Quick estate / large hatchback car
Discussion
I have recently sold a Z4M. Is there anything large hatch or estate that comes close in terms of performance?
I tried an ST220 today and it wasn't too impressive. Nice car but not much quicker than my 1 series diesel...
I'd like to get something that's in the ballpark of E46 M3 performance for around 10k. Is the S4 the only option? Anyone owned an S4 avant or Vecta VXR?
It doesn't have to be the world's best in the twisties, just a fair bit of oomph in a straight line and room for two dogs and a baby in the rear.
Thanks in advance...
I tried an ST220 today and it wasn't too impressive. Nice car but not much quicker than my 1 series diesel...
I'd like to get something that's in the ballpark of E46 M3 performance for around 10k. Is the S4 the only option? Anyone owned an S4 avant or Vecta VXR?
It doesn't have to be the world's best in the twisties, just a fair bit of oomph in a straight line and room for two dogs and a baby in the rear.
Thanks in advance...
How about this
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLV...
or this
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/SAAB...
Both will have the best seats in the business
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/VOLV...
or this
http://search.autotrader.co.uk/es-uk/www/cars/SAAB...
Both will have the best seats in the business
So...have now found a large hatchback which isn't too ponderous and will get 30-35mpg on a run if I need it to.
The Imprezas are just too small for what I need, but a good shout. I did have a cursory look at the Forester 2.5T.
MG 260 estate was like hen's teeth, only two for sale and both miles away.
I discounted S4s as they are and well into £10k territory for reasonable mileage avants, MPG reflects the engine size somewhat and I only wanted to spend a max of 7k ideally (yes, I know that is a reduction on the original budget!) - so, E46 M3 performance was not likely on the cards anymore but even so...
I read that the 'regular' V70s aren't that much fun to drive so discounted those.
The ST220 I drove was a lovely steer, although it just didn't have enough grunt and I found myself driving it to the redline to get results. Not really the character of car I was looking for but a very close contender however and also I am pretty sure it is a car that feels less fast than it is.
I came close to purchasing a 9-5 Aero estate. Found a good example of the 9-5 at Autoquake and it was a really good price IMO but it was a very dark grey/brown colour and the new style (Dame Edna) front end looked a bit too much on it. It was due a £600 service quite soon though.
I'd have liked the Legacy but there are few manuals about, one 55 plate on Autotrader (private sale) priced at £1200 ABOVE the dealership retail price for that year/mileage. I mean, I like them but not so much as to pay over the odds for it.
I then looked at a Saab 9-3 Aero V6 estate but didn't purchase that, either. Just a bit more than I wanted to spend really. That said, the 2.8T is a great motor and I did get my hands on one in a roundabout sort of way:
I ended up with a Vectra VXR hatchback in the end (not bright blue though!) I got a low mileage example in what I think is a 'stealthy' shade of silver for a very good price (just over 7k) it had just gone up on eBay and local to me so I went and made an offer prior to any bidding starting.
Unfortunately it doesn't have some of the toys of the Saabs but insurance was quite reasonable and the driving position is very comfy. Handling is not too bad, and it's just about quick enough. It can be mapped of course, but I am not sure if I will bother.
I did have a look at the VXR estate, it was huge (and blue)! The seller was an enthusiast and a sound chap, I nearly bought the car on that to be fair...however was a lot more expensive than the car I did end up purchasing, at 9k, and had 69k on it. It was a 55 plate which was a plus due to cheaper tax.
The Imprezas are just too small for what I need, but a good shout. I did have a cursory look at the Forester 2.5T.
MG 260 estate was like hen's teeth, only two for sale and both miles away.
I discounted S4s as they are and well into £10k territory for reasonable mileage avants, MPG reflects the engine size somewhat and I only wanted to spend a max of 7k ideally (yes, I know that is a reduction on the original budget!) - so, E46 M3 performance was not likely on the cards anymore but even so...
I read that the 'regular' V70s aren't that much fun to drive so discounted those.
The ST220 I drove was a lovely steer, although it just didn't have enough grunt and I found myself driving it to the redline to get results. Not really the character of car I was looking for but a very close contender however and also I am pretty sure it is a car that feels less fast than it is.
I came close to purchasing a 9-5 Aero estate. Found a good example of the 9-5 at Autoquake and it was a really good price IMO but it was a very dark grey/brown colour and the new style (Dame Edna) front end looked a bit too much on it. It was due a £600 service quite soon though.
I'd have liked the Legacy but there are few manuals about, one 55 plate on Autotrader (private sale) priced at £1200 ABOVE the dealership retail price for that year/mileage. I mean, I like them but not so much as to pay over the odds for it.
I then looked at a Saab 9-3 Aero V6 estate but didn't purchase that, either. Just a bit more than I wanted to spend really. That said, the 2.8T is a great motor and I did get my hands on one in a roundabout sort of way:
I ended up with a Vectra VXR hatchback in the end (not bright blue though!) I got a low mileage example in what I think is a 'stealthy' shade of silver for a very good price (just over 7k) it had just gone up on eBay and local to me so I went and made an offer prior to any bidding starting.
Unfortunately it doesn't have some of the toys of the Saabs but insurance was quite reasonable and the driving position is very comfy. Handling is not too bad, and it's just about quick enough. It can be mapped of course, but I am not sure if I will bother.
I did have a look at the VXR estate, it was huge (and blue)! The seller was an enthusiast and a sound chap, I nearly bought the car on that to be fair...however was a lot more expensive than the car I did end up purchasing, at 9k, and had 69k on it. It was a 55 plate which was a plus due to cheaper tax.
Edited by texasjohn on Monday 30th August 19:01
Edited by texasjohn on Monday 30th August 19:02
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