Suggest a £5k replacement barge for my V70...

[Pot Bellied Fool]

Hi all.

My poor old V70 was reversed into by a flat bed the other day, I suspect it'll be an economic writeoff so I'm wondering what to replace her with in the New Year if that comes to pass...

I do like my Volvos (my V70 T5 remains my all time fave) but that may be blinding me to suitable alternatives so let your brain juices run free and let's hear some suggestions.

Money is a bit tight so sub £5k. I like big barges with big engines. Obviously it should have some PH appeal and not look too tatty for turning up to clients in. Should be ok for towing (infrequent caravanning family) and it needs to last a few years so not stratospheric mileage. Probs around 70-80k at a guess.

Teen daughter wanted me to spend £15k on an XC90 - just had to replace the house roof so that ain't gonna happen

Hit me with inspiration!

[GeniusOfLove]

Not sure what they're like retail/private but a lexus GS450h? Jaguar XF is well into that territory too, or even a private X351 XJ.

£5k is a dangerous area, it's too much to just throw away and risk disaster but not enough that you're not basically buying the scrapings and leavings of the market. It's also where you can score hilarious bargains.

[kiethton]

If you like the old one why not take a cash settlement and run it to the ground as it is, or even spend a couple hundred £ pushing the dent out?

You'll keep the car and have something to carry on using that owes you nothing?

If you think it'll still drive and it's cosmetic I'd be "retaining salvage" and doing exactly that (and have done in the past)

[Simon_GH]

I’ve heard the Skoda Superb cited as the spiritual replacement to the traditional Volvo but it may not tick the large engine box.

[GeniusOfLove]

Yeah... drive one first. It's a giant Octavia, it's a billion miles off a proper big engined barge.

[Simon_GH]

The 3 litre Subaru Outback gets some love on here. There’s also an E350 estate in the classifieds: https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17483532 for your £5k budget.

[Robertb]

Audi D3 A8? Peerless interior and very impressive generally.

Loved our 4.2 V8 petrol one.

VW Phaeton could be an interesting left-field choice too.

[ZX10R NIN]

Buy it off of them & carry on as it is or buy some used parts & have it repaired.

[rallycross]

Smax 2.2 diesel maybe? In x sport spec. Great to drive and brilliant tow car 200 bhp and steers like a mondeo .