Worthy Replacement

[Roberto]

At some stage the VR4 needs replacement.

But not likely untill I return from Training, which might not be for some time, before going never mind returning.

But as usual I'm allways on the lookout for a worthy replacement.

I've had the VR4 for over 6 years and put up an aditional 100,000 miles, so something that can do the same again would be perfect.

Would still love a 4wd Estate,

I'll welcome any thoughts, but here's one for now:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2353485.htm

[bradc]

There are a few nice Passat's, the previous generation had the W8 4.0 in it, and you can get the R36 in the new generation. You could also consider an M35 Stagea or a newer Legacy? Or what about an RS4?

[Roberto]

RS4 would be outside my budget.

Legacy is an option. But 3L SpecB or 2L Turbo?

Not sure about the look of the Stegea.

W8 is interesting, but might push the day to day running costs.

I'm not fussy, just Estate, fairly large, 250+bhp, might even go for a diesel, needs to be 4wd no matter what.

Price of less then £10,000 English silly money, as unlikely to find what I'd like this side of the water.

An Evo9 Wagon, might be a very interesting option.

[bradc]

Over here the newer Legacy's have had 2.5L turbo engines for a while, dunno what you get over there?

I was referring to the M35 Stagea's of course. They are good cars but don't handle anywhere near as good as a VR-4, they are bigger and heavier.

Have Insignia's fallen in value over there? Some are 4wd and fairly quick! There are also various similar volvo's and a few Saab's?

[sonicsoundzdj]

as said above Volvo do some nice awd quick estates if you can ignore the stigma attached to them by some

[BEG4ME]

Not too sure if you get these over there but the mazda 6 atenza wagon is quite a nice looker. They go pretty good too for N/A.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-339438865.htm

[Ryan]

If it were me I'd be looking at Volvos... I really like them.

[bradc]

I don't think you'll find a 4wd Atenza in the UK very easily as they were only available in 4wd in Japan when new.

[BEG4ME]

Yea. Did wonder about that. Not too sure if you'd want one either as from what i have been told, they're only available in auto.

[horndog]

There a bit over budget at the moment, But I'd be looking at the Saab 9-3 Turbo X, possibly a little bit smaller than the Galant similar diff setup. 280hp 2.8 V6, (official 35mpg)

[Wodjno]

Toyota Caldina GT-4 is about the only thing out there that i would consider. Although it definitely hasn't the room of the VR4..

[HJM]

Buy a suitable A6 - we are really pleased with ours (except its diesel and only got 180 bhp - still needs must) - most comfortable and probably best built car I've owned

[miller]

Airtrek doesnt tickle your fancy?

[Nube]

Mate picked up a higher mileage 3.0 tdi Audi and seems pretty pleased with it,will try and find out what it cost him and mileage etc.

[Davezj]

nissan stagea 260RS with a R34 front end conversion. you can get them for less than 8-9K and they look great. 280bhp ish and skyline under pinnings so as much power as you wallet can streach to for future mods and it is all tried and tested by years of skyline development.
But they are older cars.

conversion kit
http://www.ninjapower.co.uk/product_...oducts_id=6433

original car
http://www.gtrclub.org/images/stagea-autech.jpg

modified car
http://jalopnik.com/5437566/20-frank...nkencar-photos
fifth car down.

[Nube]

That is kinda cool!

[BEG4ME]

Is it just me or that link on there is 8K just for the conversion kit? And then the price of the car?

[Roadrunner]

With my experience, I couldn't recommend an AWD Volvo, unless you've got very deep pockets My S60R is a fine car in many ways, and by far the quickest car I've owned (a fair bit quicker than my VR-4), but it's been really fragile. I know others with these, and V70Rs (the wagon version), who haven't had the expenses I've had but there have been enough others (like me) who have spent thousands keeping them going. Also, they're not really AWD merely FWD until the front loses grip, then the rear Haldex kicks in for as long as necessary. Capable enough, but not a patch on the Mitsubishi system.

[bradc]

Sounds like you need a boost controller or something in your VR-4 then Mr H.7

[Roadrunner]

Sounds like you need a boost controller or something in your VR-4 then Mr H.7

Oh, my VR-4 is running 1.1bar so it's quite quick, but my Volvo's running 1.35bar, and it's quicker