Cool estate to replace Alfa 156 2.4

[sshenton1975]

Bit of background...

My brother is a self employed musician and karts keyboards and amps all over the country

He currently drives a Alfa 156 2.4 diesel which at 190k miles now needs a change as impending expense is coming in form of suspension refresh and clutch

He does a lot of miles so diesel is a must. Doesnt want a mondeo or vectra - would like something with character but reliable

Budget is 6.5k max

I have suggested the following:

Late 9-3 Saab
Mini clubman estate
Volvo v50
Possibly nice v70 estate if we can find one
Audi A4 avant (only because I used to have one)
Alfa 159

Ive discounted bmw e90, passat, vectra and mondeo as too bland

he's keen on the 9-3 for value and looks but part availablility would worry me?

2 questions:
- any of these to avoid? Any experience of these? pitfalls? Which would you have?
- have I forgotten anything else interesting?

Ive been looking at 2007 onwards and 70 miles max

Cheers guys

Simon

[SebringMan]

An Alfa 156 2.4 JTD is a nice car indeed!

If you consider the Mondeo to be bland I'd take the Saab 9-3 off your list. I've driven a few and have a Cab in our household (57 plate 1.8t FWIW). While it's a comfy and nice place to sit the chassis and steering are uninspiring and lifeless ; at least the roof comes off to make things exciting! The parts situation is not too bad but it helps to know where to go . Some main dealer (like Johnsons Hyundai in Cov) still can get parts quickly and PartsForSaabs really makes life easier.

I'd say a similar thing for the V50 ; the Focus is a nicer drive despite being the same car. If it helps a friend of I were having "fun" ; him in a V50 2.0 TDi, me in an Alfa 147 1.9 JTD 8v. In the corners I was practically kissing his bumper and I am by no means a good driver! Both were on similar miles and both nicely branded boots all round. The 147/156/GT chassis are a great chassis when they are in good order. I do now and again think of buying another one.

Have you actually driven a Mondeo MkIV or is the badge too much of a killer? They don't drive that badly at all (they feel like a revelation compared to the 9-3!) but I'm not too keen on the 2.0 TDCI ; it's just not got enough pull at sub-1500rpm. But they are a sturdy engine with maintenance and can take a fair few miles.

On that basis I'd go with the 159 from your list but I'd research the various fixes you can do on the JTD engine to improve longevity.

[bearman68]

Just been having a similar dilemma following the sale of my E39 (see previous thread). I wanted a 156 2.4 jtd estate, but had real trouble finding one - I would have been prepared to do the suspension (done a customers before and not toooooooo bad), and the clutch, but couldn't find one I liked for the money I was prepared to pay.
Anyway, I didn't want a rather dull 4 pot after the straight 6, so I've ended up with a Volvo V50, as per your list. There's a lot to like about it - it's fairly classy IMO, as it doesn't have too much bling, and the interior is nice. It doesn't beep and bong at you too much (hi on my list of priorities), and the D5 engine seems very hardy. The seats are something else though, it's like sitting at home in your favorite armchair. And the stereo is very nice to.
While it's never going to be as agile and fun as my MR2 on twisty bends, it is a very good way to spend a few hours on the motorway.
The boot is quite small though - about the same as a 156 estate I reckon.
Both are lovely cars, and I don't think you'll go too far wrong with either.

[CubanPete]

The A4 has to be the most inert and bland car I've ever driven.

I'd be looking at the Mondeo, Focus or e90 that you have on your bland list.

[ZX10R NIN]

I have to say the Mondeo is the best steer out of everything on your list the V50 shares it's platform with the Focus so might be to small, here are some options:

2009 2.2 Mondeo Titanium X Sport 83k FSH 175bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2009 2.0 Titanium X 64k FSH 140bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2010 Alfa 159 Turismo 80k FSH 170bhp (if you want to be different)

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2009 Honda Accord EX GT 81k

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

2010 Mazda6 Sport 81k FMSH 180bhp

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2016...

Out of everything listed it would be the 2.2 Mondeo for me

[DamienB]

sshenton1975 said:

Bit of background...
He currently drives a Alfa 156 2.4 diesel which at 190k miles now needs a change as impending expense is coming in form of suspension refresh and clutch

So chuck a thousand quid at it and continue driving it with £5500 to blow on hookers? Nothing on your list has the character/handling combo of a 156.

[mike9009]

We went from an Alfa 156 2.4 JTD sportwagen to a MINI Clubman S (Petrol).

The MINI was better MPG (38 versus 40). Was more fun. More reliable. Might be a little short on space though. The MINI did not feel quite as solid....


Mike

[Peperami]

Be careful posting autotrader links. They contain your postcode as part of the search if you weren't aware...

Golf sportline? Can get them with the GT TDI lump in.

[ZX10R NIN]

Thanks I was aware that's why it's not my post code

[SebringMan]

The Mazda 6 is a great shout!

What puts me off Mazdas however is their propensity for tinworm. It's a crying shame as they are solid, drive well and generally tick many boxes.

[Peperami]

ZX10R NIN said:

Thanks I was aware that's why it's not my post code

Damnit, i was on my way round for tea

[ZX10R NIN]

SebringMan said:

The Mazda 6 is a great shout!

What puts me off Mazdas however is their propensity for tinworm. It's a crying shame as they are solid, drive well and generally tick many boxes.

Tin worm isn't a big issue on these but the timing chain is a potential problem.

[Defconluke]

Subaru Legacy - Link