If you want a Volvo Estate, I can thoroughly recommend the Amazon (I had one for 29 years, abused it horribly, never let me down and made a small profit when I sold it) or even a 240 series (Had 4 of these) The coming model at the moment is the 960 Turbo, still cheap but on the way up! I'm not so sure about the 850, A friend and customer bought one through me in 1998, a 96 flood damaged write off, ex dealer domonstrator with a top spec body and interior married to a poverty spec 2.5 10v motor and autobox and I loved it to bits and still do. (He still has it all these years later) I liked it so much that when a similar car (but manual) came up with a friend of mine in London silly cheap, I bought it sight unseen, cadged a lift down to the Smoke and drove it home. the drive home was OK but uninspiring and a week on the local lanes had me completely out of love. The manual box ruined a fine car, the ratios are badly chosen, the box obstructive and the result made the car feel bigger and clumsier than it actually was. 2 weeks after buying it, I moved it on! But newer Volvos than that leave me cold, as do most moderns. I have a little love for the 2001-2007 Seat Leon platform in both petrol and PD diesel form and not much else. I've got to the point where my daily drive is a 22 year old Cavalier, not because I can't afford to replace it (though that IS a consideration) but because I can't find ANYTHING I like as much, that will do the work and give the reliability and enjoyment that the Cav does! I had a brief flirtation with a 205hp Saab Turbo convertible, loved the power and the seats, hated the scuttle shake and the impracticality of the soft top and the fuel consumption was CRIPPLING!
Which is why I am building the Dolomega, a Sprint Auto with the engine and auto trans from a 2001 2.2 litre 16v Omega. The modern-ish power unit in a classic body has so many advantages, it looks great, is different from the herd, fun to drive, handles well, quick and relatively economical due to low weight (circa 1100kg) yet reliable enough for daily use with only normal maintainence. I can't wait to get it finished so I can start enjoying it!
Steve
PS, I don't mean to be rude, but anyone who buys a Hyundai gets what they deserve! The ultimate in "white goods" cars and the modern equivalent of a Lada Riva! (which, oddly enough, are now strangely desirable to some folk!)
_________________ '73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!
Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.
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