MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I'm a lover of estates, and in particular fast ones. Currently I own a not that fast Skoda estate but before that I had a 245bhp AWD Subaru legacy which was brisk and really didn't look it. I often find myself browsing ebay/autotrader and there's lots of gems/potentially bankrupting estates there that are realllly appealing. Also, if cars continues to go the way they are, estates could be a dying breed!
So, show us yer finds!
V70r? 240BHP 5 cylinder turbo... Imagine being a child in the rear facing seats in 1998!
3.0l c class, a lot of engine for £3.8k
I bought a Saab 9-5 Aero estate a couple of years back for £900. 250hp or so - could certainly shift. Turbo lag was pretty full on, almost caught me out exiting roundabouts a couple of times
Yeah there's something about a 9-5 or 9-3 aero...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201131330197?atmobcid=soc3
10 years ago I had a C6 Audi RS6 Avant, which was a proper train (5.0 V10 twin turbo). Down to the Alps with 2 bikes in the back, masses of space and speed, it was a brilliant all-rounder for its time. Full bore gearchanges provided your ears with a most welcome thunderclap. But a rather heavy beast when trying to flick it through tight corners.
My mate had a Citroen XM V6 estate years ago. It was a big wafty, comfy thing but if you floored it on the motorway it was pretty fast. It really didn't like corners though
I always wanted a 540 touring with the rare manual box. 4.4 V8 that sounds awesome, goes like the clappers and is ripe for forced induction. I couldn't find one at the time so bought a Cosworth powered Capri.
I haven't looked at them for ages but damn, they're aging well.
I don't fancy my chances of finding one now for less than a squillion quid.
I had a few RWD Volvo's when they were dirt cheap. Good fun for sliding around in with the most comfortable seats I've ever had. I wouldn't go back unless I get get a mint 240 with some kind of boosted redblock in it.
This is probably make me unpopular, but I have one and it has been an absolute joy to own and drive:
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Does this count? My old B7 RS4. Probably more fast than fastish.
MsBeej described it as a "drug dealer with a family" car.
I love a Q car fast estate.
Had an Impreza Turbo wagon back in the day, and a 300bhp awd Volvo V70R, which was rapid with a huge boot.
I’m currently trying to justify the maths for swapping my 3L diesel A6 for an S6. A lot less showy than an RS6, but with 440hp it’s still not exactly the sensible option.
I had an Audi A4 3.0Tdi Avant manual with 240 ps and 500 nm of torque. It was in SE spec, standard 17” wheels, debadged. Looked like a 2 litre Tdi, went quicker than a GTi between the gears. On the SE suspension it didn’t crash about either. Perhaps not big enough for the OP though.
Was thinking about getting a Superb 3.6 4x4, but the DSG put me off at the time.
I absolutely loved my Mitsu Legnum VR4...only 2 drawbacks - fuel economy (20mpg is driven very conservatively, but on quick drives, it was below 10mpg) and the rather short oil change frequency for the AYC gubbins.
They sold for £35k when new and I got mine for £3.5k many years later, but it was fantastic. 300bhp at the wheels, a viciously severe clutch but it drove very well - didn't really like low speeds (but suspect the clutch didn't help that), felt very nice at normal driving speeds and felt superb at spirited speeds.
Driving to Laggan and back from Stirling area and it was full tank door-to-laggan-to-petrol-station (a half mile from my dor).
A mate had the earlier version of that @sharkattack, stainless through exhaust, I could hear when he was within 1/2 mile of the village let alone the house.
We went to Wales in it once and the heater control was knackered, I had the hottest setting blasting onto my legs the whole way there and back. I sounded lovely, cost a fortune to run and was quite entertaining when driven on open, high visibility roads.
I am hopeful of a Golf R estate as a future car for me, maybe.
OH GOD… Think I’d better have a moment to myself… 😲
That thing is awesome but it's been up for sale for literally years. The price is wildly optimistic.
I absolutely loved my Mitsu Legnum VR4
That's another car which was on my hit list when I was young and dumb. They were just too hard to find, I never actually saw one.
Does everyone realise that they also made an Evo 9 wagon?
@perchypanther is that a huge drip tray under that Aston?
"Sir, your shooting brake is soiling my gravel driveway"
Edit: Meanwhile a young Donald Trump looks on, thinking 'that'd look pretty good in gold'
I didn't like this at first but now I'm rather a fan:
It's 'only' a 4cyl 200bhp though but whilst the V6 is the better and more suitable engine I wouldn't want to give up 10mpg for it. Ideally I'd have an air sprung V6 model with the slightly later 9 speed box, if I were richer and climate change wasn't a thing.
This is probably make me unpopular, but I have one and it has been an absolute joy to own and drive
X Type? Just a compromised Mondeo. My dad had one, was the worst decision he ever made (his words) as it was smaller than the equivalent Ford hatchback. I had to agree, especially since he traded in an ST for it 😣
My last car was a Le Mans Blue E91 335D which the obligatory remap to 350bhp, that was a truly amazing car and was a great mountain biking trip wagon, kept it for 7 years/ 75k miles. Like one of these...
Then as I found out how much space baby seats take up as we were starting our family, the 335D had to go for something bigger. I was going to get a 5 series (540i), but they aren't actually that big, so had a great excuse to go for a real dream car. I picked up a Mercedes E63 (W212) with the bi-turbo 5.5L a year ago and it truly is a special car and is actually more fun to drive than the 335D at lower speeds, as it exudes character, especially in the wet!! It can also happily cruise like a soft compliant luxury car if you slacken off the settings.
It wants to go abit like this, everywhere...
Really like this 159. Best powertrain of the range with a proper Italian engine and a 250kg advantage over the 3.2 for not having the q4 system.
Rare beastie too with that spec.
@teaandbiscuit isn't it a mirror so the concours guys can see the state of the underside?
I love that Volvo.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/255320690922
Not big or fast I'm afraid. But £4k for a Lada Riva? What has happened to the world?
321bhp vauxhall insignia. Talk about sleeper!
Not big or fast I’m afraid. But £4k for a Lada Riva? What has happened to the world?
Future classic 😉
A very long time ago I worked as a driver for Europcar. I used to get sent all over the place to pick up cars for customers who'd rented one to pick up at the airport. Best car I have ever driven was a Volvo T5. I had to drive a very broken Corsa down to Manchester airport, and pick up the T5 to take back to Newcastle airport. Trip there was considerably slower than the trip home. At one point I hadn't actually realised just how fast I was going up the M6 that car was so fast and so comfortable. Thank goodness no officers of the law or speed cameras were around to see 😁
@teaandbiscuit isn’t it a mirror so the concours guys can see the state of the underside?
You're letting knowledge and facts get in the way of my lazy jokes 😀
I am tempted by the opening picture/Autotrader link for a £3k V70R.....
I've currently got a galaxy which is on it's last legs and now the family is a bit smaller I don't need such a big car.
I keep dreaming of a fast estate, the S4 looks nice or maybe a 330d, probably my sensible head will end up with a 520d. It'll have to wait for a while for funds to allow but I can keep on dreaming - unless the galaxy dies sooner than I'd like
To paraphrase Clarkson - 260hp, 230,000 miles, £1500; what could possibly go wrong?
In the early 1970s, eccentric Englishman John Dodd took possession of a home-brewed monstrosity that used a 27-litre Rolls-Royce Merlin engine as its primary power source.
Does 2013 now class as 'old'?
Rumor is that the one right hand drive SportCombi, SORN'ed in 2012/13, is hiding in a barn under a cover waiting it's day at Sotheby's in 20 years time....
I had to drive a very broken Corsa down to Manchester airport, and pick up the T5 to take back to Newcastle airport.
I assume satnav took you via Settle, Kirkby Stephen and Alston? Shouldawoulda...
This would be the one for me. Shame they never (officially) made them...
Although this would do as second choice option.
Really like this 159. Best powertrain of the range with a proper Italian engine and a 250kg advantage over the 3.2 for not having the q4 system.
Rare beastie too with that spec.
Massive Alfa fan, had loads over the years. 159 was a great looking car (maybe the one of the best looking estates ever?) but was completely meh to drive.
156 GTA Sportwagon on the other hand... proper job.
I assume satnav took you via Settle, Kirkby Stephen and Alston? Shouldawoulda…
Not sure satnav was a thing back then @matt_outandabout!😂 As it was I managed to get lost coming out of Manchester airport and ended up heading for Preston! I wasn't the only one - I pulled up in a services carpark to check the road atlas and there was another guy doing exactly the same for exactly the same reason. Not my finest navigational hour. The day after I was driving a Rover Fastback and that was quite good fun too.
AutotopNL is a great channel for cars, apart from the normal exotica 1000bhp stuff, he has the odd thing like this 480bhp 850 R.
Nothing, nothing, nothing, EVERYTHING!!
Also
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353615704487?hash=item52552371a7:g:9RgAAOSw1FphEVGA
Hi Jon! I looked at the Jaguar, they are nasty inside and very few actually available second hand.
Holy Moly. The last time I was in a T5 my mate had just bought it for £1800 and he trashed it for years with no bother.
"This vehicle is an ideal investment opportunity , You could put this car away and your money will grow , Classic cars are better investment than property in this current financial climate ."
Yeah mate. With investments you're supposed to buy low and sell high, not pay 10k for a ropey old Volvo. It was an investment for YOU not the mug who buys it.
Since when is 3-400bhp fast "ish"?
Since cars started weighing the wrong side of 1500kg.
What you need now for fast is 500bhp, but they cancelled the Giulia sportwagon. 😭
250bhp I rate as fast(ish) - my old legacy had 245 BHP and it wasn't fast but it could shift a little. You're right, over 300bhp though and you're into the realms of properly fast, even by todays standards.
This would be the one for me. Shame they never (officially) made them…
Incoming...
...bit ugly though.
Always fancied one of these but like all turbo 90/00s Japanese stuff prices have gone mad...
Nissan Stagea 260RS - essentially an R33 GTR wagon.
Incoming…
Too little, too late in my opinion. They should have started the M3 touring with the E36. Now they're butt ugly and astronomically expensive.
I have had for the past 6 years a 56 plate (2006) BMW E91 330i. Taken it from 45k to 83k. It's not that fast now compared to so much modern stuff, but it still goes when you want it to even with an auto box and the straight six engine and rear wheel drive are still lovely.
No reason to change it as it has so much life left in it which is lucky as other than a 340i which is similar but about £25k more expensive, I can't think what I would actually want other than maybe an Audi S4.
10 years ago I had a C6 Audi RS6 Avant, which was a proper train (5.0 V10 twin turbo). Down to the Alps with 2 bikes in the back, masses of space and speed, it was a brilliant all-rounder for its time. Full bore gearchanges provided your ears with a most welcome thunderclap. But a rather heavy beast when trying to flick it through tight corners.
Friend of mine has just swapped his C6 RS for a C7, he keeps threatening to bring is down to the Alps in July... the C6 was a thirsty thing to say the least, another Friend has a C7, with all this clever cylinder shutdown and 8 speed gearbox it's positively frugal, he might even see 20mpg! So that's 3 tanks and £250 in petrol each way.
A 0-60 time of 8s or under is fast-ish to me.
Not sure it qualifies but the current wagon is a mapped Passat GTE. In full go mode it's 280hp and approaching 500nm. Through the front wheels though so only really good for passes. Heavy too with the battery. Very frugal for the power though.
I'll shove mine in because its a good story. I bought a Mk1 Octavia vRS new, many moons ago, ran it for a few years then left it with my ex-wife when we split up. She kept it for a couple of years then traded it in
fast forward to a couple of years back and my Mk 4 Golf GTi is on its last legs and I needed a car. I fancied an old Mk1 vRS as I used to love my old one
So I go on Autotrader and the first one comes up is an immaculate one, full service history, low mileage, perfect! Then I look at the number plate. It's my old one. It had just been listed and it was in a garage 10 minutes away from where I was working at the time. I immediately phone the garage up, he says he'd literally listed it ten minutes earlier, I say I'll be over in 20 minutes, gave it the once over and bought my old car back again. It was a bargain too 😀
Its got 3 names on the log book: me, the guy who had it in between, then me again. I think we're just destined to be together
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Sod this fast and big malarkey, you want one of these... my first car. 1.5L of ecstasy
I think my favourite fast(ish) estate car that I've had was my Misubishi Galant. Looked like nothing, but had the 2.5 V6 engine. Our two current cars are faster and have more power, but it was quick for the time, and just lovely to drive
Also had a Saab 9-5 estate, but that was only the 2.0 Low Pressure Turbo. Was OK for the time though
My estate is neither very old, nor fast. But I really hope they live on in some fashion.
X Type? Just a compromised Mondeo.
Well, after driving mine for the last six years without so much as a hiccup, I have to say that I am not convinced of the criticisms. I know it's a 'tarted up' Mondeo; but 'compromised'?
As I said when I was asking about them on here before I bought mine: considering Mondeos were quite good, what's wrong with tarting one up?
I know it’s a ‘tarted up’ Mondeo; but ‘compromised’?
Yup.
The estate is smaller inside than the Mondeo hatch and it's less comfy (all that stuffed leather looks good but that's about it). Wasn't a fan of the infotainment either, was a PITA trying to adjust the climate control and useless whilst driving.
That all said it's the same powertrain so yes, I'd expect it to be reliable. It's not a bad car by any means but personally I can't see past the Mundano.
Never quite as good as the Carlton / Senator it replaced but still a great place to watch the world zoom by while transporting a wardrobe.
Not big, but definitely old!
Love my E30 Touring. Has been used for everything from daily driver, to bike trips in Morzine, to track days. Never fails to raise a smile!
A 0-60 time of 8s or under is fast-ish to me.
I'm with @molgrips on this one.
Some of these are stratosphericly fast - not fast-ish - and some big compromises around comfort and costs.
The first car, the v70r, is 0-60 in around 7s, and pulls like a train to silly illegal speeds. Yet the (only) one I had a lift in felt comfy and surefooted on the Ullswater lake road, full of bumps and potholes.
I'm not sure some of the 5s, 300hp, rubber band thickness tyres cars would feel as pleasant on such a road.
Big enough? Old enough?
Certainly fast.
I'd consider buying one if they start approaching sensible money but they are all still north of £20k
all that stuffed leather looks good but that’s about it
I'd expect the 'tarting up' to include a bit more sound insulation and damping. Does it not?
I’d expect the ‘tarting up’ to include a bit more sound insulation and damping. Does it not?
Don't forget the wood.
Not big, but definitely old!
Love my E30 Touring. Has been used for everything from daily driver, to bike trips in Morzine, to track days. Never fails to raise a smile!
I used to have one of those, and almost loved it. I have to say that its dodgy clutch kind of marred the experience, though.
Yep, clutch cylinders can be a weak point but haven't had any trouble in 5 years and 40,000 miles 🤞
Yep, clutch cylinders can be a weak point but haven’t had any trouble in 5 years and 40,000 miles
Well definitely don't let me jinx it! Keep enjoying!
I'm very fond of a fast estate. Previous car was a 2007 535i Touring but I got hacked off with all the silly little electrical gremlins that kept appearing.
Current car is a B8 Audi S4 Avant. They're a little boring in standard guise but the previous owner took it to MRC Tuning and it's now stage 2+ with over 500bhp. Being supercharged there's instant power (600+ nm) and it'll do 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. Permanent 4 wheel drive helps to keep that all in check and it's just a great car, if a bit thirsty/scary when you put your foot down.
Thanks SaxonRider
Some lovely, lovely cars on this thread.
Hope the big, fast(ish) estate continues to be a thing for some time yet as they really can be all things to all men. Practical, usually better looking than the equivalent saloon, and often surprisingly good to drive!
My E46 330i, probably pushing the definition of "Big" and not really my definition of "Old" but definitely the best daily driver I've had. 40mpg on a long run, about 1mpg down on the 318i I had previously. Happy to lazily cruise at 1500rpm, but equally happy pressing on.
E30 above makes me miss my E30 touring, my first "grown up" car. Never try and sleep in the back, though. There's a 1/2" step in the boot floor with the back seats down, you will wake up with a 1/2" step in your spine!
This, is an absolute classic:
Modified B5 S4 though rather than an RS4 since it does not have the wide RS4 arches. No doubt a genuine modified RS4 would be even faster.
That E46 330i is very nice, definitely a sweet spot between analogue/digital cars. They started gently appreciating a few years ago like lots of other stuff from this era.
The RS2 was famously faster than a McLaren F1 0-30mph.
I still regret not buying a mint S2 Avant for £6k in around 2005. They're worth over £20k now. My dream garage would contain an RS2, RS4 and RS6.
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Had a ride in an S2, in the dark, down b-roads, that was reportedly running around 450bhp. Scary as ****!
I have an '04 JDM Legacy wagon, twinscroll turbo. Invisible in a car park, but it makes 245bhp at the wheels, it handles, and is usefully big in the back- I can fit my rocketmax in the back with both wheels on, with about 3 metric bawhairs to spare. And a recent import so rust-free. Plus it has LPG so I can drive it without going bankrupt, and is cheap to tax and insure to boot. A set of Tein coilovers, some stiffening and lowering, and some sticky tyres and it's just a pleasure. Also, it goes PSSSHH.
I'd love a Legnum though. Or a Stagea. Or a Crown Athlete. Or a 5 series with a big engine in. Or some Audis with 6 in the name. Or even a 940 with a bit more engine. Or an Elgrand.
SaxonRider
Full MemberI know it’s a ‘tarted up’ Mondeo; but ‘compromised’?
Other than the 4wd option, yep- the jaguar redesign costs it a lot of the space and usability that made the mk3 so brilliant. And tbh the interior and construction aren't really any better- nicer looking, but the mondeo was well done, not as pretty but a bit more sensible, and the ford ergonomics are a little better imo. The first impressions are better but the stuff that lasts isn't.
I really wanted to like it, because I loved the looks, but my testdrive was literally "Mondeo but less good". I never drove the awd version mind but... Thing about the mk3 mondeo is it's an incredibly well balanced, competent car that knows exactly what it wants to be and just does it. It's not fast, it's not slow, but it covers ground so so well... it handles reasonably but comfortably, it's massive but it doesn't feel massive (til you park it anyway), it's old but it doesn't look or feel dated, it's comfy without being excessive, the ergonomics are awesome with everything in the right place, the 6 speed is lovely... everything's good enough, and the 2.2 diesel is literally just the 2.0 but better, it even gives better economy. It's just a great piece of work. I'd have another 2.2 like a shot if I had to have a more economic or bigger car than the Leggy, it was fantastic at what it did.
But then you look at the V6, and it's still not fast or slow, but it's heavier, it's far less practical, it basically moves away from the things the mondeo does best in order to do something it doesn't do so well, a bit better but still not very well. People still like the ST220 but the Ghia/Titx 2.2 are the Ultimate Mondeo imo. And that's exactly what the Jag felt like too. Instead of being fantastic at what it did, it was less good at what it did, and tried hard to be something it's not so good at.
Even the later Mondeos do tons of things better but I don't think they ever got the package as good.
Agreed on the MK3 Mondeo. Had one for a few months between more interesting stuff. Really wanted to hate it, but as you said it just does being a car so well with no fuss!
Holy balls that was a long post. Apparently I like Mondeos.
Loved my 3.0 spec b legacy.
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Didn't love the sub 25mpg economy though at the time when I was starting to do 10k+ miles a year.
I still remember driving in torrential rain along a motorway, wondering why the Merc in front was only going 50mph through the standing water, where the legacy was cruising along at 70 - then we both leave on a slip road and I see it's an SL55 or some other rwd AMG beastie, and realise his arse is probably clenched tight while I'm cruising along without a care in the world. Also, leaving the lights in the legacy, in the pouring rain, 4 up - floor it and it's gone, no bother no stress.
I've been very close to buying a spec b Legacy a couple of times. It'll happen eventually. Lovely combination of engine and drivetrain. Basically a Porsche 911 with the body on backwards!
Yeah and they're not properly 'fast' at just under 7 secs 0-60 but they'll do that in all weathers, wet or dry. Shame the 3.0 isn't that tunable. The twinscroll turbo is the one for that.
Well I'd rather have a Jag than a Mondeo on looks alone.
And what's with all this 20mpg stuff? Don't you know there's a climate emergency on? Mine's bad enough with 48mpg.
Mine’s bad enough with 48mpg.
48 mpg? Seriously? Not ever! Rarely anywhere even remotely close.
Aren’t you missing the point here Molls?
In the retro themed spirit of which this thread is intended, can I sing the praises of taking ones dirty big estate car and booting it away from the toll booths on the M6 toll, redlining it in every gear and watching your MPG figure disappear into American pick up truck territory 😃