Might grab a non turbo V8
Discussion
I’m ending up doing a bit more driving these days and pondering whether to pick up a bit of a dogs body, used, family wagon. Something that can transport the family about, nice plodding on a motorway and fun on cross country.
If I do this it must follow my golden criteria of being at least 6 cylinders, preferably V8, normally aspirated or supercharged, absolutely not turbo. Auto because I need the wife to be able to drive it but not zf6, I’ve never rated that box.
Not aiming to spend more than £30k and aim to just use the car until it gets slung in the bin.
So far my short list is either and XFR estate or the NA C63 estate. Having never owned a minicab, I’m erring towards the C63. The 7 speed box seems much better than the zf6 and I have a feeling that the AMG might be more durable than the Jag. Both have the correct large cc feel and V8 sound track.
There’s the RS4 avant as well but I’m struggling to consider it. It didn’t think it drove that well, or at least not how I like to drive. I think it’s the 4wd drive combined with the car always feeling a bit urgent. The Merc and the Jags seem able to two cars in one, silky smooth when pottering and hooligans when not.
Just wondering if I’ve forgotten an obvious contender for a mid sized, silly estate?
If I do this it must follow my golden criteria of being at least 6 cylinders, preferably V8, normally aspirated or supercharged, absolutely not turbo. Auto because I need the wife to be able to drive it but not zf6, I’ve never rated that box.
Not aiming to spend more than £30k and aim to just use the car until it gets slung in the bin.
So far my short list is either and XFR estate or the NA C63 estate. Having never owned a minicab, I’m erring towards the C63. The 7 speed box seems much better than the zf6 and I have a feeling that the AMG might be more durable than the Jag. Both have the correct large cc feel and V8 sound track.
There’s the RS4 avant as well but I’m struggling to consider it. It didn’t think it drove that well, or at least not how I like to drive. I think it’s the 4wd drive combined with the car always feeling a bit urgent. The Merc and the Jags seem able to two cars in one, silky smooth when pottering and hooligans when not.
Just wondering if I’ve forgotten an obvious contender for a mid sized, silly estate?
Integroo said:
Left field and a lot cheaper: Chrysler 300C SRT with 6.1 Hemi. Nowhere near as dynamically good I'm sure as the Germans, but would be fun.
That’s an interesting option. The estate looked better than the saloon (can you stick a Bentley badge on the estate though?!
). The Hemi is obviously a legendary engine. Always thought it was quite a bit bigger than the XF or C class? And there is no hiding from the fact that my snobbery would stand in the way. 
DonkeyApple said:
That’s an interesting option. The estate looked better than the saloon (can you stick a Bentley badge on the estate though?!). The Hemi is obviously a legendary engine. Always thought it was quite a bit bigger than the XF or C class?
I don't think there's a lot in it size wise tbh. Quick Google suggests XF Estate is 4955mm long, 300C Estate 5,015mm long and C Class Estate 4,686 to 4,771mm long. ). The Hemi is obviously a legendary engine. Always thought it was quite a bit bigger than the XF or C class?CS Garth said:
I picked up a Cayenne GTS for this purpose - it's no C63 on the twisties but it's huge inside and sounds great with the exhaust opened on the tip run to Fosse Cross
A friend has a very mint, low mileage Cayenne S that his wife is pressuring him to drop for a new Macan. It’s lived in Kensington all its life so has classic London dings bit has been excessively serviced. I asked for first refusal if he did succumb and that is what set me off contemplating picking up a modernish V8 for general duties. To be honest, my wife would find it much easier to drive as she is not particularly tall. As such it would probably make sense to buy that for her. vsonix said:
No love for a 540i?
I’d actually forgotten about that. I nearly bought an M5 touring a few years back for that V10 experience but they are quite big and I suspect my wife wouldn’t drive it as a result. The 330i is probably better in that regard but I’ve had that engine in a 130 and it was great but the zf6 was horrible in it. donkmeister said:
If you fancy something a bit larger and comfier, an E500 with the 5.5 V8. Available in estate, and you can get a towbar for added utility... Towbar mounted bike racks are good.
(AMGs aren't approved for towing, except for the ML63... Insert mathematical locksmith joke here)
I’ve always liked that car. But it’s a bit too big, like the 5 series. (AMGs aren't approved for towing, except for the ML63... Insert mathematical locksmith joke here)
I’ve got the Rangies for towing.
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