Interesting daily/family car for under £20k
Discussion
Deerfoot said:
I did read your post.
In what way is the Jeep "Dynamically interesting", a requirement from the OP?
I`m just curious.
I didn't say dynamically interesting. That is a phrase used by the op. To which I don't really know what they mean by it exactly.In what way is the Jeep "Dynamically interesting", a requirement from the OP?
I`m just curious.
So I guess, what is "Dynamically interesting" about a SEAT 280?
As for the Jeep, in my opinion [<--- please note...
]It ticks all the points the op asks for, accept for speed. And would fulfil the base criteria of
"Interesting daily/family car for under £20k"
Better than any car I can think of.
I think they are a very 'fun' vehicle to own and drive. And it's almost impossible to drive one and not smile. It's a different kind of fun I admit. But that doesn't mean it doesn't fit the criteria.
Kids will also love it and likely ride better in a high up 4x4 (less car sickness) than in a regular car.
And it's one of those things, if you're not into 4x4's, then you probably don't get them. But lots and lots of people end up trying things like Range Rovers and Defenders and end up falling in love with the appeal of them and how they drive.
For example, take a look at my profile. I have a varied selection of cars. But I'll be brutally honest, if I could only have one, it'd be a 4x4 and the current Wrangler is the best of it's ilk available. Far more capable and better than a Defender and more fun, more basic and cheaper than a Range Rover.
As for the 'dynamic' reference.
Google said:
dynamic
dʌɪˈnamɪk/Submit
adjective
1.
(of a process or system) characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
"a dynamic economy"
The Jeep is happy here:dʌɪˈnamɪk/Submit
adjective
1.
(of a process or system) characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
"a dynamic economy"
Or here:
You can have the roof on, or off..
You can even take the doors off.
They can seat lots of people, or haul lots of stuff
They can tow
You can even fold the windscreen down
They are usable for holidays, days out, touring, going to the shops, commuting, playing the snow, towing a track day car to a circuit, getting off the beaten path across the UK, pulling off the road easily.
I'd have to say they are probably more 'dynamic' than most vehicles, as they have such wide range of abilities. And I honestly believe you'd enjoy driving one while doing any of them. So much so, that outright speed (which you can't use on the daily commute anyhow) becomes an irrelevance.
mpit said:
Is the Golf R worth a look? I've always been worried that when they hundreds of £250/m lease deals end next year, they'll drop like a stone.
I'm certainly open to the concept of something a bit cheaper but less economical.
I'd expect the price of the same age Golf GTIs to be impacted more, as the R will be very close on the GFV, and who would by the same age GTI to save a grand or two? That said, its a brand (or nearly new) mass volume hatchback, not the sort of car you buy as an investment. I'm certainly open to the concept of something a bit cheaper but less economical.
My R is my daily (wife has a mini for hers), I have a Locost 7 for the track and a S-Max for family duty.
The Golf is ok at transporting my (teenage) kids about but not really big enough for holidays and the like when we want to take the dog and its crate. The R is good fun to drive, its obviously nowhere near my track car in terms of handling or fun, but for a hot hatch you can make good progress and even get the back out reasonably easy as its one of the few you can fully turn off the nanny systems. I would expect the new Focus RS to be more fun to drive but not really any faster (and actually slower compared to the auto R) on the public road.
The cabin is a lovely place to sit, if a bit too Germanic. I find it quite relaxing to drive when I need it to be and fun when I don't, it is a very quick car, amazing how much hot hatches have come on. Basic spec is very very good, xenons, adaptive cruise control, etc. all as standard.
If you can take a hit on the fuel I'd be looking at a used VRX8 if it was me.
A good attempt of reasoning 300 but if like me you spend 99.9% of time on the road in a pretty cold country then you want a car that feels good on the road which is where its driven most of the time and is warm and dry.
I have never, ever thought "oh I'd just like to take the doors off and fold the windscreen down today".
Versatile it may be if you somehow need that sort of thing (I can't think of any scenario when you would) but just a pointless compromise if you spend all your time on the UK's roads. A good turn of speed would be much more useful to me.
I have never, ever thought "oh I'd just like to take the doors off and fold the windscreen down today".
Versatile it may be if you somehow need that sort of thing (I can't think of any scenario when you would) but just a pointless compromise if you spend all your time on the UK's roads. A good turn of speed would be much more useful to me.
mpit said:
The trouble is, my M3 has two doors, does 27MPG at best, is £10k over budget and is very modified, currently.
Can't comment on the money, although I assumed as you already had it, money wasn't an issue?As for 2 doors, isn't that the same as the RS? And do any of the hatches truly have bags more room in the bag? I know BMW market the M3 as a coupe, but it's really just a 2 door saloon, as the roofline isn't really any different to that of a 4 door 3 Series.
mpit said:
Normally I'd agree with you on the dull thing, but they are about as interesting as a sensible, practical daily family car gets, though.
I guess the thing here, is how important is speed, fun and mpg vs the practicalities of a family car?If you are only going to make use of the 4/5 seats once a month for less than 10 miles, then you can compromise a lot more. If however it'll get used 5 or more times a week for family duties, then personally I'd probably prioritise that as more important.
For me, I'd want a biggish car for that kind of dedicated use. If you plan to go on holiday in the car with the family, then a smallish hot hatch is unlikely to be an endearing place for the passengers and will have limited boot space.
A car that strikes me as fitting the role you want, although for around half the price and not really good enough mpg is the Chrysler 300C SRT-8.
Prices have been fairly stable on them, probably due to being niche.
But they are a nice big, modernish car, with 5 proper seats, a big boot and comfort. But also have performance and entertainment to offer in spades.
I admit, they are no track car. But for grin inducing moments the 6.1 litre Hemi V8 with 425hp and RWD certainly make up for it. Add a nice exhaust and I think you'll be grinning a lot
On the motorway they will probably do middish 20's mpg too.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Wednesday 25th May 16:05
lawless50 said:
Every review says the current Wrangler is noisy on the motorway (do you not find this?). Low noise commuting is pretty important, which put me off it.
I am excited for the new wrangler coming next year (probably), it's supposed to be completely new (new frame, engine, suspension). Hopefully it's a lot quieter.
I think motorway noise is all relative. I concede compared to some cars the Wrangler will be more noisy, however I do not believe it is to an extent that actually matters. It's just one of those things car type road editors have to pick on.I am excited for the new wrangler coming next year (probably), it's supposed to be completely new (new frame, engine, suspension). Hopefully it's a lot quieter.
I don't really know much about the new model. I just hope it remains a 4x4 and truck like.
rb5er said:
A good attempt of reasoning 300 but if like me you spend 99.9% of time on the road in a pretty cold country then you want a car that feels good on the road which is where its driven most of the time and is warm and dry.
Wranglers are warm and dry. They where a completely new model design in 2005. And that's my point, they are enjoyable to drive on the road.rb5er said:
I have never, ever thought "oh I'd just like to take the doors off and fold the windscreen down today".
But does it not sound like fun?rb5er said:
Versatile it may be if you somehow need that sort of thing (I can't think of any scenario when you would) but just a pointless compromise if you spend all your time on the UK's roads. A good turn of speed would be much more useful to me.
Afraid I don't agree. The Wrangler offers the same pace as a TDV6 Disco 3 and is more than capable of keeping up with traffic, over taking and speeding.It might not be a performance speed machine, but it's not exactly incapable of getting from place to place. It'll sit at 80mph+ all day long, with ease should you want it too.
I don't know of any road journeys in the UK where I can get there quicker in a 'fast' car vs one that isn't? At least not in anything meaningful, as I don't use a stop watch to clock my times door to door.
And there is something just enjoyable about 4x4's -- yes being driven on road.
I know this will piss you off, but I enjoy trundling about in my p38a Range Rover far more than doing the same in the Impreza. So, for your 99.99% of the time that you stated above, the Range Rover is the more enjoyable vehicle to drive. I'm not saying it handles better or is as quick, as obviously that would be silly. But times when the Impreza feels boring and unsatisfying to drive, the Range Rover does not.
And I think the JK Wrangler is more fun than my Range Rover.
300bhp/ton said:
I know this will piss you off, but I enjoy trundling about in my p38a Range Rover far more than doing the same in the Impreza. So, for your 99.99% of the time that you stated above, the Range Rover is the more enjoyable vehicle to drive. I'm not saying it handles better or is as quick, as obviously that would be silly. But times when the Impreza feels boring and unsatisfying to drive, the Range Rover does not.
Don't worry it certainly wont piss me off as everybody in OH knows that you are indeed quite mad with a penchant for huge 4x4's and yank vehicles. Variety is the spice of life etc, and I still think PH is richer having you to give your "alternative" suggestions.Having driven every Range Rover to date including the p38 its obvious our tastes are vastly different as imo they are hateful pieces of.....err machine, in pretty much every conceivable way.
Each to their own and all that or we'd all be driving diesel Golfs.
I'd prioritise power and speed over handling. On UK roads you won't be testing the handling of any car at its limits, or anywhere near its limits. But acceleration and overtaking ability is 'fun'.
What you want is supreme comfort, a lovely cabin, some level of practicality, lots of toys to while away long motorway journey hours and unlimited power/torque for the occasional 'blip' of the throttle to put a huge smile on your face.
What you want is supreme comfort, a lovely cabin, some level of practicality, lots of toys to while away long motorway journey hours and unlimited power/torque for the occasional 'blip' of the throttle to put a huge smile on your face.
TazLondon said:
On UK roads you won't be testing the handling of any car at its limits, or anywhere near its limits.
Really? In bursts I (might) do that quite regularly if nobody is about.Testing the limits of adhesion is part of enjoying a cars handling. If you live in a city centre then this might be difficult but I don't.
rb5er said:
TazLondon said:
On UK roads you won't be testing the handling of any car at its limits, or anywhere near its limits.
Really? In bursts I (might) do that quite regularly if nobody is about.Testing the limits of adhesion is part of enjoying a cars handling. If you live in a city centre then this might be difficult but I don't.
For me a car has to be fun and hopefully interesting. Outright ability is less important, as there are no podiums or prize money for driving on the roads.
Brave Fart said:
Bloody hell mate, exactly how big is this bonus of yours?
Took me a minute As for speed over handling, that's really not what I want.
If just speed was a thing, then it'd be a really easy choice of a fast diesel model. I want to be able to enjoy driving it on a country road if I find myself in a position to do so.
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