which 4WD estate car?

[mojitomax]

Hi all,

I haven't been keeping abreast of cars for a while but I need a 4WD estate car (NOT SUV) for about $30k

Am looking at the subaru outback or VW passat 4WD. Anything else I should be looking at?

I'd love an A6, but that's probable out of the budget

I need the 4WD as here in Oz have more gravel and unsealed roads.

It's so hard to find an estate car nowadays. It's all bloody mini SUVs!

Thanks for the input folks

[rainmakerraw]

I dunno how your funny dollars work () but does a used Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI (206kW/280ps) 4x4 wagon/estate fall in budget? How about the last gen (mark II) 3.6 litre V6 wagon? They're nothing uber special but they're in the same stable with your Passat/A6 leanings.

[GravelBen]

I'd expect the Subaru to be a better drive especially on the rough roads, more reliable and cheaper to maintain (if parts prices in Aus are similar to NZ). VW might have a nicer interior and better fuel economy (depending on engine choice). Second-hand info from me though as I haven't had a VW personally to compare, just impressions from others.

IIRC the VW has a Haldex system that doesn't engage 4wd until the front wheels slip, not as capable compared to the full time Subaru AWD.

Edited by GravelBen on Monday 20th November 01:40

[mojitomax]

Thanks guys, i think the only car in budget with full time 4WD will be the outback.

I'm pretty sure all the others are FWD and the rears engage when slip is detected.

I'm erring towards the outback. Going to go on a test drive of all over the weekend

[loskie]

nowt wrong with the Outback, in fact ideal for you.
Whats petrol prices like in OZ? Here in uk we are about £1.20 per litre thats about 2.10AUD

[mojitomax]

loskie said:

nowt wrong with the Outback, in fact ideal for you.
Whats petrol prices like in OZ? Here in uk we are about £1.20 per litre thats about 2.10AUD

we're at about $1.20 per litre. I really wanted a V8 Holden Commodore Wagon. but the other half has veto'd that

Never, mind, I'll get a V8 Maloo ute for me next!

[PomBstard]

Outbacks (in fact most Subarus) are great on the gravel roads here - recommended. I’ve had 6 Subarus in Aus and reliability and parts availability is fine.

Currently running a Golf alongside a Liberty, so I’ll report back on the relative merits of German and Japanese at a later date...