Interesting family saloon...spec me

EddScott · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:25

Impreza WRX Wagon?

Lots of space, not too offensive on fuel, will put a smile on your face for sure.

We had our first Impreza when our daughter was just a toddler and it was excellent. Kept me happy and was very practical.

Beast06 · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:33

Jaguar S Type R.

Chives · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:42

Beast06 said:
Jaguar S Type R.

DM · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:47

I'd have a look at an S type Jag, huge amount of car for the money.

PardonTheWait · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:50

Humber Hawk

Gribs · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:56

Of the ones you list I'd pick the ST220. I'd also be looking at a Saab 9-5 Aero too if you wanted to compromise more towards comfort.

iaind · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:57

X type might be worth a look too

PMKeates · 13 Jun 2010 at 15:59

ST200 will be a very good bet. 330i if you can find some more money to get a nice one.

mazda 6 · 13 Jun 2010 at 16:14

156 face lift 2.4d and a remap = + 200 hp something different

Morba · 13 Jun 2010 at 16:28

As a family man I'd stay away from the 330 tbh.
Get a hatch, not a saloon, makes shifting baby stuff and hOliday bags much easier.

PMKeates · 13 Jun 2010 at 16:49

Morba said:
As a family man I'd stay away from the 330 tbh.
Get a hatch, not a saloon, makes shifting baby stuff and hOliday bags much easier.

That's certainly something to consider with the E46. As standard the sedan does not have folding rear seats, instead it's an option that approximately 0.03% of the buyers chose. The E46 boot isn't small per se, but is an odd shape, making it hard for objects to fit in. If you have the Harmon Kardon stereo, then the rear parcel shelf subwoofers and amp make it even more awkward.

UltimateBadger · 13 Jun 2010 at 16:57

Yeah - I was just looking at Parkers and the boot size is considerably smaller than that of it's rivals.

[TW]Fox · 13 Jun 2010 at 16:59

mazda 6 said:
156 face lift 2.4d and a remap = + 200 hp something different

No, No No. The only 156 I've had the pleasure of was a 2.4d. Terrible interior, rattly diesel engine, it just.. isnt the right choice in this thread.

PMKeates · 13 Jun 2010 at 17:00

UltimateBadger said:
Yeah - I was just looking at Parkers and the boot size is considerably smaller than that of it's rivals.

I've driven both the E46 sedan and Mk.3 Mondeo (hatch) extensively, and yes, the Mondeo is roomier and a noticeably larger car to drive (but not prohibitive in any way).

iaind · 13 Jun 2010 at 17:08

UltimateBadger said:
Yeah - I was just looking at Parkers and the boot size is considerably smaller than that of it's rivals.

Could consider an e46 touring? They're quite nice looking as far as estates go

Chong Warrior · 13 Jun 2010 at 17:12

Try and find the nicest 2005 ST220 you can in performance blue.

UltimateBadger · 13 Jun 2010 at 17:14

I like the look of the touring models but feel that's taking the family man requirements a bit too far!

Having had a look around a bit more at the Octavias I have now added that to my shortlist for a test drive. Seems you can get a decent looking example on an 04/54 <50k miles for my budget.

Don't worry chong - ST220 is still firmly on the list!

mazda 6 · 13 Jun 2010 at 18:29

[TW]Fox;16743652 said:
No, No No. The only 156 I've had the pleasure of was a 2.4d. Terrible interior, rattly diesel engine, it just.. isnt the right choice in this thread.

That is a 2.4 JTD, an estate is a great choice not the biggest estate but enough unless your moving furniture. I enjoyed my Alfa, I'm not going to pretend it wasn't a worry 24/7 but cared for and bit of TLC is so rewarding, saying that the ST220 is the sensible choice, heart says Alfa wallet says Ford

[TW]Fox · 13 Jun 2010 at 20:24

mazda 6 said:
That is a 2.4 JTD, an estate is a great choice not the biggest estate but enough unless your moving furniture. I enjoyed my Alfa, I'm not going to pretend it wasn't a worry 24/7 but cared for and bit of TLC is so rewarding, saying that the ST220 is the sensible choice, heart says Alfa wallet says Ford

This is what annoys me about the Alfa stuff. You are saying that the 'heart' choice is a diesel powered estate whereas the 'head' says go with a 220bhp 6 cylinder V6? What?

One is a diesel estate and not a particularly great example of either a diesel nor an estate. The other at least has a pretty awesome engine combined with a half decent chassis.

mjt · 14 Jun 2010 at 23:33

Fiat's 2.4 unit is a good engine, but it doesn't belong in this thread

A fast Volvo could be worth a look if you're considering a 9-5.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1657754.htm

Under budget too, which leaves plenty for the ridiculous amount of fuel it'll use. Although a Subaru won't exactly be economical..