As unboring as possible for a probably boring car?

[eldar]

I need a car that seats 5 adults, must be an auto, and not boring. At least 175bhp, either petrol or diesel.

I currently have an Astra estate, which ticks most of the boxes, except power. It is tedious in the extreme, but worthy. A bit like talking to an elderly vicar. It has to go.

Suggestions? Budget around £20k, but not a 3 series (the paymaster general hates them, I think one frightened her when she was a child!). Practical, but fun.

I'm thinking MB C class, A4, Insignia or maybe Mondeo, but they seem rather mainstream. What else?

[G_T]

XJR 4.2?

ETA: While I'm suggesting V8s... Monaro and Mustang (In before 300bhp/ton).

Edited by G_T on Thursday 8th April 21:23

[ctallchris]

eldar said:

I need a car that seats 5 adults, must be an auto, and not boring. At least 175bhp, either petrol or diesel.

I currently have an Astra estate, which ticks most of the boxes, except power. It is tedious in the extreme, but worthy. A bit like talking to an elderly vicar. It has to go.

Suggestions? Budget around £20k, but not a 3 series (the paymaster general hates them, I think one frightened her when she was a child!). Practical, but fun.

I'm thinking MB C class, A4, Insignia or maybe Mondeo, but they seem rather mainstream. What else?

2003 Audi RS6 440BHP 15-20k I'm generally vehmently against anything from the vag but sounds like a fairly good match unless you can find a decent jag for the price

[Deluded]

Honda Accord Estate 2.4 Vtec? 190hp.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/03-Honda-Accord-2-4-i-VTEC-E...

Edited by Deluded on Thursday 8th April 21:27

[v8will]

Golf GTi with DSG?

That would seat 5 at a push

[MondeoMan1981]

Mazda 6 ? Does the MPS come in auto...

[eldar]

G_T said:

XJR 4.2?

ETA: While I'm suggesting V8s... Monaro and Mustang (In before 300bhp/ton).

Edited by G_T on Thursday 8th April 21:23

Hmmm, Mustang. Had a couple of them, a 1969 351ci, fast but dangerous(!), and a 1988 302ci convertible.

Interesting, There are load for sale.

Keep the boring car and buy this.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1426360.htm

Then put a proper engine in it

[wagon and horses]

A good 2nd hand 9-5 Aero.

Sorted.

[G_T]

eldar said:

G_T said:

XJR 4.2?

ETA: While I'm suggesting V8s... Monaro and Mustang (In before 300bhp/ton).

Edited by G_T on Thursday 8th April 21:23

Hmmm, Mustang. Had a couple of them, a 1969 351ci, fast but dangerous(!), and a 1988 302ci convertible.

Interesting, There are load for sale.

Keep the boring car and buy this.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1426360.htm

Then put a proper engine in it

Can't help but notice none of those pictures are recentas they appear to be in the states... There's also the issue that you'll have it sat on your driveway for months inbetween you sourcing parts. I take it the 4 other people you need to carry aren't in any rush to get anywhere?

My old man has a Mustang. Never really cared for them if I'm honest. I would go for this personally;

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1553030.htm

Refinement, power, reliability (ally body and solid engine) and would outhandle the Mustang. You could even use the remaining 4K on getting LPG fitted for economy or, if you like tinkering, you can get a twin screw supercharger and LSD fitted. Both would come in under budget and are easily sourced.

[mattmoxon]

G_T said:

XJR 4.2?

ETA: While I'm suggesting V8s... Monaro and Mustang (In before 300bhp/ton).

Edited by G_T on Thursday 8th April 21:23

Sadly a Mustang (S197 anyway) will only just seat 4 adults and I mean Just, if the driver is tall the rear leg room is non existant (about 3") and a tall rear seat passenger will bump their head on the rear screen!!

I concur a XJR is a good solution, but what about the Chrysler 300C (either derv or Hemi - preferably a Hemi), or in the Monaro line of thinking a Vauxhall VXR other than that all I can think of is what has already been mentioned.

Matt

[ScoobySimon]

Try a Subaru Forester XT - you'll get a very nice late model for well under 20K. They handle pretty well (for a big old barge), they are pretty quick (2006 or newer are 227BHP) and and not as expensive to run as many people will have you believe.

[Celt]

Not mind blowingly interesting but:

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1529379.htm

Better but tis a beemer

http://pistonheads.com/sales/1573884.htm

[EDLT]

VXR8s are nearly in budget:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1520691.htm

There are some higher mileage ones just under £20k.