Used large estate - £7k

[junglie]

Good morning,

I am looking at changing the ST220 estate at some stage and not sure what to get. The ST220 is a fantastic car, reliable, roomy, special enough and well kitted out. The following criteria apply:

- up to £7000 budget (can go higher but do I need to?).
- must have 5 or more cylinders.
- must have a cam chain.
- same size(ish) as the Mondeo (A4 / 3 series etc too small).
- would like leather and nav.
- feel 'special' for a family car (an A4 is a good car but somewhat bland).
- manual or auto.
- petrol or diesel.
- simialar or better perfomance than the Mondeo.

Of course the temptation is always there to get a second hand E61 M5 or E63 AMG but may be slightly wasted on the family car!

Thank you

[strummerville]

Is the cam chain a deal breaker? Why not get a cambelt change as soon as you buy whatever you go for?

For me, petrol/diesel and manual/auto are bigger buying decisions over the (presumably) risk of cam belt failure?

[rosscobmw]

Volvo?

[longblackcoat]

E320CDI estate.

[GravelBen]

Legacy 3.0R

[Leebo310]

strummerville said:

Is the cam chain a deal breaker? Why not get a cambelt change as soon as you buy whatever you go for?

For me, petrol/diesel and manual/auto are bigger buying decisions over the (presumably) risk of cam belt failure?

This
Surely it's not an issue if you spend the money to get the belt done when you purchase it?

If mpg isn't an issue I'd go for something like http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...
Just allow a fair chunk a year for running costs!

Or to be a bit different to the normal Audi/BMW/Volvo suggestions...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/c...

[junglie]

I had a look at a Legacy Spec R prior to getting the Mondeo. I liked the build quality and the fact it was 4x4 but the one I drove was a bit of a nail (I am sure down to a flat battery which affected the drive) and i was not convinced about the interior but that may not be fair.

[confused_buyer]

Don't get the camchain obsession. They go wrong as well and, when they do, cost a heck of a lot more than a cambelt replacement to sort out.

Volvo V70, Merc E-Class, Accord Tourer, Superb Estate etc. are all the usual candidates.

[thewildblue]

Ive got an E61 525i auto with the 218PS engine. Has leather but not Nav, on a 55 plate with 81k.....it's surplus to requirements as I have 2 other cars.....

[AC43]

E500

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

[The Curn]

junglie said:

I had a look at a Legacy Spec R prior to getting the Mondeo. I liked the build quality and the fact it was 4x4 but the one I drove was a bit of a nail (I am sure down to a flat battery which affected the drive) and i was not convinced about the interior but that may not be fair.

If you enjoy driving I would steer clear of the Legacy.

We have had a 2007 Legacy Estate 3.0 spec B R and currently the wife runs a 2006 3.0 R Legacy Outback. I can't get over how slow witted the auto boxes are and the handling will leave you cold.

You can't deny the VFM but the more I drive it the more I understand why the equivalent German is twice the price.

Saying that the wife loves it and won't let me move it on!

Personal choice would be a 530d or if you want / need the all wheel drive an A6 Allroad.

[GreatGranny]

Huge amount of car for the money.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

[s111dpc]

Superb Estate - don't be put off by the badge

[mercfunder]

GreatGranny said:

Huge amount of car for the money.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

fk me, that looks good value.

[AC43]

E500

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

[Fastdruid]

Just get the newer Mk4 version with the 2.5T?

[junglie]

The E500 is a good shout and something fun to use daily - was there air suspension issues on these or was that the next model?

What about a Chrysler 300C CDR? I know they are an acquired taste but they have E-Class running gear although I understand the interior is a little low rent?