I’m thinking of getting a family estate car. Rather than getting a boring, run of the mill fairly new Astra estate I thought it would be fun to go down the retro road. This car would be officially the “wife’s car” and the primary car for running the kids around in so it needs to be relatively modern (ABS, ESP, SRS, air bags etc...) so I’m thinking mid 90s-mid 2000 (not a P1800 estate which is what I’d probably go for if it was for me). The car really won’t do many miles (8-10k top) so I’m happier with petrol. It can be a monster engine or just an avatar one.

The budget is around £8k but that has to include getting the car proper road worthy. Here’s a few cars I like the look of...

 

Saab 93 estate 2.8 V6

BMW 3 & 5 series (not sure on engine)

E class Merc

Volvo V70

 

 

They’re all probably a bit less “retro” than I’m willing to go, so if you have any thoughts on retro estates I’d be very interested to hear them. :wink:

This retro enough for you?

 

https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/used-cars/icon-buyer-mercedes-benz-e-class-w124-estate-is-my-personal-icon-car-june-2016/

Not retro... but for me, if I wanted an estate, I'd be going for one of these: http://www.gorilla-imports.co.uk/product/subaru-legacy-gt-spec-b/ Josh Lake just recently sold this, but i think for the money it's brilliant.

tempting with a VQ35DE . . .

https://www.motors.co.uk/car-47952410/?i=0&m=sp

Definitely a Stagea! The Autech 260RS is an absolute beast, but you probably wouldn't get one in your price range. Still, an RB25 isn't bad!

And then there's this..

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=nissan+elgrand

Some interesting shouts. I think the E Class is out in front at the moment. I do like the W124 but they’re few and far between now and I think I prefer the styling of the next generation with the round lights. I’d have to do some homework on both cars though. :thumbsup:

my friend recently bought a very nice Subaru Forester STI which is nicely understated but retro

Retro estate - for me, as well as retro, it would have to be fast and subtle....

 

The Terminator - Volvo T5R.... Or an early Audi RS4, if you fancy a bit of 4wd stability. Subaru Imprezza or Stagea fit the bill too.

 

If you're looking a the E-Class, unless you go bonkers with an AMG, stick with the 350 diesel; it's a nice v6 CDi turbo with a decent turn of speed, but also returns reasonable economy. Nice, but I'd go for something a bit madder:wink:

Not quite retro enough I doubt but a BMW 535d E61 M sport is my shout

I had a 06 saloon mapped sensibly to 320bhp did 60000 miles after the map and it never missed a beat and in real world driving scared the crap out of some big boy cars

or for proper retro

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1985-B-Ford-Granada-2-8-Ghia-MK2-Facelift-Auto-Estate/283374710172?hash=item41fa72ed9c:g:bOEAAOSw2qpcRwND

or for proper retro

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1985-B-Ford-Granada-2-8-Ghia-MK2-Facelift-Auto-Estate/283374710172?hash=item41fa72ed9c:g:bOEAAOSw2qpcRwND

 

Nice - bit like a hearse, bit it adds to its charm.....:cool:

 

Not quite retro enough I doubt but a BMW 535d E61 M sport is my shout

I had a 06 saloon mapped sensibly to 320bhp did 60000 miles after the map and it never missed a beat and in real world driving scared the crap out of some big boy cars

 

…...However I prefer this option. Big-engined, German turbo-diesel autobahn-stormers - hate to say it, but they would give a stock Z32TT a hard time...:wink:

Legnum/Galant Estate VR4 would be my choice in the retro-Japanese camp. Never liked the appearance of the Stagea at all. The Legacy estate is also a decent looking car, but the Legnum/Galant Estate VR4s are a little more exclusive.

 

Well I didn’t go for a retro estate in the end, instead I went for a 2010 Skoda Superb. It’s a very nice car with 128k, full history, 170bhp, black leather with black Alcantara inserts (the interior is mint). It’s got a few things to sort out, front and rear discs, rear pads and rear suspension strut dust covers, front off side arch guard and the paint work need some love. All in all though I’m very happy. :thumbup:

I always found Skoda seats woeful.After all its based on a more expensive platform but cheaper so costs have been cut.After a 200 mile drive i could barely stand up my back was so bad !

Funny you say that Jim as I thought these seats are the most comfortable seats I’ve been in. They both have lumber support and the Alcantara is so soft, the condition of them for the mileage is also very impressive.

 

 

 

Toyota Caldina, 3SGTE engine.

 

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F163633989381

 

Edited April 13, 20196 yr by madmanmart