Estate - Sub £3-4k - Large inside, Potential of 300+hp

[Luke-546l3]

Hi All,

Don't normally do these kind of posts (in fact my first), but just seeking some enthusiast opinions.

Due to financial reasons I've long long since sold my long term Defender (ex TD5 ... now Auto 400hp Merc OM606 STD conversion). Bought a mapped Mazda 6 Sport Estate 2.2d (220hp ish on the rolling road).

But I'm a bit bored of it. It's ultra useful, ultra reliable, does everything, has loads of gadgets, but just doesn't have the go I'm missing. Crazy as it sounds, the Deefer couldn't hold to top speed record (Doors started peeling themselves open above 120), but when the modified S200 built up boost, using the low gearing of the Deefer, blimey did it shift.

The Mazda is getting 46-50 MPG which is great and a consideration ...

But I want more again ...

Is there anything I cant think of out there that could give me the usefulness, the comfort ... but have (or easily achieve) a more satisfactory power level for a modest budget?

I dont mind modifying, tweaking or adapting stuff. Nothing to major though again.

Around 30, or above MPG would be nice (dual carriageway run to work and back).

I'm a diesel fan, but have considered trying a Petrol motor again.

I've gone through so many ideas, all well under the HP, but have potential to encroach higher figures ... Some include: 330D, 850R, Legacy Spec.B, Legnum, V70, 156, 157, 525i, GTV (strange one), Fiat Coupe (another strange one).

Stuck!

[storminnorman]

Although petrol, maybe something with a VAG 1.8T?

[ZX10R NIN]

3.0T Subaru Legacy Estate A map should see you hit 300bhp with ease:

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

Passat 3.2 with an exhaust air filter & exhaust will see you just shy of 300bhp

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

2.5T Mondeo Titanium this aligned with that 5 pot engine will see you near to a reliable 300bhp

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

Vectra VXR Estate hard to find but 300bhp is an easy target to find:

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

Also look for the Saab 9-3 with the same engine:

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