in the 'huge estate' market these days, I think cars like the S-Max and X5 have taken that market.

Out of your choices i'd probably go for V70. You'll get a newer car than if you choose either of the German cars, and the D5 versions are quick and economical at the same time.

[pikeyboy]

V70 D5 awesome car, fast, loads of room and good on juice too

[Liquid Knight]

MX5?

Nissan Stagea with a Skyline engine. Sadly disabled gear boxes only but plus one for the Volvo. Unless every Police constabluary in the country are wrong.

[Big Rod]

Liquid Knight said:

Nissan Stagea

Didn't take long.

[TVR1]

There is ONLY 1 answer to your question, OP. Age is only in the mind.

http://www.w124.co.uk/carsforsale.php?page=detail&...

Although, you had better be quick as Monsieur Garlick is floating around this morning.

HTH

[GreatGranny]

TVR1 said:

There is ONLY 1 answer to your question, OP. Age is only in the mind.

http://www.w124.co.uk/carsforsale.php?page=detail&...

Although, you had better be quick as Monsieur Garlick is floating around this morning.

HTH

Whilst no doubt they are fine cars I doubt if its the kind of thing the OP is looking for. He does 1000 miles per week and a 2.8 petrol is going to cost a fortune to run.

You can't go wrong with a V70 preferably with the 185 bhp engine.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

[TVR1]

GreatGranny said:

TVR1 said:

There is ONLY 1 answer to your question, OP. Age is only in the mind.

http://www.w124.co.uk/carsforsale.php?page=detail&...

Although, you had better be quick as Monsieur Garlick is floating around this morning.

HTH

Whilst no doubt they are fine cars I doubt if its the kind of thing the OP is looking for. He does 1000 miles per week and a 2.8 petrol is going to cost a fortune to run.

You can't go wrong with a V70 preferably with the 185 bhp engine.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

1000 a week 'in the spring and summer' not every week. Point taken though. I only mentioned it as the OP will also feel like a king smoking it and it may also be worth a bit more than fk all in a couple of years, even with a bit of extra mileage. Champagne classic in the making at beer money now?

[s2sol]

TVR1 said:

There is ONLY 1 answer to your question, OP. Age is only in the mind.
HTH

Interesting left field choice. Appealing, but perhaps not as practical in terms of maintenance as I'd like. Also, I'm afraid I wouldn't treat it with the respect it undoubtedly deserves.

With the 407, I'm aware it'll be worthless once it gets up to 200k, so I don't worry about stonechips, ABS lights, the odd car parking ding. It looks presentable, but not nice. I'f hate to do that to a classic in the making.

[s2sol]

mnkiboy said:

I thought the 407 was a pretty big estate, i'm not sure the BMW 5 would be any bigger.

I thought that too, but compared to a 406, it's tiny and awkwardly shaped. A definite step backwards. I know the crate will fit a V70, but I've done the Volvo estate thing. A6 Avant any good?

[crolandc]

A6 is brilliant but stay clear of 2litre derv&multi box