i have narrow a few down

audi s4/s6 4.2 v8. is number 1 at the moment

audi rs6. will be stretching the budget a bit and mpg averages about 14mpg so i hear.

hawkeye impreza wagon.

if anyone owns or have driven the above any input would be greatly recieved.

i need to space for a baby and 2 dogs but i also want something i can have a bit of fun in on my own. something that will cruise up the motorway loaded and give me a huge smile when i want as i seem to swaping cars way too often lately and can see a pattern emerging, fun practical fun practical fun and so on.

here a history of my last cars over the last couple years

280bhp celica gt4 carlos edition
mondeo ghia x
mg zr160
rangrover p38
360bhp evo 4
08 focus zetec s
and now a merc ml270

will be looking to spend under 8500 which is about what i expect to get for the merc.