Quiet Estate

GTE

Hey all,

I am approaching a time where I may be in the market for a used car. Vague, I know but I am researching some medium to long term plans. If things go well, I may be able to upgrade to a new wagon at some point in the next few years. If things do not, well, it is only the planning which goes to waste.

I am wondering if you guys and gals would have any opinions on quiet cars as due to health implications, noise is priority one at this stage.

I am planning on doing some serious sound deadening work on my Golf as previous attempts have worked very well and wind noise is not an issue. That said, at some point I will have to part ways with the wagon.

After noise levels the next most important things would be reliability, DIY-service-ability, a decent wad of power, tax (2.0 engine or lower for pre 2008) and anything constructive which you may think is important.

The Volvo V50 is one I have recently had my eye on, based on aesthetics alone, but something of that size up to an A6 would be considered. Also, something which would be within the 5 grand mark now or in a few years.

Purely from a running costs perspective, I like the sound of the V50 1.6 Drive model which gives 70 odd mpg. Once I am older making my millions, I will get a decent car with solar system influencing BHP.

Sound perception is so subjective that it makes a thread like this only good for general pointers unless I have access to a good subjective testing methodology, so keyboards and good past experiences at the ready!

Thanks all!