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The market for big oil-burning estate cars?

corned

corned

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I've just frightened myself. I had an idle trawl through Autotrader to see what the market had to offer in the way of large comfortable automatic diesel estates, that are not M-B.

I didn't like the choices offered much at all. 5-Series? Best of the bunch, to be sure, but then there's the Chrysler 300 CRuD, various Volvos, A*di's, all of which light my fire like bucket of cold sick would. I started to get desperate - Toyota Avensis - no, no, no. Jaguar X-Type? Too small.

When it comes down to it, I am really beginning to think that my next big estate is going to be a bleeding Mondeo. Is there anything which actually tops the Mondeo in satisfying my particular criteria? VW Passat perhaps?

What do you think?
 
corned said:
I've just frightened myself. I had an idle trawl through Autotrader to see what the market had to offer in the way of large comfortable automatic diesel estates, that are not M-B.

I didn't like the choices offered much at all. 5-Series? Best of the bunch, to be sure, but then there's the Chrysler 300 CRuD, various Volvos, A*di's, all of which light my fire like bucket of cold sick would. I started to get desperate - Toyota Avensis - no, no, no. Jaguar X-Type? Too small.

When it comes down to it, I am really beginning to think that my next big estate is going to be a bleeding Mondeo. Is there anything which actually tops the Mondeo in satisfying my particular criteria? VW Passat perhaps?

What do you think?
Click to expand...

Another E Class?
 
If there is one car that Mercedes do well it is the estate. And you have probably one of the best versions...;)

What's wrong with another Mercedes? What's the budget?
 
If you want a BIG estate then it is a MB or maybe a Volvo. The Ford S max is quite spacious too. The beemer is a very nice car shame it is so small. Audi no thanks.
Not much choice really.
 
That's the trouble - not much apparent choice. I thought there would be loads!

I don't see the S-Max thing - I'm not a 'soccer Mom'. :)

Renault - I was waiting for someone to say that - not M-B - read my lips! He he.

I'm only idling away a few minutes thinking ahead, but I have no specific requirement for a while yet. I am, however, quite disillusioned with the M-B brand, so at the moment another one is not on the radar. I'm just not used to owning cars which cause, well, any trouble at all, never mind just a little. So although this one is very capable, I can't live with the stupid problems - all quality and service related - which just should not happen with a so-called prestige brand. And that's just the car - don't get me started on the dealers and M-B customer service.

I wonder how long Jaguar will take in launching that rumoured XF or XJ estate? But even after that, I will still have to wait three years or so until they become a bit more affordable!
 
I know you said oil burning estate cars but what about a well worn Disco. Perhaps the load bed would not be long enough for you? My brother has a "K" Reg and it servers him well. Apart from it needing the ar*e end welding back on! Not many MPG but it ticks all his boxes.

Otherwise I guess you are stuck with an Ovlov
 
Don't touch the mondeo auto diesel. They have a nasty habit of eating gearboxes. Otherwise a very good car.

I too did this trawl and the only real option for me was the 5 series (525 TDS) or the Mercedes. The Merc was my choice because a) I haven't owned one although I have driven several and B) I don't like the image/reputation the BMW's drivers generally have.

The Volvo is a good car, had many of them but not the diesel so cannot say.
 
Vauxhall Omega estates where vast and cheap. Sadly the latest were made in 2003, but the last real good ones were up to 2000 with a BMW straight-6 detuned diesel engine. just babbling... nostalgia...

I think that Volvos are now at the top of the heap when it came to very large estates (no offence to any W210 estate owners).
 
markjay said:
I think that Volvos are now at the top of the heap when it came to very large estates (no offence to any W210 estate owners).
Click to expand...

Except there aren't any large Volvo estates anymore.
 
markjay said:
Vauxhall Omega estates where vast and cheap. Sadly the latest were made in 2003, but the last real good ones were up to 2000 with a BMW straight-6 detuned diesel engine. just babbling... nostalgia...

I think that Volvos are now at the top of the heap when it came to very large estates (no offence to any W210 estate owners).
Click to expand...

I agree that the Volvos were great estate cars. i had many, 740, 760, 960, T5 etc etc etc. Great space, good cars. The Merc wins by having great space and being a great car.

The Omega was never a good car if we are both honest unless you enjoy spending every weekend repairing them. The omega 2.5TD was good in the sense that it had a non vauxhall engine. It is a great engine too, but coupled to a weak and not up to the torque AR25 gearbox and it is trouble waiting to happen.
 
John - good one! However, SUVs don't fit, for all manner of reasons.

My business is in energy conservation. The 211 estate looks like we're doing well, but it's still got that utilitarian side to it. Any SUV would look like we were just taking the p155!
 
Perhaps an LPG conversion then. Got a mate who had a Rangie done, he has had no problems with it in five years.
 
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