What not so modernish petrol estate car?

[JamesM]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

Might be coming round to at least looking at a Legacy. Have to be a pukka UK car mind.

What would be the one to look at, seems to be a fair bit of choice. Would the 3.0 NA be a good choice like this one > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Legacy ... 4853de5780

Yes. I have a 3.0 and I really like it. Great chassis, revy engine, 6 speed close ratio box. Downsides are expesnsive tax (£475) unless you buy an older one (pre-march 2006), they're thirsty, I average about 24mpg, 30 ish on longer motorway runs and finally the ride can be a bit firm with the Bilstiens (standard equipment, that's what the B in Spec B is for).

If its not too far away I'd definetly go and have a look at the one in your link.

 

[JamesM]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

Forgot to mention the H6 has variable valve timing and lift, is nice and torquey and sounds lovely, not unlike a 911!!!

 

[Skeelsie]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

Volvo V50 T5's, BMW 320i, 325i, 330i, Mongdeo 2.5t, Octavia vRS petrol, A4's are common as old boots and cheap to buy 2.0t is surprisingly quick.

Budget dictates it.

 

[suburbanreuben]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

Might be coming round to at least looking at a Legacy. Have to be a pukka UK car mind.

What would be the one to look at, seems to be a fair bit of choice. Would the 3.0 NA be a good choice like this one > http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Legacy ... 4853de5780

Just make sure it has been properly serviced at regular intervals, preferably by a Subaru dealer/specialist.
The early 2.5s ('99-'01) had head gasket problems, going between 100k and 120k regular as clockwork. The burping routine wasn't sufficient. Subaru fixed this but some 3.0 H-6s suffered the same fate . Ask GT Steve for more information on this...

Yes, go and see that one! Newport Blue is a stunning colour in the flesh...

 

[Gtpulse]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

Subaru Legacy Gt-b. Best car I've ever had, would still have it if I didn't have a 40mile commute. Mine had done 210k miles when I sold it and went on another 80 or so k with the next owner. 280bhp 4 wheel drive, could fit a sofa in the boot, smiling all the way. Other than the pneumatic solenoid box was relatively easy to work on and reliable if its got good history.

What MPG were you getting on average?
I'm getting 22-24 on short journeys and 35+ on long journeys from the 2.5GX but I want to change to a turbo but unsure if MPG will be much worse.

BTW John you won't be disappointed with the Legacy, you say you don't need AWD, but the Legacy essentially drives like a very grippy FWD. very sure footed all the time.

MPG in the GT-b depends on how heavy your right foot is. On a 40mile run if I was very very gentle with the throttle and didn't go over about 60mph could expect to average nearly 30mpg. Driven as if it were stolen you could get it down to around mid to low teens mpg. It was after all a very fast estate car, on a private road or track, 150mph+ and 0-60 in not much over 5 seconds. Mine was a late model import and one thing to bear in mind with all of the gt-b s is they need to run on the super plus/higher octane fuel. Don't know if this was just an urban legend but other owners I knew also went by this rule. Tbh the H6 variants being recommended sound more like what the OP is after.

 

[Kestonian]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

How about an Alfa 159 Sport Wagon?

Perhaps a little smaller than you're after and a reputation for "character" but by 'eck they look nice.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

The Alfa is like a sardine tin compared to a Mondeo.

 

[getin]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

If it were me I wouldn't consider anything else other than an Audi Mercedes Or BMW. And if not them a VW.

 

[highlandsflyer]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

Ford are right in among them now.

 

[legrandefromage]

Re: What modernish petrol estate car?

Kia Rio....