As a shortarse who doesn’t like any car bigger than a Golf I’m probably the least equipped to reply here, but seeing as you asked…
Audi: there are quite a few A4 and A6 models that are quite sporty and can hold their own as far as performance goes that don’t wear an S (or RS) badge. Some of the bigger engined TDI estates will do decent MPG and a good turn of *useable* speed. Comfy and have decent toys plus are easily to upgrade from the Audi parts bin. Pointless getting a petrol as the cars are heavy so petrols will need thrashing so you’ll get more reward out of a torquey Diesel.
BMW: a former colleague of mine had two older BMW’s which were I think a 335d and 530d. He is so tall we suspect he might have had a bald patch on the top of his head from rubbing on ceilings. He fitted in the 3er just fine. They’re well built, quick, but not hugely good on fuel.
Skoda: at your age you should be less worried about favours from the Mrs and starting to think about eBaying the kinky dungeon kit in your cellar and planning the model railway you’re going to build down there instead. Grow some and have a close look at the “superb” options Skoda cobble together in estate flavour. All are upgradable from the VAG parts bin.
Fair points on the diesel side of things, appreciate that the torque would be a useful addition to get some of these heavier set vehicles shifting, and having had a passat estate diesel before I know they can shift if needed.
At a grand old age of 39 I'm not sure what you are eluding to....
Although the Man shed could do with a bit of planning to get the rack out of the way a bit easier....
I've just never gelled with Skoda's they are a little too "last to be picked" when it comes to bells and whistle, and I do like bells and whistles (See above comment
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Mercedes: Don’t do it. Just don’t do it. They’re lovely to drive, quick, and look and sound great, from the CLA35 and c43 up, and then after 5 minutes something goes wrong. It’s probably a known issue, but Mercedes will take 3 years to release a fix and until then they’ll ignore you completely. If your local dealer is good, they’ll be helpful but limited, and if they aren’t you’re screwed.
Mercedes - Load of S...just rebranded Renaults at this point and too soft to have any enjoyment, only ones to have are the 63's.
Merc's - I am slightly concerned that they have lost a lot of appeal since chasing down the "A Class" focus group, and no longer hold the prestige / performance sector of the market that they once did. 63's are rocking horse to get in decent condition hence the 43's becoming the focus. Good point on the servicing, don't know of many indies around here so might need to look first before continuing down this route.
The BMWs are fun, but like you said they’re bland inside and after you get used to the speed, they’re not the most exciting to drive.
BMW - F series 330/335d exceptional cars there's a reason Pistonhead authors love them, powerful & smooth, built to last our 330d never dropped below 39mpg, 335 they don't drop below 32mpg, interior is slightly aged now but BMW interiors will but it will look far newer than Mercedes or Audi in 5 years time, they're masters of a timeless interiors in my opinion.
BMW's are still on the list I just need to pull my finger out and get some test drives booked, but it's hard being a few thousand miles away from home at the moment. 440 GT's seem to be good and nicely specced but I wonder if I could get past the interiors, the hire car was nice for the week I had it I must admit, but maybe rose tinted as I could give it back.
The Audis are nice, but the S4 range are nice to be in, but being diesel they’ve lost some of the excitement of the older petrol models. To me they feel held back artificially so they don’t compete too much with the RS.
Have you looked at the VW SUVs? The Tiguan is nice to drive, and if you can find one under budget the R is a great alternative the golf r estate.
Audi's - Opening up to Diesel options gives me a little more to look at. I really want ACC or other brands equivalent as it is one of those tools that is a god send on long motorway trips (drive Yorkshire to Midlands / South quite a bit) and something I don't want to be without really.
The SUV's I've always had an issue with as I do believe they are just jacked up and no actual bigger inside than the equivalent road level car so not looked too much more into these.
Leon ST cupra R. I think look far better than a Golf R estate. One of the ABT dealer fitted ones if you can find one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0JlHv3LGxk
SEAT/Cupra: have a good look at the Leon estate in Cupra flavour. 300 bhp and AWD unlike the hatch and much prettier than the Golf R hearse.
This is something I was not aware of until now, and arguably has taken my attention away from an R estate as a backup. Decent prices and milage, with the ACC as standard. Must do more reading about them but could be the reserve for sure.
How about a Volvo V60 Polestar?
Very rare, the earlier ones were a 3.0, later ones a 2.0.
V60 estates aren't that big though
Again, don't know much about these so will check it out.
