Lude Generation

Basically i'd not replace my Mk3 golf estate if it wasn't for it's body lemonade poor brakes, but as most will know if you start throwing money as a car to get it they way you want it there comes a time when you think, why don't I just buy another car that does what I want!

So, I've been thinking of 2 options, I know what I'd like but both have trade offs

Option 1 - VW Passat Estate Diesel

Pro's - Excellent MPG, Big boot

Con's - Looks are a bit Clubbing Eddy, finding a Diesel in my price range below 150k is impossible

Option 2 - BMW 5 Series Touring (E39)

Pro's - I like the looks, good base to work off, great cruiser

Con's - Shocking MPG even from a diesel, finding a manual is tricky

I'm of that age where insurance isn't an issue, but after something I can sleep in the boot of, cruise about in, have some fun if I need to (Although this is a minor factor these days on the road)

Or what else have I missed?

Volvo 850/V70 2.5 Diesel?

I just can't like the 850 and the V70 is out of my price range

V70 is under a grand for one isn't it? The 850 and phase one V70 are the best choice anyway, after that Ford stuck their neb in.

What's the budget? 9-5s are pretty cheap these days and I've always had a soft spot for Saabs.

Gallant vr4?

BigTom wrote:What's the budget? 9-5s are pretty cheap these days and I've always had a soft spot for Saabs.

Oh, good shout! The Aero's are mega cheap these days if you want a fun machine too

Rover 75 2l turbo diesel estate.
My dad has one, MINT, £1800 with 90k, so hopefully you could get one cheaper with higher mileage.
It's actually 5 series engine and gearbox, gets him 60mpg on a run (driving like he's got Ms Daisy in it) and impresses me every time I drive it. Actually considered one instead of the aerodeck...

Volvo 850s are really good fun. Had a cheap as chips 2.5tdi with the Audi a8 diesel, averaged about 45mpg, and happily cruised about at 88mph. Bought it and drove it for over 15k without doing anything to it before the diesel pump gave up - got the money back I paid for it with the sale of the alloys and it's scrap value.
I'd also suggest the older 325tds - old diesel tech and a bit smaller than the 5 series but good cars

Budget is about £1500 give or take

Which is actually more than my last 3 cars have cost me to buy combined LOL

What's wrong with the brakes on your VW? is something broken, or is the stock set up just bum droppings? If it's just rubbish small callipers then I'd say just buy some GTI calipers, I can't imagine they're that expensive as most VW bits (for the older ones at least) aren't very expensive.

If it's because it needs expensive repairs that you're getting rid, then I'll sell you my HDi Xsara as a replacement