Subaru replacement

[Brinyan]

Have had our 2004 Impreza WRX 5 door from new. Thought a couple of times about replacing it, but struggle to know what with. We like having 4wd, like petrol, like manual gearbox & something with a bit of go & good to drive. A bonus would be better mpg & cheaper road tax than the Subaru (£315). Upto 4 or 5 years old & upto £18k. I keep thinking that there should be a Volvo that fits the bill, but don't know what one. Any ideas?

[ZX10R NIN]

The very underrated VXR Insignia ticks a lot of boxes but it is high road tax but counters with stunning performance (these really benefit from a map) low mileage & running costs:

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

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

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

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

Space wise these have a huge boot so don't discount them because they're not an Estate.

Other options

S3 Sportback

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

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

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

320i M Sport Estate (You might want to map these to add a bit of pep to the performance & some springs which transforms the ride)

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

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

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

5 door A5 2.0T Black Edition

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

I have to be honest with your requirements I'd be taking a long hard look at the Insignia they're as good as an S4 to drive & as I said a map transforms them, yes the tax is high but look at the car you get for your money the money saved can go towards the extra.

[kieranblenk]

Mini Cooper S Clubman AWD might squeeze into budget or close to - might not be big enough though.

[Pistonheader101]

335i estate

[Brinyan]

Thanks. Insignia would NEVER have been on my radar - I know very little about them, but will take a look. A bigger engined BMW with x-drive also a decent option.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're a very underrated car they can feel a bit flat in standard form despite all that horsepower, they stifled the midrange in standard form, which is why I recommend a remap.

The pre 2009 cars had timing chain stretching issues (same as the S4) but these were resolved by 2010.