What car? Petrol head dad vs. conservative mum and new born

[MX-5 Lazza]

kiwifraser said:

pernod said:

In other news...
In typical Murphy Law style, the Cam belt on the MX5 snapped this morning just as we start to think about selling it...

Bugger!! That's rotten luck


eta: Hopefully not too expensive, and I think all the 1.8 MX-5's are non-interference engines?

Edited by kiwifraser on Tuesday 7th February 11:27

They are so it should only be the cost of a belt replacement.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Tuesday 7th February 11:56

[pernod]

MX-5 Lazza said:

They are so it should only be the cost of a belt replacement.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Tuesday 7th February 11:56

Yep, that's why it hadn't been done. Had decided to keep running and sell it as 'Cambelt replacement due'... but it had other ideas.

On the plus it died while sitting in the driveway so an easy breakdown in the scheme of things.

[pernod]

Test drove a 2008 model CX7 tonight (slightly higher in the budget, but think we can stretch to it):

• Really nice drive. Surprisingly similar turbo feel to the VXR.
• Suspension had a great mix of feedback, nimbleness and comfort.
• And to aid sterotypes, S1 loved the colour (Blue).
• Only odd thing I could spot was that it has had 2 private owners in the 3 1/2 years... or does that seem reasonable to everyone else?

The feedback on here that the boot isn't much different than a sedan was definitely the case with the CX7 due to the sloping back roof, but I think the ability to fold the seat flat and load it full is still a winner for us. It also had less cabin space than the RAV4, but still comfortable.

Checked out all of JohnR's thoughts and reasonably happy with them all (although the road tax is almost twice my VXR ). Anyone got any other thoughts on them and what to look for (or general tractor abuse?)?


P.S. Getting nervous on the MX5 after lots of people questioning the non-interference engine really delivering. Have asked in the Miata forum for their thoughts if anyone here has any
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

Edited by pernod on Tuesday 7th February 19:06

[BrightYellowTVR]

http://mobile.pistonheads.com/sales/3602590.htm
Been following this thread, the one above has a low mileage and almost in budget!!

We have 3 little Mottsters and have moved through the following cars over the past 5 years.

Renault scenic, auto gearbox replaced twice!
Renault espace (never ever, buy one of these £12k warranty work in 2years!)
Now run a Ford Galaxy, which for a people carrier is actually very nice to drive. I know u ruled these out, but they do the job well( with 3 kids!)
hybrid Auris for school runs commuting - no it doesn't do the mileage claimed 50mpg at best!

The TVR is part of the family so not counting that

Chees Jon

Edited by BrightYellowTVR on Tuesday 7th February 20:57

[wackojacko]

I think we should meet for a pint at somepoint to discuss....

[pernod]

wackojacko said:

I think we should meet for a pint at somepoint to discuss....

Best answer yet.

[wackojacko]

pernod said:

wackojacko said:

I think we should meet for a pint at somepoint to discuss....

Best answer yet.

Will give you a call if I'm home at a reasonable time tomorrow..... must aim to do so at somepoint this week.....

[New POD]

When our first child was on his way(some 19 years ago) we sold a mk2 fiesta 1.1L and a 1098 mini clubman and bought a mk2 cavalier 1.6GL. When our second child was born some 15 years ago we sold the mk2 cavalier and bought an AX diesel.

Might I suggest the cheapest 5 seater hatch you can find ?

[wackojacko]

pernod said:

Best answer yet.

Waggon at around 8 this evening ? I sent you a text earlier, not sure if it was the right number

[pernod]

Anyone had any dealings with Twyford 4x4?

[edc]

kiwifraser said:

Not a bad review from someone whose alternative choices are a GTR, RS6, and Chim


I'm still amazed these are now anywhere near £8k. In my mind they were circa the £12k Tiguan, Kuga, new CR-V, etc price.

If I was the one looking, this would writes off a few of the other suggestions - namely Xtrail, Qashqai, Vitara, Cherokee, and FL2.

£8k gets you into a new shape Grand Cherokee. 3l diesel or 5.7 Hemi V8! 56 plate on wards. A lot of car for the money.

[pernod]

edc said:

£8k gets you into a new shape Grand Cherokee. 3l diesel or 5.7 Hemi V8! 56 plate on wards. A lot of car for the money.

It's not for me... I've been allowed to keep my VXR on the condition I stop looking at V8s as a child-mover

[muthaducka]

What about a Nissan Murano - not the most economical but otherwise seem very good value. I think they look pretty smart in black. Plenty of low mileage examples 06 and above from £7k

[pernod]

Thanks for all the advise guys. We pick up our CX7 tomorrow.

Went for our last drive together in the MX5 tonight. There was very nearly tears... and not just from the other half!

[john_r]

[volks al]

wahoo, my first what car suggestion win

[kiwifraser]

I'm still amazed what a great deal you negotiated too! Well done you 2

[recalluk]

pernod said:

Thanks for all the advise guys. We pick up our CX7 tomorrow.

Went for our last drive together in the MX5 tonight. There was very nearly tears... and not just from the other half!

Snap ! Same colour too. Hope u enjoy it I love mine !

[adingley84]

pernod said:

Thanks for all the advise guys. We pick up our CX7 tomorrow.

Went for our last drive together in the MX5 tonight. There was very nearly tears... and not just from the other half!

Period...could you fit a rearward facing car seat in the back and still have legroom in the front?

Unfortunately it might be a determining factor in getting a cx7.

Thanks