Cheap estate car for long European trip?

[stevemcs]

vaud said:

The A6 3.0tdi only came in quattro (IIRC) and as you say is a conventional (tiptronic) box.

On the C6 yes, on the C7 you could get 2wd 3.0

[joshcowin]

I have just ruled an 3.0 tdi c6 a6 out, tax is £250 + a year, servicing is expensive, tyre wear can be high, little niggles happen and cost a fair bit to put right! Oh and the gearbox oil hasn't been changed in the 140,000 life.

I can buy a £5000 car but cant afford/justify to maintain a £40,000 decade old one it seems!

A shame as if I had a £2000 slush fund I would buy one I've seen tomorrow!

[nobrakes]

Here’s a clean and simple E200 estate

110k Miles 2005 beige and cloth

The supercharged 1.8 is perhaps a bit wheezy but will be ok at circa 70.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

It’s clearly not been taxi’d.

Plenty cars will get more mpg, but it’s a well proven motor and is petrol so will be more reliable and cheaper to service.

[993kimbo]

Thanks for the link.

The problem (I've had) with these Mercs is the SBC pump, which can fail without warning and left me and the family stranded at the side of the road, followed by a £1200 bill from a local guy to fix it.

Love the cars but never again. Having said that, I think versions from 2007 have done away with it.

[993kimbo]

joshcowin said:

I have just ruled an 3.0 tdi c6 a6 out, tax is £250 + a year, servicing is expensive, tyre wear can be high, little niggles happen and cost a fair bit to put right! I can buy a £5000 car but cant afford/justify to maintain a £40,000 decade old one it seems!

My little Polo costs more than that to tax.

So what would anyone recommend if going the A6 route, in terms of lowish running costs and reliability?

[dmsims]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[993kimbo]

Thanks for that link. That looks a cracking car.

[vaud]

993kimbo said:

Thanks for that link. That looks a cracking car.

IIRC the 2.5T does like a drink. Nice car though.

[993kimbo]

Yes you're right - 20mpg-ish around town and (eek) £555 yearly tax.

[vaud]

How about an XC90? MPG won't be great, but autotrader brings up quite a few at <5k with reasonable miles and spec.

Very comfy, loads of luggage space. The D5 would be £325 tax.

[flatso]

Arj256 said:

X7 Citreon C5 with the Hydropneumatic suspension.

This ^^^

If you can get it with an exclusive trim, not much this side of an S Class will touch this for long distance cruising comfort. 50 years of obsessively pursuing comfort shows.

[GreatGranny]

Can't go wrong with a V70 D5 with the geartronic gearbox for relaxed cross continent cruising.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Don't be put off with mileage, they take the miles very well.
Great seats, huge boot, £300 tax and decent MPG.

[993kimbo]

Thanks for the link. Looks a great car.

In terms of actual buying something like this, private or dealer? As mentioned before, I know dealers don't like test rides without committing to buy.

Would cars like this be a pretty safe bet to buy privately with a minimum of mechanical knowledge?

[talksthetorque]

GreatGranny said:

Can't go wrong with a V70 D5 with the geartronic gearbox for relaxed cross continent cruising.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Don't be put off with mileage, they take the miles very well.
Great seats, huge boot, £300 tax and decent MPG.

Has someone been murdered on the back seat?

[DoubleD]

talksthetorque said:

GreatGranny said:

Can't go wrong with a V70 D5 with the geartronic gearbox for relaxed cross continent cruising.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Don't be put off with mileage, they take the miles very well.
Great seats, huge boot, £300 tax and decent MPG.

Has someone been murdered on the back seat?

Looks a bit grim!

[stevemcs]

It’s also national lampoons vacation green ......

[993kimbo]

I’m thinking about a Saab 95 now. Seem amazing value for around £2500 and the aero version is 250bhp.

Any thoughts on Saab’s?