And now for... a tricky what car
Discussion
What happens if you want an all-rounder on a budget, but a two seater sports car isn't practical enough and an old school hot hatch is a little raw?
Requirements:
The smaller coupes (350Z etc) don't tend to have enough space.
I don't know that the warm 3-Series would have quite enough appeal to justify sacrificing my second car, and I assume M-cars are likely to be rather expensive to run - even compared to running a normal car and a toy.
It's all a bit hypothetical at the moment, but having had a sobering conversation with the bank earlier I'm wondering if I can cut down on the outgoings of two seperate cars.
Requirements:
- Must be able to accomodate two large suitcases or a couple of mountain bikes
- Must be a good long distance car - quiet 80mph cruise, good stereo and reasonable tank range (no lairy hot hatches or screaming Type Rs)
- Preferably 30+mpg
- Must be a credible drivers car, suitable for the occasional track day, preferably something a little bit special
- ...but not likely to attract the wrong type of attention (something discrete and/or not idolised by the local chavs)
- Must be reliable
- Must be cheap to maintain with readily available parts (no obscure classics or imported cars)
- Must be relatively depreciation-proof
- Something a bit more interesting than the usual repmobile or hatchback is an advantage
The smaller coupes (350Z etc) don't tend to have enough space.
I don't know that the warm 3-Series would have quite enough appeal to justify sacrificing my second car, and I assume M-cars are likely to be rather expensive to run - even compared to running a normal car and a toy.
It's all a bit hypothetical at the moment, but having had a sobering conversation with the bank earlier I'm wondering if I can cut down on the outgoings of two seperate cars.
Balmoral Green said:
You know how MX5 is the answer to every question? sometimes you wonder if Octavia vRS is?
That's not a bad call, but I do wonder if the Octavia might be a little lacking in sense of occasion. I'd also be tempted to get one of the other VAG variants without the boot - the Octavia is starting to get a fairly chunky car. Would be fun on the motorway though - I wonder if I could find a neon jacket to put on the parcel shelf?
PS If it wasn't for the MPG, the reliability (and to a lesser extent the insurance) an Alfa 147 GTA would fit the bill nicely...
Edited by Chris71 on Monday 29th March 17:32
I'm not the biggest Audi fan in the world, but the S4 Avant should meet most of your criteria. Not sure about the track day suitability or the fuel economy...
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1511314.htm
What's your budget?
Fort Jefferson said:
Audi B6 S4 avant.
How would the running costs compare to something like an M3? I'm not hugely sold on the sports saloon idea and the thought occurs that the RWD contenders might be a bit more rewarding. I'm sure they're fantastic cars, but I'm not sure I could imagine getting up early on a Sunday to hoon round in an Audi estate. That said, it could be amusing if we have another winter like 2009/10...
plenty said:
Corrado VR6? Golf GTI Mk2? 306GTI? Leon Cupra? 944? Audi S2 (more interesting than the S4)? Celica GT4? I know you said "no Type Rs" but what about an Accord?
Hmm, I wonder if a mk2 Golf or a 306 GTi6 might be a bit coarse on the motorway - I've got rather spoilt with my air con and leather (even in a Focus).The Leon Cupra could be an option.
You know I have a soft spot for 944s (and indeed 968s) but I wonder if the Porsche badge would attract the wrong sort of attention if parked in dubious areas. Any idea how much yours costs to maintain per year? The main thing is my missus would be terrified to drive it - she'd be fine physically, but a proper GT would intimidate her in the way a hatch or sports saloon wouldn't. Don't ask - I don't understand it either.
A Corrado VR6 is a very appealing prospect and might just slip under the female radar. Concerns would be finding a good one and the cost of maintaining it. I'm also a sucker for a nice interior and I find the 'slab' interior in the 'rado a bit of an eyesore. It is tempting though - I cycle past a nice VR6 most mornings and it always manages to distract me from the incline for a few seconds!
I'm not a huge fan of Japanese cars (they just don't seem to have the soul of their European counterparts) so the GT4 is probably out. The cult status of the Type Rs appeals, but most of the miles I do are on the motorway. What I want - hypothetically - is something with a split personality that can cruise like a barge and hoon like a sports car.
Hot Legacy estate would fit the bill...
Might break a few of the rules but what about a nice 2.5Tdi Passat estate circa 02 vintage, my cousin had one well spec'd up and it was good fun for a derv. The BMW derv estates also are not too bad.
Volvo V40 T4 never driven one but did have a 1.8 as a daily driver and it wasn't all that bad.
Saab 9-5 Aero.
There is more choice I think than you would think if you are perhaps prepared to fettle a little with suspension and handling add on's and a chip/tune here or there.
Might break a few of the rules but what about a nice 2.5Tdi Passat estate circa 02 vintage, my cousin had one well spec'd up and it was good fun for a derv. The BMW derv estates also are not too bad.
Volvo V40 T4 never driven one but did have a 1.8 as a daily driver and it wasn't all that bad.
Saab 9-5 Aero.
There is more choice I think than you would think if you are perhaps prepared to fettle a little with suspension and handling add on's and a chip/tune here or there.
Chris71 said:
The main thing is my missus would be terrified to drive it
Ah, you need to add the all-important Mrs criterion to your list - could be the hardest one to meet. Mine says the 968 is like sitting in a bathtub.From what I know from people who park their 944/968s on the street, they tend to attract less attention than their rear or mid-engined brethren. They've been out of production long enough that the average person doesn't know what they are. Parts aren't cheap at all but they are built to last, so running costs tend to cluster (like buses) in bursts of major expense (think 1.5-2k) every now and again, but not too much in between. They are also relatively easy to work on.
147 and 156 GTAs are not that expensive to buy now.
plenty said:
Ah, you need to add the all-important Mrs criterion to your list - could be the hardest one to meet. Mine says the 968 is like sitting in a bathtub.
From what I know from people who park their 944/968s on the street, they tend to attract less attention than their rear or mid-engined brethren.
Well, she doesn't drive a lot, so if something really tempting came up I might just accept I'm going to be her personal taxi service for the remainder of my time on the planet. At least I'd have a nicer car to do so in.From what I know from people who park their 944/968s on the street, they tend to attract less attention than their rear or mid-engined brethren.
If I did get something smart the Caterham's space in the garage would be vacated, so I wouldn't have to park it outside regularly. I just don't want to worry about leaving it anywhere. Specifically my prospective in-laws live on a rather dodgy ex-council estate oop north, which is known for its joyriding!
Maybe the solution is in fact a 'what girlfriend' thread?
I am of course joking...
Arese said:
Absolutely!And more reliable than they're given credit for. Old 156s have their issues, but the new lot are just fine.
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