Replace XC90 4.4 V8 with something fast, interesting & reasonably practical...ideas?

rockits

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I feel the time is right to replace the XC90 now. I can't fault it and it is a brilliant faithful reliable workhorse. Comfortable, safe, practical fast enough in a straight line with its 315bhp 4.4 V8 petrol lump. I bought it trade for £5k and will be selling it for £5k. Awful lot of car for the money.

I was looking at an E55K Estate as an obvious replacement but not sure if I should go newer, a smidge more expensive and slightly more modern. I need a decent size boot as carry a fair bit of stuff for work often. Many traditional saloons are out as rear bulkhead/shelf means you have to take stuff out at the back to be able to get to stuff at the back. Also most saloons the the back seats don't fold which is also often used & required. An estate with retractable shelf is good as I can get to the whole boot front & back easily. I guess a coupe/hatch thing could still work like an S7 or similar.

The reason for the XC90 going is it is a little dull to drive for a petrol head. It is the car I drive most and want something a bit more interesting to drive. I don't do many miles so don't care what the mpg is. I don't have diesels any more a large engined petrol is the way forward. I don't need an SUV or 4x4.

Ideal budget would be upto £15k but I could go all the way to £30k if something interesting was worth the extra. Might sell the SL500 or QP and add that to the pot if required.

Any ideas knowledgeable ones?
 

rockits

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9,167
Did look at these but I seem caught in between the older V10 and the newer V8 TT. There seems to be a big jump up from the V10 to the newer V8. Just looking at an S212 E63 BiTurbo that a MBClubUK forum member is selling at the mo. I was due to look at an older S211 E55K this week. Would be about £11k. The newer S212 E63 is about £28k max.
 

rs48635

Member
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3,181
McGrath look after a Touring bodied QP V "shooting brake" which certainly caught my eye.
What big stuff do you need to carry for few enough miles to run a big Petrol car?
What about the F150 lightning pickup? A friend who owns Muira & XJ220 loves it because it is such a hoot to drive.

Like this - also in 2 seat version too.

Ford F150 Harley Davidson 5.4 V8 Supercharged PETROL AUTOMATIC 2002/52 http://r.ebay.com/DaNRGX

 
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308
SG9 Forester STi.....

Nothing gets close. Add winter tyres and no one will see which way you went,,,, even with 11 Wickes internal doors inside... Yes really!!
 

Nayf

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2,734
For those suggesting the M5 Touring, let me draw your attention to one UK snapper's twitter, he owns one and...
00ED51CC-5332-48C6-8F91-E4C7B4D01DA0.jpg

Personally I'd go for an E63 AMG. You can pick up a reasonable miles phase one for less than £20k. Running costs won't be cheap but probably less than a V10 Audi or BMW. I've driven the saloon versions of all three and the engine on the Merc is something that beggars belief...
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
McGrath look after a Touring bodied QP V "shooting brake" which certainly caught my eye.
What big stuff do you need to carry for few enough miles to run a big Petrol car?
What about the F150 lightning pickup? A friend who owns Muira & XJ220 loves it because it is such a hoot to drive.

Like this - also in 2 seat version too.

Ford F150 Harley Davidson 5.4 V8 Supercharged PETROL AUTOMATIC 2002/52 http://r.ebay.com/DaNRGX


SG9 Forester STi.....

Nothing gets close. Add winter tyres and no one will see which way you went,,,, even with 11 Wickes internal doors inside... Yes really!!

Both a little too left field for me.
 

rockits

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9,167
For those suggesting the M5 Touring, let me draw your attention to one UK snapper’s twitter, he owns one and...
View attachment 47396

Personally I’d go for an E63 AMG. You can pick up a reasonable miles phase one for less than £20k. Running costs won’t be cheap but probably less than a V10 Audi or BMW. I’ve driven the saloon versions of all three and the engine on the Merc is something that beggars belief...

I'd agree this on the M5. I had an E60 and it was the director @ Radical Cars vehicle prior and just had new gearbox. I think the S211 E55K estate although possibly the least interesting cosmetically is the most sensible option all-round. A smaller pulley/belt and remap and your into 550+bhp and with a bulletproof engine & gearbox it seems a good option. I have already had one but didn't have long as it wasn't the best example.
 

D Walker

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9,827
Also thought of the Forrester but you've discounted that as well.
Looks like you've talked yourself into a Merc....
 

rockits

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9,167
It is hard to ignore or go wrong with the E55. Was just trying to explore other options to see if there was something either I hadn't thought of or had missed.
 

zagatoes30

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20,758
E55 will take some beating in space and performance but for me the style just leaves me cold but then again do most moderns. As much as it pains me I would go for the Audi, RS6 or RS4 if you want to shave those last few fractions of the the 60 sprint but the S versions are all bar the shouting as good on a day to day basis and a tad cheaper so you can buy a later version.

Alternatively a nice SC Petrol Range Rover is a good place to be for a daily
 

Wack61

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8,764
For those suggesting the M5 Touring, let me draw your attention to one UK snapper's twitter, he owns one and...
View attachment 47396

On the upside repairs seem to be VAT exempt so you could look at it as a 4k saving.

as an owner of a few subaru's over the years you won't beat them for driver enjoyment, stupid fast , reliable and they go wherever you point them with no drama
 

rockits

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9,167
E55 will take some beating in space and performance but for me the style just leaves me cold but then again do most moderns. As much as it pains me I would go for the Audi, RS6 or RS4 if you want to shave those last few fractions of the the 60 sprint but the S versions are all bar the shouting as good on a day to day basis and a tad cheaper so you can buy a later version.

Alternatively a nice SC Petrol Range Rover is a good place to be for a daily

Audi's just seem a bit neutral feeling and teutonic to me. Not drove a full RS though so not sure if they are any different.

I did see this which looked interesting but possibly more bargey than the XC90 even?
http://www.thecaragents.com/land-rover-range-rover-vogue-se-v8-supercharged-6278839
 

rockits

Member
Messages
9,167
On the upside repairs seem to be VAT exempt so you could look at it as a 4k saving.

as an owner of a few subaru's over the years you won't beat them for driver enjoyment, stupid fast , reliable and they go wherever you point them with no drama

Would need to be an auto so I think that rules out most Scoobies.
 

zagatoes30

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20,758
Audi's just seem a bit neutral feeling and teutonic to me. Not drove a full RS though so not sure if they are any different.

I did see this which looked interesting but possibly more bargey than the XC90 even?
http://www.thecaragents.com/land-rover-range-rover-vogue-se-v8-supercharged-6278839

That's cheap even for an older model. Range Rovers pre 09 were not as well built but still a nice place to be. Not that bargey and when you stick them in sport mode everything tightens up quite nicely.
 

MarkMas

Chief pedant
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8,795
My V6 3.0 Jag X-type estate used to do this job really well for me. But they are getting a bit old/cheap now...
 

zagatoes30

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20,758
My V6 3.0 Jag X-type estate used to do this job really well for me. But they are getting a bit old/cheap now...

But the XF Sportbrake might be a good replacement, although the 540bhp supercharged versions are probably out of budget