Car appreciation... the aesthetics, the engineering, etc

It really is. I am over the fact that we should have been in this position a year ago.

Getting it rolling/steering will be a thrill.

Ace, thank you!

Practical second hand estate? Head says Mondeo, heart says A4. Passat would be compromise.

What else should I consider? Skoda get good reviews (as they're a VW) but my wife won't be persuaded.

Budget? I’m looking at one, too.

£8-10k.

Gets a 64 plate Mundano with less than 50k on it or a slightly older Passat.

A4 not as big inside as all the others you've mentioned. Honda Accord worth a look

Having recently looked... BMW f31 323i touring. Much better to drive than a4 or Passat. Although Passat larger. No idea what the second hand values are in the UK.
What about an opel insignia?

Aren’t Saab 9-5s good value in the uk? The boot isn’t huge though, but we manage fine with two kids

In that case dimwit alright?

As no mention that @NurseHolliday agrees with me.

If you want to learn about automotive stuff buy the Bosch automotive hand book. It is the bible (definitive reference book) for automotive engineers.

If you’re 100% not bothered by image, looks, or brand snobbery, I was super impressed with the Mondeo Estate. It’s fucking huge inside (and also outside) and the specs available for the price are insane.

Also I kind of like how it looks from the back.

I had a mundano and a passat, both in 2l deisel variant. Ford was marginally nicer to drive, neither was a hardship.

Skoda Superb is loads nicer than either, although it's a petrol and much newer so not really a fair comparison.

Passat has a lot of gadgets but a bit plasticy. Feels like a small car which may or may not suit.
A4 much more solid feeling interior and engaging drive but the model I had use of didn't have any toys at all.
Astra (do they still make the estate variant?) - indestructible, massive inside and cheap. Drives like a barge but it'll get you to the moon with no major bills!

You can call me what you want- I'm sure you do already.

Given that I can't recall the last thing you were right about in this thread I'd maybe not be so cocky, either, Lynx.

It's like Trump vs Bannon in here.
Can you two not play nicely?

Lynx could stop being wrong and everything would be very peaceful.

He was right about my dodgy coilpack a while ago. Not been keeping count since then :)

Seems not. You try and be nice and helpful.

heart says A4. Passat would be compromise.

Have you seen both in the flesh? They're not really comparable cars imo.

The Passat is massive. A builder mate uses one as his work car. I'd bet even the salon has more room than an A4. The A4 is basically like a big Golf. Haven't driven an A4, but the Passat is very comfy and very easy to drive. The last Audis I drove (A3 sportsbacks) were much, much firmer. Audis climate control is insanely powerful, which for de-fogging in damp England I think is an incredibly practical feature.

Yes I have. I used to have a A6 and it was lovely but too big. The Passat isn't quite as big.

I think the Mondeo is the way to go on the basis of what @ChasnotRobert and @NurseHolliday say but will drive the Passat and Mondeo when the trader gets the Passat in on Tuesday.

I can't comment on the difference with the A6, but the Passat I used had the parking assist and honestly once I got used to it I didn't really find it harder to park in London than a Golf...

... In fact overall I was very taken a back by how much like a Golf it felt.

Do you need a large estate? The honda accord is massive, bigger than the passat. Wasn't some one selling a bluemotion passaton here? Passat will cost more than the equivalent mondeo/vignale honda. But when selling inverse is true.

Mondano is probably the best price wise for what you get. Ford learnt alot about building a decent estate when they owned volvo and Jaguar.

Really? All the reviews of the Accord says it's boot isn't that big. https://www.parkers.co.uk/honda/accord/tourer/review/

Yes - I want a massive load platform. We'll be buying a house this year and I like to be able to chuck my bike and a turbo in the boot to go to races.

Romeo done. Hands and body broken but all coilovers in. Haven't yet had a test ride as couldn't get one upper control arm ball joint fully tight. When I tightened it the thing just kept spinning. I did try using a pry bar but couldn't get it to bite before the sun disappeared.

1 Attachment