Big estates - what workhorse?
Discussion
Even the very best Volvo 740s and 940s are getting on a bit now and a replacement is sought, is there anything more modern which comes close to their compelling combination of classless style, reliability and capacity? The only thing I can think of is a Citroen C5, but they fare less well in image and trustworthiness stakes.
Modern safety and refinement requirements seem to have rendered most big cars actually rather small. It seems that even SUV behemoths are no bigger inside. Are those Chrysler hearse-type things very big within?
No vans, flat loading area essential.
Modern safety and refinement requirements seem to have rendered most big cars actually rather small. It seems that even SUV behemoths are no bigger inside. Are those Chrysler hearse-type things very big within?
No vans, flat loading area essential.
Edited by TheInternet on Thursday 7th November 13:59
dooosuk said:
Mazda 6 estate? Flat loading and have funky rear seats which fold totally flat.
Not bad, but suffers from the seemingly typical problem of boot linings encroaching into useful space. That said, the main problem is the body shape with the sloping roofline, obviously a result of economy-chasing. So modern regulations have not just wrecked the interesting cars, they've wrecked the boring ones too.Probably not big enough, but my Avensis (of Y-reg vintage) is pretty good as a family/household shed.
Mountain bike goes in the boot with both wheels off and the rear seats still up. With the rear seats folded down and the bases lifted up the load area is flat.
2.0 VVTi engine is chain driven cams and 35mpg.
Mountain bike goes in the boot with both wheels off and the rear seats still up. With the rear seats folded down and the bases lifted up the load area is flat.
2.0 VVTi engine is chain driven cams and 35mpg.
Krikkit said:
Spend a few quid on your big Ovlov, you won't get better in a modern car.
Buy a spare gearbox, do the head gasket and a general refresh for a couple of k and drive it for another 10 years, assuming it's not rusting.
my Volvo 940 has had a few issues lately, and now has a problem with blowing a couple of fuses but i agree with this reply. Better the devil you know.Buy a spare gearbox, do the head gasket and a general refresh for a couple of k and drive it for another 10 years, assuming it's not rusting.
after all, you could get another car and immediately have to spend money on repairs, so better just fixing what you have
Driven a Mondeo saloon that was pretty capacious, i assume the estates have a reasonable amount of space? Alternatively, how expensive are crew cab transits? Driven an 11 plate 9 seat tourneo to wales recently. Lovely thing to drive, loads of space, 6 seats across two rows, and averaged 30+mpg according to the on board computer!
dooosuk said:
Mazda 6 estate? Flat loading and have funky rear seats which fold totally flat.
I couldn't find one with decent any kind of decent spec, all seemed cloth interiors with not a lot in the way of gadgets or options.My suggestion is the one I bought
Mondeo Mk4 Estate.
Totally cavernous, massive amount of 'spec', quickish (claimed 7.5s to 60), flat load entry and the seats fold totally flat (or don't bother to fold up the lower seats and then it's not quite flat but you get a smidge more length). The inside is a very nice place to sit and it's lovely to drive.
Edited by Fastdruid on Thursday 7th November 15:42
MonkeyMatt said:
Skoda Superb Estate, about as good as modern estate cars get
Bought one of these (2.0 Diesel 170 DSG) after coming out of a 3.0 Jag XFS and I don't feel too much like I've gone down in the world.Great car and huge in the back - both rear legroom and the space to cart things around.
Try one - you won't be disappointed
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