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I have a scabby mondeo 2.2 at the moment, which is actually pretty fantastic- big, comfy, practical, handles a bit, and as much power as I really want to put down through one front wheel. But I'm thinking of replacing it with something less sensible and less scabrous, so, what you got? Looking for a little inspiration...
(If anyone feels like being sanctimonious, it's to replace an older diesel which is now officially satan's own engine so even tailsliding through a school playground in a stagea is more socially acceptable)
I'll kick it off with my main contender...
E34 M5 Touring.
Job jobbed.
Yep, get the Legacy. 🙂
Alternatively;
T5.
Nissan Stagea.
Omega V6.
Mitsubishi Legnum.
MG ZT.
Citroen DS/CX/XM etc....
Avoid Audi and BMW, obviously.
Merc E350 - if slightly older model year go for the avantgarde, more recent the amg.
Looks, performance, comfort, ease of driving, load lugging capacity, reliability (better than previous e350/320).
If you want to go down the hooligan route go for the e63; 6.3 litre and interfered with by amg. If money no object go to Brabus.
About to move on my old one - not a Brabus - and possibly upgrade.
A modern Mercedes?
Fine if you're a taxi driver with a decent body shop, but they're not what they used to be are they?
Have they made a decent estate since the W124? Their quality and corrosion resistance on later cars would make a Lancia executive blush.
Says the FIAT fan.
Might as well buy a 156 Sportwagon. You'll end up in a hearse sooner or later, no need to drive one whilst you're still breathing.
😉
BMW 335d touring. 300 bhp, 40 mpg,
mate has just taken delivery of a new Audi RS6, that's pretty nice*.... possibly out of budget though, you didn't set one of those.
*massive understatement.
If having a wolf in sheep's clothing appeals with an estate that could carry a whole flock ..look no further than a Skoda Superb Estate 4×4 tsi 280.
Massive luggage loading ..DSG auto box ..with a wolfish 0-60 in 5.3 seconds ..
I have been half seriously looking and the best price from new was roughly £27,000..list price at £35,000 and that was through Carwow..still more than I want to pay though right now ..but second hand with a year on it in around a years time ..possibly
Probably easier to get the Mondeo fixed so it drives from both front wheels rather than just the one😀 that's bound to improve handling.
After some extensive searching and deliberation I decided the compromise in potential ride quality over speed (not expensive) or to have performance AND a comfy ride (expensive) was a bit pointless. I’m 46, I’d rather be relatively comfortable for less performance so I dropped the mid life crises and went relatively sensible auto estate.
I knew I was right when I got stuck in traffic on the motorway during a long journey the day before and the day after I collected my new car. The latter was a far more pleasant experience, kind of living with an angry Dennis Wise vs Phillip Schofield.
RS4 dream sensibly extinguished.
kind of living with an angry Dennis Wise vs Phillip Schofield.
😂
My RS4 candle still flickers..but there is less oxygen in the room as the years go by !
Quite why Merc are designing quite the ugliest A class vehicles is beyond me, Far East sensibilities aside..
Butt this is fast, but would you want to be seen in one ......? AMG CLA45, just .1 second slower to 60 than its bloated mother the AMG6.3 CLA.
V90 T8 or T8 Polestar.
Got a T8 parked outside.
.
.
.
Goes back in an hour. 🙁
.
.
.
.
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Or a V60 T8 Polestar
Skoda Superb Estate 4×4 tsi 280.
You just know thats that’s going to be the most disappointing car in the world before you even get in and drive it!
Someone posted a pic on here last week of a Merc AMG estate with 6. Something engine that looked nice, kind of like the Skoda above but just a bit more ridiculous to actually make it viable.
real world BMW 330d because it’s only rwd so you can have fun with it.
Yeah, go really wild, get a Skoda
My RS4 is a very comfortable waft-wagon in normal use and noisy place to be when required. Lovely thing and I had to have the last of the V8 before we are all required to drive an electric pencil case. Or a C63 AMG. Or an RS6, too big for me but incredible
😁...angeldust ..you still buy a badge then ?
In case you missed the thread title it's for big, fast estates ...
The Skoda ticks both boxes ..
Excuse the pun but that Skoda Superb is erm superb.
Even the 220 version is pretty decent performance.
Jaguar XF sportbrake S?
What about a new Mondeo ST Line Edition 240PS?
Cruise liner handling and about as reliable as Crank Brothers but a big fast estate
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201802254060826?body-type=Estate&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1501&price-to=13000&zero-to-60=TO_5&sort=sponsored&advertising-location=at_cars&postcode=ab159ng&page=1
Porsche Panamera.
Continent crushing ability, huge power, good handling, super comfy and a bit of a bargain these days (relatively speaking). The hybrid versions look interesting and the V8's that have over 500bhp would be a delight. GTS models are always pick of the bunch.
Whether you would call this one a hatchback or estate but just look at at.....!
How about some exclusivity? There is one RHD 9-5 Sportcombi out there, Aero trim reputedly. Yes please.
New Aston Martin Shooting Brake (wouldn't say it was a looker from back though......)
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/british/behold-aston-martin-vanquish-zagato-shooting-brake
There is one RHD 9-5 Sportcombi out there
It's in a collectors garage AFAIK
Or a model X?
Both blindingly fast off the lights (which is what matters).
Until your battery starts to degrade.
"RS4 dream sensibly extinguished."
The thread title contains the words BIG ESTATE car. As lovely as the RS4 is, one thing it isn't is big. Tiny legroom for rear passengers and a properly stingy sized boot.
For me the RS6 is the daddy. Those things are unbelievable. But a family member owns a garage and drives lots of different cars which he keeps for 6 months or so before moving on. He's been driving a Panamera about for nearly 2 years. He loves it so much he can't bring himself to let it go. It is officially a hatchback, but I think definitely crosses the boundary.
But again, budget might prohibit such expensive frivolity. Definitely in the case of the RS6 - I was considering an older one some years ago until I started looking into the running costs. Big performance doesn't come cheap especially in a big heavy estate car. Even if I was gifted one I'm not sure I could afford the running costs....literally. I don't mean it would cost a lot, I mean it would be completely unaffordable.
I think Kryton's more realistic decision is probably the best option. A big diesel auto is probably the better all round option.
The A6 Avants with the big diseasels are quick... the 3.0 270ps is plenty rapid for a 2 ton car and it goes under the radar, and the Bi-turbo 320ps will give the RS6 a run for its money though many have been pimped-out and look ridiculous. Much depends upon how you feel about oil burners, and you won't see anywhere near 40mpg in either if you have a twitchy right foot. But they are great cars!
What about the VW Passat 2.8 V6 4motion? B4 version I think. They're massive in side.
For me the RS6 is the daddy. Those things are unbelievable.
having spent a significant amount of time as a passenger and sometime as a driver in one, I wouldn't have one even if I could afford it.
brutally, spectacularly fast but the reality of life means that's down slip roads and off roundabouts. the other 99% of the time its noisy, uncomfortable and you may as well be tearing up £20 notes.
I was driving south on the autobahn towards Ingolstadt (Audi town) last year in our campervan, relaxing doing about 70mph in lane 1 and a bright red RS6 snarled past me doing at least twice my speed. It sounded like a very angry lion and even spat flames out of the exhaust. I got far too excited for a grown man but it was chuffin' awesome (I know, I really should know better..save the robins and all that).
If I had the financial means, I'd buy one and enjoy it until my physio told me to change it.
Even if I was gifted one
Ooer missus.
Range Rover.
A proper full sized one, not one of those poncy squashed down hairdresser ones.
It's what people with big estates drive.
To my endless jealousy my friends have:
RS4, RS6 and C63 AMGs, all estates oh and another has a 911 Turbo, but at least he has the grace to turn up for rides in his Van.
Observations, the RS4 is like a less comfortable, harder riding version of my Exeo, when you use the performance it's insane, the grip, speed and noise is wonderful, but most of the time it's a bit tiring.
The AMG sounds even better, the seat are equally uncomfortable, but the ride is better - it's also got the unhappy combination of sub 20mpg and a smallish tank. He'd love to take it to the Alps, but I'm sure it worked out something silly like £500 in fuel and you'd have to stop 9 times to fill it up (both ways).
I think the most import part of my ramble is that, they all love their cars, far more than I could love a car, but they're not their everyday car.
For a family car they're not very comfortable.
For an estate, they're not massively practical, they've all got these massive sports seat that rob rear room and they're too fancy to fill up for a run to the tip.
You might argue if you can afford a £50k+ car you can afford to live with 18mpg, but can you live with the range?
Also, they're not exactly compatible with the world, unless you want to get up in the middle of the night, when was the last time you saw an empty bit of road?
I'd have to agree with ElShalimo - get another Mondeo.
The boot space is better designed than most other estates, they handle well enough and well, Mercs are just horrible (and more common than Fords lately, what with everyone getting them on lease deals!)
I also saw a pimped up Brabus Vito on the Autobahn travelling at a very rude speed.
That would be a nice old barge and room for an XL 29er.
Got to be this. Utterly bonkers. My BiL has this engine in an XKR-S and it is absolutely epic - no turbo lag, ludicrous torque, fantastic noise.
I have to say (with some degree of embarrassment) that my first thought when I saw the thread title was the Skoda Superb with the big diesel & 4WD.
In my defence though, I somehow assumed that there was a degree of subtlety or perhaps, 'sleeper' inferred in the OP. Dunno why.
I had a great drive in a V70 T5 once - comfy, fast barge
But if I was buying one now it would be german - RS4/RS6, M5 (do they do an M3 touring?), C63, E63
But for me the original is the RS2
Excuse the pun but that Skoda Superb is erm superb.
Even the 220 version is pretty decent performance.
As the owner of a Skoda Superb, I really wouldn't say it's 'superb' or even close to it.
It's perfectly fine, yes, but superb? Even compared to a 5 series? No chance.
Big fast estate? Hop you have deep pockets. Alpina B5 (new G31 5 series).
I've always liked fast estate cars however at the moment my current fast load lugger is a probably even less sensible SUV - a Mazda CX-7. 260bhp in standard trim (which mine is) but apparently not difficult to get to 350bhp or so as the tuning bits from the other MPS Mazda's can be used.
It makes a great Q car as everyone assumes it'll be slow! Not cheap to run though - lucky to get 20mpg and it's in the top vehicle tax bracket as well.
I'd have to have an M550d Touring X-Drive Auto if I'm honest, much as I'd love an RS6
Shh about the CX7! I'm lining one of them up for when my 9-5 Aero wagon has a few too many clunks and bangs, and people don#'t seem to have cottoned on to them yet, let's keep them a little secret 😀
C6 RS6 is my unicorn. That V10 is magnificent, the initial purchase costs are OK, but the running costs and risk are, to me, utterly terrifying. Their ability to empty a bank account seems only comparable to their appetite for fuel. A truly intimidating ownership prospect. But my god would it be worth it. Easily tweaked to very impressive figures for comparatively little.
The C5 holds a big attraction as well, and perhaps an (only marginally) less expensive proposition, but that's more do do with original purchase price, the running costs are still pretty intimidating.
Legacies ar the more cut price option that's pretty appealing as well. At the bottom end, my 9-5 is OK, but it's very much a one trick pony. Not tooo bad on fuel, solid and reliable, enormous inside, (L 650b enduro bike fits with the seats down and both wheels on.) but it is essentially a Vectra with a few Saab bits (like the engine). The Saab bits are really the only vaguely interesting bits about it. Very hard on suspension components though. I seem to be forever replacing bushes.
Need room ? ✅
Need to carry bikes ? ✅
Need to carry Aunt Flo and her best friend to Bingo ?✅
Need wipe down seats and trim ?✅
Need to feel you have MOAR POWER than your Me Average MillibandMondayo ? ✅
Then get a...
Not so big but defo a fast estate:
8 bhp/ton more than a Golf R and £5k cheaper. Love it.
As the owner of a Skoda Superb, I really wouldn’t say it’s ‘superb’ or even close to it.
It’s perfectly fine, yes, but superb? Even compared to a 5 series? No chance.
I've noticed this a lot with these challenger brand cars; if you go for the very top spec, they do feel special and every bit as good as their equivalent german rival. But the lower trim levels do feel very 'average' (my wife calls ours the Skoda Average).
The L&K trim we have is every bit as nice as the equivalent 5-series and the 3.6L V6 and 4-wheel drive does make it something of a sleeper.
This was actually a “thing” and it looks half designed by Marcel Marceau...
944 Shooting Brake
Mitsu Legnum VR4 is brilliant but costs a fortune to fuel and maintain...
Always had a soft spot for an M5 Touring (E61). Got quite close to buying one a few years ago, as they were pretty affordable 2nd hand. The fuel consumption was a little off putting (I think i remember reading that some owners discovered that the consumption gauge bottoms out at 7mpg, but the consumption definitely doesn't) and coupled with a smallish tank meant that 200miles/tank was fairly normal.
Ended up getting a nice sensible diesel (A6 BiTDI), but the M5 still seems like it would have been a good idea after a beer or two.
Volvo V90 T8. Apparently 390hp, AWD, and weirdly attractive
The pcp deals on new A6’s are very good - cheaper than an equivalent Skoda/VW/Volvo by a margin.
the A6 3.0tdi Quattro would be plenty fast enough and sensible money. Far nicer ride than the RS.
My base model has leather, heated seats, lcd digital driver display and good connectivity.
Rght, that's that sorted, just giftwrap them all and drop them off at mine eh?
Cheers folks, some realistic options in there that I'd missed and good to have some fantasy options too 🙂
piha: Porche Panamera. Whether you would call this one a hatchback or estate but just look at at…..!
You'll be wanting the new Panamera Sport Turismo then, obvs..
I’ve noticed this a lot with these challenger brand cars; if you go for the very top spec, they do feel special and every bit as good as their equivalent german rival. But the lower trim levels do feel very ‘average’ (my wife calls ours the Skoda Average).
The L&K trim we have is every bit as nice as the equivalent 5-series and the 3.6L V6 and 4-wheel drive does make it something of a sleeper.
I call mine the Not So 🙂
Mine is a Sportline (irony) but with a long list of extras, I think the original invoice was £38k (on a Skoda!), it's a fair chunk cheaper than a G31 5 Series (probably £7k), but it feels it too.
In terms of quality of build, my older F11 5 series is better than the Skoda too IMO.
For what it is though, on a lease, it's bloody cheap & does what I need 🙂
E350 2011 Owner here. Bought at 85k now at 145k 3 years later. You would very hard pressed to tell it had done that kind of mileage. Bought from a main stealer and bought a service package at the same time which brings the cost to about the same as the independent.
Enormous inside with seats up and down. Self levelling suspension means you can fill it to the brim and it still drives! Its quick, no matter how many people you have in it, huge torque and just eats up the miles. By far the most relaxing car to drive long distance on motorways and A roads. Back roads and b roads not the optimal car.
Would I by again? Yes. Lottery win tonight replace with debadged E63 and the neighbours will only notice when it starts up!
Hobnob...the Skoda Superb in question is the 4×4 280 tsi estate ..which I put forward earlier in the thread .
Dirk was mentioning that the 220 also has a pretty brisk performance ..
The numbers above relate to the bhp....
I'm not sure what you are driving as engine sizes start at 1400cc..and if that's what you have got I would agree it's hardly going to be " superb "
The 2000cc tsi petrol engine with 280 bhp and a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds will be a completely different beast ..and could very well be described as " superb " ..
Not all Skoda Superb's are the same !
Jag XFR-S for me too! Have the 3 litre v6 with a chip at the moment though (claimed 340bhp) and to be honest that’s plenty fast enough!! And being a jag owner I appreciate the 30+ mpg even at reasonable pace
How about a Maserati?
What you really need deep down is an MPV.. one that will turn heads wherever you go, that will guarantee a space in tescos car park and enable crowds to part before you..
Yes, yes it’s the updated version of that random shutline ssangyong whatsit that everyone coughed up a little bit of sick when they encountered one in print or on the road..
This is spectacularly awesome..
( I see similarities with a jaaaag)
Fast estates are definitely the way forward
Money no object the choices so far are good ones. I personally have a 3l tid saab 9-5 which I bought from a guy in a car park for a grand for bike and dog carrying duties. Obviously it's at the other end of the scale than the cars mentioned, and it's certainly no hooligan. But despite having a shade under 200 bhp it's pretty quick in a straight line, ridiculously comfy, plenty of power for safe overtaking (it's no m5 but it's not massively slower than my Boxter s in this regard) , and can fit two trail bikes in the boot with the wheels off and the parcel shelf down.
Big and fast estates? Swapped my E350cdi to petrol last year. At which point there were two petrols in the Merc e-class estate range, the E43 or E63! Can’t get a towbar for an E63 for the bike rack so I have an E43 estate. Pretty fast, fairly economical, big and comfy when you want it to be.
[quote=FantomBiker]
BMW 335d touring. 300 bhp, 40 mpg
hmm, mines on 28 mpg, but then again i actually use the 300 ponies it has...... 😉
I had a test drive early last year in the fast petrol Superb 4x4 estate. It was very quick and quite tempting. The interior was nice but not a patch on the A6 Avant. The Audi pcp deals made it a no brainier, though I went for a basic 2.0 diesel SE Quattro.
Pretty fast, fairly economical, big and comfy when you want it to be.
Define 'fairly economical'...
Superb 4x4 higher output diesel manual. Big, capable, fast enough and utterly indistinct. Only fault is stupid 40 profile tyres
Mines 110k and swallow a 29er with wheels on. I practically live out of it.
“Fairly economical”... around 30mph for 10k so far. Not bad for what it is although we don’t do enough miles for it to be a concern to me. I would have had the E63 if I could have fitted a towbar!
30mph for 10k so far.
Respect. That must have taken ages.
It was a long day, I was tired...sorry.... 30mph😀
It was a long day, I was tired…sorry…. 30mph
Well that cleared things up 😉
XFS Sportbrake is comfy, fast and feels a step up from my f11 530d in quality. I do hanker for 8 cylinders and petrol, just once before they are gone forever. 15k miles a year makes it an expensive proposition though.
Of course, why you all really wanted but never could afford (or at the time been seen in one) is this...
In case you missed the thread title it’s for big, fast estates …
The Skoda ticks both boxes ..
The paramedic who turned out for my step-dad a couple of times was driving a Skoda Octavia estate, it had been tweaked and was putting out around 270 bhp, and perfectly capable of a really indecent turn of speed.
I’m amazed that nobody has mentioned the ultimate hooligan estate, the one I’ve always wanted with all of my heart, and will hunt down as soon as the lottery coughs up...
Times have moved on, but it was fast and big at the time I bought it 12 years ago.
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Very nice, clean. I like that Daffy. I’d have one in a breath. Currently looking at an e91 335d though....