What "Driver's" Car

[roogi]

This is possibly my first car related thread on PH so I may as well start with a What Car.

I am changing jobs next month and will be doing more travelling and also getting a modest car allowance. I have a rough budget of £1,500 and with that I'd like to get something relatively interesting to drive and hopefully reliable. Also, I might be selling it in 6 - 12 months as I can opt into the company car scheme in the future.

As I'll be doing a fair amount of miles comfort might be a factor, I'm sure others will let me know how important this is.

My car history is not extensive or interesting so this is an opportunity to get something that will be enjoyable to drive. So far I've considered: -

VW Golf - Safe/boring
BMW E46 - High mileage, but interesting?
and of course MX5 - good to drive, but could be uncomfortable (I'm 6'4")

I know What Cars are a bit tedious, but any suggestions would be much appreciated!

[roogi]

Focus - already drive one so looking for something different really.

Octavia - will have a look.

I've also seen a nice X Type, but I imagine it will cost a lot to run it. Is it worth it?

[roogi]

Chris71 said:

At the risk of opening up a can of worms, why go for the E46 over the E36? I know the later cars are supposed to be slightly more refined, but at your budget I'd imagine you still get more E36 for your money.

Either way, this is probably where I'd be looking. Nice straight six, good steering, RWD traits and still sufficiently civilised for long distances.

I only suggested an E46 as I've seen what looks like quite a nice one near to me - http://goo.gl/W9ezm6. Open to suggestions though so will look at E36s as well.

[roogi]

Chris71 said:

roogi said:

Chris71 said:

At the risk of opening up a can of worms, why go for the E46 over the E36? I know the later cars are supposed to be slightly more refined, but at your budget I'd imagine you still get more E36 for your money.

Either way, this is probably where I'd be looking. Nice straight six, good steering, RWD traits and still sufficiently civilised for long distances.

I only suggested an E46 as I've seen what looks like quite a nice one near to me - http://goo.gl/W9ezm6. Open to suggestions though so will look at E36s as well.

I thought you said driver's car? Get yourself a couple of extra cylinders and lose the auto 'box.

The small engine is disappointing, but the auto box is tempting for the amount of travelling. Am I being stupid in thinking a bigger engine will be more expensive to run/insure? How much could it potentially add?