Suggestions for daily hack with some entertainment value

[markbmw]

I do 20-22k per annum. I have had a '96 Audi A4 1.8T for just over two years which, as much as I respect it (outside of normal service/ wear 'n tear items has needed just a radiator at £80), is massively boring. I need something that can also provide some driving thrills through the twisties.

Cash is tight as I'm saving for a house deposit; I've only got £1000 tops to add to sale value of the Audi. The Audi should get £1250+ as it's only done 81,000 with 1 prev owner, full history and is very clean and tidy. It has averaged 34mpg with me.

I do occasional long motorway runs (from Herts to north Wales or down to Devon), but some b-roads so a complete mixture really. I do my own servicing, plus basic spanner work such as suspension and brakes.

I've considered the following;
Subaru Legacy Turbo; looks too thirsty for the mileage I do
Mitsi' Legnum VR4; as above?
Audi S4 Avant; currently beyond my budget, certainly 'til next year

I fancy an estate, otherwise a saloon is preferable to a hatch as I carry a ladder for work.
I'd consider less power provided the potential for deriving some enjoyment from pushing hard down a favourite b-road is there.

Any suggestions?

[anonymous-user]

markbmw said:

I fancy an estate, otherwise a saloon is preferable to a hatch as I carry a ladder for work.

[Renn Sport]

Stick with what you've got. You struggle to do better with 1k budget.

Reliability is your friend and your Audi has proved that to you.

[ScottishSamurai]

Dave_ST220 said:

markbmw said:

I fancy an estate, otherwise a saloon is preferable to a hatch as I carry a ladder for work.

He wants an estate, but if he doesn't get one he would prefer a saloon to a hatchback.

Pretty simple to understand?

[anonymous-user]

ScottishSamurai said:

Dave_ST220 said:

markbmw said:

I fancy an estate, otherwise a saloon is preferable to a hatch as I carry a ladder for work.

He wants an estate, but if he doesn't get one he would prefer a saloon to a hatchback.

Pretty simple to understand?

No not really, you can get lots more in hatchback than a saloon, ladders included.

[5lab]

carries ladders on the roof, thus making a hatch a little inaccessable perhaps?

[markbmw]

5lab said:

carries ladders on the roof, thus making a hatch a little inaccessable perhaps?

Correct. That said I did manage with a 309 for a while so a hatch is feasible.