Which new family car and motorway miler
Which new family car and motorway miler

Poll: Which new family car and motorway miler

Total Members Polled: 96

Saab 9-5 Estate Aero: 31%
BMW 528i Touring (E39): 26%
BMW 528i Saloon (E39): 8%
Audi A6 Avant (2.4/ 2.7/ 2.5tdi): 18%
BMW 728i (E38): 12%
Author
Discussion

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
It's time for a change from our current Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7 V8. It has been brilliant for size and reliability, but the need to use it for some very long motorway runs each fortnight for the coming 6 months means it's time to find something more suitable to my needs.

Criteria:
Family car for 4 - with kids aged 3 and 6, and a small dog.
Will get 30mpg minimum at 85mpg long distance cruise (theoretically, as of course I wouldn't go over 70)
Sub 8.5 seconds 0-60
Roof rails prefered (or ability to fit them without looking stupid) for our bike racks/ roof box
Would like a sportier looking model to a base spec - this is PH after all.
£2k max budget

Any suggestions on models, spec, year, pitfalls to watch for, or alternative options much appreciated biggrin

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
Poll adjusted to remove one option of a 530d touring, which turns out to be over budget.

Eta: Sorry to the couple of people who voted for it! boxedin

Edited by kiwifraser on Friday 13th April 23:22

okie592

2,711 posts

189 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
Saab

Fox-

13,510 posts

268 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
528i. Better chance of not being a sheddy pile of crap than a 530i at this budget.

MX7

7,902 posts

196 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
Volvo.

martin84

5,366 posts

175 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
Pot luck in terms of reliability I know but large Peugeot's are very cheap and hugely comfy on the motorway.

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
MX7 said:
Volvo.
Great cars, but I had 2 x S80's last year, so I'm looking for something different

FloppyRaccoon

1,916 posts

188 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
Saab. Incredible value for money.

MX7

7,902 posts

196 months

Friday 13th April 2012
quotequote all
kiwifraser said:
MX7 said:
Volvo.
Great cars, but I had 2 x S80's last year, so I'm looking for something different
Get one in a different colour then.

Petrolhead95

7,044 posts

176 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
quotequote all
We had a brand new SAAB 9-5 Aero Sports Wagon, really comfortable and much quicker than it looks.

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
quotequote all
MX7 said:
kiwifraser said:
MX7 said:
Volvo.
Great cars, but I had 2 x S80's last year, so I'm looking for something different
Get one in a different colour then.
Good point, both were silver.

Decent V70's hold their value very well so the ones under £2k usually aren't great. Anyway, time to try something else.

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
quotequote all
For the purposes of this poll, assume that any mechanical/ electrical faults that cost less than £500 don't matter.

I'd rather not spend too much time spotted at the side of the motorway, but it is peace of mind having a good AA breakdown warranty.

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
quotequote all
After further consideration, the saloons are out.

That leaves the 528i SE touring, 9-5 Aero Estate, and A6 Avant (engine options for the latter appear to be either slower than desired, or thirstier than desired).

Edited: auto corrected spelling frown

Edited by kiwifraser on Saturday 14th April 12:47

Patrick Bateman

12,982 posts

196 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
quotequote all
If it was me, the 528.

BorkFactor

7,278 posts

180 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
quotequote all
I would take the 528i. Listen for noises from the suspension, and be aware that you may need to do some work to it as they are getting on now and some may be on original parts.

Look for one with work done to the cooling system, and if that has not been done budget for it to be done soon. Overheating is the only real mechanical issue on these. Also read up on pre 1998 models and Nikasil, but I suspect you are looking at a newer model than that.

Rust is another thing to be wary of, and thats really it! Minor electrical niggles here and there, and if buying an automatic make sure the gearbox is in good working order and consider getting the ATF changed at some point.

sparks_E39

12,738 posts

235 months

Saturday 14th April 2012
quotequote all
528i. Just have a £500-£1000 reserve ready. Bulletproof they ain't.

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Sunday 15th April 2012
quotequote all
sparks_E39 said:
528i. Just have a £500-£1000 reserve ready. Bulletproof they ain't.
The AA warranty will cover the first £500 of breakdown repair which covers engine, transmission, brake systems, driveline, and the likes. The things that I worry about are costly electrical faults for 'non driving critical things' (wipers, windows, lights, etc)

Edited: Context

Edited by kiwifraser on Sunday 15th April 06:30

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Monday 16th April 2012
quotequote all
Cheers everyone for your comments...

Decision made: Saab 9-5 Aero Estate 2.3T (2001 - 2005). Looks good, and a bit 'different'. Now to find a good one!

BorkFactor

7,278 posts

180 months

Monday 16th April 2012
quotequote all
Good choice! Make sure it has a rock solid service history and the correct oil has been used - you don't want sludging and a blown turbo.

Are you going for an automatic or a manual?

kiwifraser

Original Poster:

4,386 posts

216 months

Monday 16th April 2012
quotequote all
The 5 speed auto gets a really good write up with the Aero engine and positive owner reviews, so that is the preference.

In saying that, if a good manual comes up I'm pretty sure would take it smile