Which estate?

[Z4MCSL]

Another more theoretical thread on which I may never take any action

I'm looking for a banger estate, maybe up to 4/5k but ideally closer to 2-3k

It will be a general duty daily and odd jobs but if it could double up for more comfortable longer journeys that would be great.

I always thought I would be chasing down something like a

Volvo t5/t6
Saabe 2.8
Audi 2.7/4.2

Or some other semester sports bargain estate but u actually think comfort is probably becoming yhe more important factoid,..living in London yhe roads and speed bumps get so annoying on hard suspension that I'm craving something more chilled.

It has to be petrol

If its easily tuneable that's a bonus...e.g soda superb 2.0tsi came up in a recent search

More ideas much appreciated

[magpie215]

Subaru legacy
Toyota Avensis

[ZX10R NIN]

2.0T Insignia SRI 220:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105052...

Saab 9-3 Aero

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201191...

3.2 Alfa 159:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105112...

[georgeyboy12345]

I think you want something like this Saab 9-3 2.8 V6 Turbo with decat pipe and 330 bhp. MOT'd until next year too.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201231...

Or here's one that hasn't been messed about with
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201101...


Other ideas

Mercedes C280 SE
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111229...


Jaguar X-Type 3.0 V6
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102179...


Along with ZX10R, I'm also going to have to post this Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105112...


Edit: all the above are a bit juicy on the tax, mind.

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Thursday 3rd February 20:48

[RoVoFob]

Z4MCSL said:

I'm looking for a banger estate, maybe up to 4/5k but ideally closer to 2-3k It will be a general duty daily and odd jobs but if it could double up for more comfortable longer journeys that would be great.

I always thought I would be chasing down something like a
Volvo t5/t6
Saabe 2.8
Audi 2.7/4.2

More ideas much appreciated

Ex-2006 V70 2.5T (and had a 2004 S60 2.4 T5 afterwards), 2005 Subaru Legacy Tourer 3.0R Spec B and current 2006 A6 Avant 4.2 V8 owner here…

I’ve spent an enormous amount of time hunting around for interesting but cheap estate cars.

The 2000-2007 V70 is fantastically practical for its size; the boot is a reasonable volume with the rear seats in place, but extremely large and usable with them folded. The front seats are extremely comfortable the speakers very good in SE form or with the upgraded Premium audio (you can spot the upgraded audio from larger front door speakers that bulge out a bit more). The 2,5T engine has loads of torque and makes it pleasant to drive at low speeds; it’s really easy to pick up speed.

It’s OK to drive; the steering is a reasonable weight and it’s pleasant enough for bumbling around, though the ride wasn’t as smooth as I thought it should be. It found it a little unsettled on 17s. The S60 rode and handled a lot better on the same alloys; not sure if this is down to it being an S60 and/or T5 suspension being much better.

The Legacy 3.0R Spec B is a great car; very precise steering, perfect traction from the four-wheel-drive, very smooth flat-six engine that sounds amazing at high revs but doesn’t have that much torque. The manual gearing is very short, though, with a very slick gear change, so it’s no chore to change up and down gears a lot. The ride is firm but well damped. I found it quite comfortable. The front seats, however, didn’t work for me; didn’t offer good back or side support and the cabin felt cheaper and less well designed than the Volvo’s.

The Legacy’s boot is an OK size; not as practical as the Volvo’s (the boot opening isn’t as wide, and the suspension intrudes more), but it’s still a pretty big, flat load area. Despite being a far sportier car than the Volvo, I enjoyed driving it around town more, as it was enjoyable to drive at low speeds.

I’m assuming you’re talking about the 1996-2004 A6, if you’re referring to the 2.7T and 4.2. I think the 2.7s aren’t very reliable, so wouldn’t want to run one on a budget. I think that generation of A6 has cam chain issues with the 4.2 engine, which can involve big four figure bills to address regular oil changes reduce the chance of there being issues. My 06 4.2 Avant was £5,500, so nearly within your budget (though I think it was distinctly underpriced). I’ve had it four three months so far and apart from tax and fuel, it’s cost me nothing so far.

The 2004-2009 A6 Avant is far more refined than the V70 and Subaru x less road and wind noise and the engine is pretty quiet when cruising but vocal enough when worked hard. The cabin feels very solid and high-quality and with a decent level of kit it’s a very nice, comfy place to sit, though I’m not a fan of the standard SE seats - not much side support. The 4.2 V8 engine and auto gearbox are great around town; relaxing but responsive enough to be satisfying to drive. The engine sounds great, too.

Mine’s an SE on 17-inch alloys and air suspension. It’s mostly smooth, but not the best damped over bumps. It handles nicely but the steering is a little light and vague at lower speeds. I’m terms of practicality, it has more rear-seat space than the Volvo or Subaru and the biggest boot with the rear seats in place, though it’s the least practical with the rear seats down; they don’t fold flat (they’re not far off) and the boot is narrower and less tall than the V70, but it’s longer than the other two.

Apologies for the essay…hope some of it is useful!

Edited by RoVoFob on Thursday 3rd February 22:43