£5k performance estates: V70R / S4 V8 or...
Discussion
Chaps,
Looking for some real world advice / feedback on this one.
Situation is, I've run a succession of Volvo T5 estates for the past numerous years and all have been superb. However, they're all getting on a bit (as am I!) and with a little one due soon and having sold off my long term Vauxhall based restoration project and a old but comically quick 850 T5, leaving me with my elderly but utterly brilliant 1998 V70 T5... I'm in the market for an "all rounder"
Budget was £3k but has since creeped but need to cap it at £5k max.
Must be an estate (baby or not, I just can't see past a glorified van)
Not overly enormous (needs to fit in the garage)
Not riddled with rot... been a Vauxhall man for years, seen enough rust to last a lifetime.
My daily mileage is next to nothing and her Astra gets used 90% of the time so fuel economy isn't a huge issue.
Must be petrol
Gearbox isn't a huge factor but early Volvo Geartronic boxes aren't great... and seeming a manual Audi is a much better drive than an auto?
Being a Volvo man, I'm very very tempted by a phase 2 V70R and there are a couple for sale that fit the bill... however, I also know these can be a bit highly strung and having done some pressing, seems both have "issues", one being anti-skid warnings and the other being suspension service warnings. But both come in under budget and leave money in the slush fund.
The other option which appeals hugely is the B6 Audi S4 Avant, V8 and all... but these are the top end of the budget and the timing chain stigma does genuinely terrify me. However, aside for that and auxiliary radiators, they seems not too bad in terms of "issues" and as a package, they do really appeal. In fact in some ways, it'd be a much better daily driver than the V70R?
So basically, the dilemma is; would a cheaper V70R end up costing more then a decent Audi S4 in the long run (eg 1 to 2 years of use) and as a package, which would be the better option. Granted, the argument is buy the best but a) I don't have more then £5k to spend buying the thing and b) I'd actually sooner buy one cheaper and spend a bit fixing niggles, that way you know it's done... an £8k example could still throw up big bills.
I've scoured the internet, read many (some scary) reviews and mulled this over for what feels like weeks but in the real world and all things considered... £5k budget, fast, usable estate car., what would you do?
Cheers!
Looking for some real world advice / feedback on this one.
Situation is, I've run a succession of Volvo T5 estates for the past numerous years and all have been superb. However, they're all getting on a bit (as am I!) and with a little one due soon and having sold off my long term Vauxhall based restoration project and a old but comically quick 850 T5, leaving me with my elderly but utterly brilliant 1998 V70 T5... I'm in the market for an "all rounder"
Budget was £3k but has since creeped but need to cap it at £5k max.
Must be an estate (baby or not, I just can't see past a glorified van)
Not overly enormous (needs to fit in the garage)
Not riddled with rot... been a Vauxhall man for years, seen enough rust to last a lifetime.
My daily mileage is next to nothing and her Astra gets used 90% of the time so fuel economy isn't a huge issue.
Must be petrol
Gearbox isn't a huge factor but early Volvo Geartronic boxes aren't great... and seeming a manual Audi is a much better drive than an auto?
Being a Volvo man, I'm very very tempted by a phase 2 V70R and there are a couple for sale that fit the bill... however, I also know these can be a bit highly strung and having done some pressing, seems both have "issues", one being anti-skid warnings and the other being suspension service warnings. But both come in under budget and leave money in the slush fund.
The other option which appeals hugely is the B6 Audi S4 Avant, V8 and all... but these are the top end of the budget and the timing chain stigma does genuinely terrify me. However, aside for that and auxiliary radiators, they seems not too bad in terms of "issues" and as a package, they do really appeal. In fact in some ways, it'd be a much better daily driver than the V70R?
So basically, the dilemma is; would a cheaper V70R end up costing more then a decent Audi S4 in the long run (eg 1 to 2 years of use) and as a package, which would be the better option. Granted, the argument is buy the best but a) I don't have more then £5k to spend buying the thing and b) I'd actually sooner buy one cheaper and spend a bit fixing niggles, that way you know it's done... an £8k example could still throw up big bills.
I've scoured the internet, read many (some scary) reviews and mulled this over for what feels like weeks but in the real world and all things considered... £5k budget, fast, usable estate car., what would you do?
Cheers!
A trio of Subarus to consider; all well within budget…
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
C280
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Vectra VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Insignia VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Legacy Spec B Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
330i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A6 4.2 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
3.2 A4 S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Vectra VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Insignia VXR
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Legacy Spec B Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
330i SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
A6 4.2 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
3.2 A4 S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
This would seem appropriate https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
On the basis of £5k being your limit personally I would drop the idea of an S4... you could get a minter or you could end up with an absolute money pit but without a decent fighting fund it could turn into a world of pain.
On the basis of £5k being your limit personally I would drop the idea of an S4... you could get a minter or you could end up with an absolute money pit but without a decent fighting fund it could turn into a world of pain.
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