Tell me about estates....

[Dan_1981]

For some odd reason I'd like an estate.

I don't really need one but I have a hankering for one. The problem is I don't know which one I do want.

Lets assume a budget of 3k that could if absolutly necessary be pushed up to around 4k.

From the following what do I need to know?

Ideally i'm interested in:

• if i'm likley to get one for my budget - if not lets right them off straight away.
• performance. Quick woudl be good!
• reliability (or costs if it does go wrong)
• a rough idea of what sort of economy I should expect.
• They don't have to meet classic estate criteria such as space for dogs and bikes and wardrobes - mainly because I don't have any of them (except wardrobes, but I don't have them in my car)

Now these are what i'm considering so far.......(Yes its an odd list and the only thing they have in common is the fact they are estates)

Suburua Legacy GTB - Manual or auto.
Suburua Impreza Wagon (Know very little about these, Sti? Wrx? etc etc)
Volvo 850 (T5 if not an R)
Volvo V70 (Same criteria as 850)
BMW - late E36 - preferably 323 or above
BMW - Early E46 - same criteria as above
BMW - E39
Audi A4

I think the Stagea and the Legnums are just a little bit TOO big (although may be similar to the Volvo?) and I don't particularly like the Mercs - although i'm happily to be persuaded otherwise.

So go for it - educate me!

Cheers

Dan

[Sway]

Legnum/Galant are roughly the same size as the ovlov, but very nice indeed. Some parts can be expensive, but onthe whole like anything, if you buy good, it tends to stay good!

Friend of mine is currently looking at the Legacy, I thought it was very nice, pretty comparable with the Mitsi, Stagea I think is noticably quicker (AIUI Impreza/Evo vs. GTR)....

Estates are awesome, don't think there is a saloon made that I don't prefer as an estate.

[Dan_1981]

Sway said:

Legnum/Galant are roughly the same size as the ovlov, but very nice indeed. Some parts can be expensive, but onthe whole like anything, if you buy good, it tends to stay good!

Friend of mine is currently looking at the Legacy, I thought it was very nice, pretty comparable with the Mitsi, Stagea I think is noticably quicker (AIUI Impreza/Evo vs. GTR)....

Estates are awesome, don't think there is a saloon made that I don't prefer as an estate.

To be hoenst i'd probably consider a Legnum as well.

And like I say no idea why I want an estate - I just like the look of them.

[t11ner]

I'd go for a scooby of some kind, the Mrs is on her second Impreza estate, first one was a 2.0 turbo 94, had it for about six years with no failures aside from a coolant temp sensor. Now she's in a 04 WRX, great car, quick enough, dead reliable just a great all-rounder.

[SmoothRB]

Stags are very rare.

Get a classic WRX Wagon.

[Fetchez la vache]

On the whole I've found my imprezas to be very reliable, and I'm always tempted to get another. I've no reason to believe the Legacy would be anything other than reliable either, and often look at GTBs as well.
This may be like teaching your grandmother to suck eggs, but with your list, it may well be worth plugging your details into a comparison insurance site to see insurance becomes another defining factor - best find out now before you spend hours looking for the right one / buy one Don't do a silver mini

And there's nothing wrong with preferring the estates either - there are quite a few of us on here

[sday12]

You forgot 'King of the Estates'

Merc W124

www.w124.co.uk

[boomboompow]

You'll find plenty of inspiration on this thread

clicky clicky

[Dan_1981]

Hmm your right - plenty of inspiration in there!

Still no closer to making a decision though.

[Harry Flashman]

I can help on a V70R (boxy generation).

- running costs: not as cheap as you'd think, mainly due to woeful fuel economy at around 22mpg (seriously)
- kit is plentiful, especially the excellent stereo
- enormous load space
- not that fast despite the 250bhp (good mid range punch, but don't expect to win traffic lights grand prix)
- actually looks quite cool in a retro way

My friends latest generation BMW 3 series diesel estatei s faster, more than twice as economical, and just as well equipped.

Of course, my car cost a tenth of his, and will cost less to run as I couldn't care less about dealer servicing it...

[John MacK]

Nice subtle Stagea for you.

Tommy Kaira

[Harry Flashman]

BTW, my V70R cost much less than your budget as it was a purchase from a friend, but not much. Most V70Rs are around the 3000 mark; and at this price, I'd rather have a scooby wagon or similar for entertainment.

I bought the Volvo as comfort and load space were priorities. I have another car for having proper fun in...