Best used estate car: 300C, V70 or Legacy?

Can you give me an opinion on the Chrysler 300C Touring and the Volvo V70 2.0 D SE (driveability and reliability)?

I recently test drove the former (2010), which impressed me hugely (3.0 CRD) and am about to look at the latter, but am slightly put off by the inferior power notwithstanding the blandness of modern Volvos. Grunt is a consideration. Also thinking about the Subaru Legacy, though the decent-sized engines are thirsty. Any other alternatives are gratefully received.

Asked on 18 August 2021 by FJBP

Answered by Russell Campbell

I haven't driven a 300C but if I remember correctly it is based on an old E-Class so I'm sure it's refined and comfortable. The Volvo is very comfortable and decent on fuel, but isn't going to set the world on fire in terms of performance.

I would discount the Legacy, fuel economy is appalling, the frameless windows are quite noisy and the CVT gearbox makes a horrible drone when you're accelerating. Have you considered the Skoda Superb? These are huge inside and feel very well bit – a sizeable step up from the rest of the range. They're very easy to use and nice to drive for such big mile munchers.

Things to look out for each:

300C www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/chrysler/300c-2005/g...d

V70 www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/volvo/v70-2007/good

Legacy www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/subaru/legacy-and-ou...d

Superb www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/skoda/superb-estate-.../

Tags: buying a used car family cars estate cars

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Related models

Chrysler 300C (2005 - 2010)

Mean looks. A lot of car for the money. 3.0 CRD popular and offers strong performance.

Skoda Superb (2008 - 2015)

Limousine-like amounts of rear legroom. Clever dual tailgate means it's both a hatch and a saloon. GreenLine model is very economical. A lot of car for the money.