What to replace my ST220 with?

[Witchfinder]

I've had my ST220 for over 4 years now, which is a new record for me. The car is in good shape, having done only 40,000 miles. I need to get some stuff sorted out on it (the wheels need refurbishing, because the paint finish is bubbling up and flaking off), but it's been a very satisfactory car to own. I'm just getting bored.

I can't imagine I'm going to get much more than £7K for it, even with all the lovelies like touchscreen nav and red leather. So the question is, what am I going to replace it with? I could go completely nuts and buy a 2002 Audi S8, or I could dig into my savings and maybe scrape £10K for a similar-aged M5. Anyone got any thoughts? Whatever I get, it has to be at least as rapid as the Mondeo. I don't really want an Evo or Scooby.

I drive 3 miles to and from work, so thirst isn't really an issue. However, I do need it to be able to transport me, tents, boxes of armour/weapons and crates of beer to events. Also, I have two young children, so whatever it is needs to be able to seat four and carry luggage.

[pinchmeimdreamin]

Would a Focus ST be too small ?

[Jasandjules]

A nice Passat? Comfy, good boot space, and you don't need to get the TDi if fuel economy isn't the end of the world.

[Witchfinder]

Focus ST might work. Hadn't thought of the Mazda 6, I'll have a look at 'em. Not sure about the Passat - I stipulated at least as quick as the ST220 which would mean a W8 () or R36 (way beyond budget)

[missing the VR6]

Another vote for Mazda 6 MPS. A seriously underated car.

[Futuo]

I half thought of a Mazda 6 MPS but everything I read said it wasn't all that.

So got a Volvo S60 T5 instead, quick, well built, roomy etc just what the doctor ordered.

How about an X Type Jag 3.0 sports 4x4, A4 Quattro, Octavia VRs, Merc ?

[Witchfinder]

Futuo said:

How about an X Type Jag 3.0 sports 4x4, A4 Quattro, Octavia VRs, Merc ?

The X-Type isn't really any different from the Mondeo. I can't afford a good A4. I've had an Octavia vRS before, and I want to feel like I'm taking a step up. Merc... maybe, not sure if I'll get anything good for £10K though.

[Futuo]

Witchfinder said:

Futuo said:

How about an X Type Jag 3.0 sports 4x4, A4 Quattro, Octavia VRs, Merc ?

The X-Type isn't really any different from the Mondeo. I can't afford a good A4. I've had an Octavia vRS before, and I want to feel like I'm taking a step up. Merc... maybe, not sure if I'll get anything good for £10K though.

It is a 4x4 and Jag though

Have a try of a Volvo S60 T5, a lot quicker than a ST (why do plod use them so much - faster than most things apart from BMW M5 type league) and better built too. 10k would probably even get you a S60 R.

[philmots]

330 Sport..

8/9k will get you a very nice one. Probably identical in speed to the Mondeo.

[Zad]

Futuo said:

Have a try of a Volvo S60 T5, a lot quicker than a ST (why do plod use them so much - faster than most things apart from BMW M5 type league) and better built too. 10k would probably even get you a S60 R.

Why do plod use them so much? Because if you saw the price they got them for, you'd have half a dozen. Good choice for the OP though, I can't think of anything else up-market from the ST220 that has the speed, space and is in the price range.

[Witchfinder]

Zad said:

Why do plod use them so much? Because if you saw the price they got them for, you'd have half a dozen. Good choice for the OP though, I can't think of anything else up-market from the ST220 that has the speed, space and is in the price range.

I might consider the V70, if I can find a manual. I'm surprised nobody has endorsed the idea of getting an E39 M5 yet. Is this a catastrophe waiting to happen?

[MoonMonkey]

I'm in a similar predicament.

I don't think a focus ST would be the best choice going from a Mondeo sized car. I've just sold mine. Great car just needed something bigger.

Whilst I decide what to do for the long term I've got myself a Saab 9-5 Aero (250 bhp) and am seriously impressed especially when you consider it only cost me £3k..!!

[Witchfinder]

Are these Vectra VXRs any good? http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1683542.htm

[EDLT]

Evo liked theirs:
http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evolongtermtests/2...

[jon_80]

philmots said:

330 Sport..

8/9k will get you a very nice one. Probably identical in speed to the Mondeo.

Nice car but not sure what he'd be gaining - RWD yes but the ST220 is superb for a FWD, and fastestlaps shows the ST ahead of the 330 around the various tracks (they show the ST having better upper end acceleration which may account for it rather than handling). Hard to find 330s that aren't auto, which would slow you down further.

How about a late model 540i?

[Somnophore]

You in the Sealed Knot or something then mate?

[Witchfinder]

Somnophore said:

You in the Sealed Knot or something then mate?

LARP mainly, but I'm thinking of joining a medieval re-enactment group too.

[Blue Meanie]

g35/350GT Sedan? Same chassis, and engine as a 350Z, but with ample room for people in the back, and luggage space.

[Witchfinder]

jon_80 said:

philmots said:

330 Sport..

8/9k will get you a very nice one. Probably identical in speed to the Mondeo.

Nice car but not sure what he'd be gaining - RWD yes but the ST220 is superb for a FWD, and fastestlaps shows the ST ahead of the 330 around the various tracks (they show the ST having better upper end acceleration which may account for it rather than handling). Hard to find 330s that aren't auto, which would slow you down further.

How about a late model 540i?

I wouldn't mind an automatic/DSG, as long as there's enough grunt to make up for it. 540 isn't a bad idea, but why a 540 over an M5? The 330 isn't as quick as my ST220. Trust me, I know

EDIT: Stop the press! You can get a E60 545i, or a Jag S-Type R for under £10K? This looks interesting...

Edited by Witchfinder on Sunday 23 May 20:12

[ultrafastboy]

I'd go along with an earlier comment about the 330 being a reduction in performance vs your st220. as for the top spec vectra you'd gain performance but lose on handling...