Help with GF's car choice

[screwloose]

My GF is wanting a new car given that her current mk2 MX5 isn't nearly economical enough for her daily commute. She does roughly 25000, mainly motorway, miles per year so is after a reliable, economical (50mpg and over), cheap to maintain car. She still wants it to be 'good looking' and 'feel special' inside.
She has a budget of £6000.
Ideas I've had thus far have been:

Seat Ibiza 1.9 tdi FR 130
Audi A3 2.0 Tdi 140 - seems to offer a lot of car for the money.
Seat Leon 1.9 tdi either 130/150 depending on price
VW Golf Tdi - Mk4 or Mk5

I'm keen to know any other ideas people may have or any advice on those listed above.

thanks for any help

[james_tigerwoods]

Skoda Fabia VRs.

[alfa pint]

Off field suggestion that fits the requirements - smart coupe.

[adycav]

james_tigerwoods said:

Skoda Fabia VRs.

Good shout.

However, have a look and see if you can find the (quite rare) Ibiza Cupra TDi with its stonking 160ps engine.

[longdogger]

of the 4 cars listed above, I have only owned the leon tdi, it was a lowly 90bhp.
tbh it did feel a bit slow BUT kept up with motorway traffic quite well.
I wierdly still miss it's fuel economy and comfort the exact opposite it's replacment the ep3 type r.
Good luck

[edition]

A3 for me... Nice inside.

[Mafioso]

alfa pint said:

Off field suggestion that fits the requirements - smart coupe.

To do 25,000 miles in!?

[edo]

Pushing the budget slightly, but should get closer to budget.

This will do 60mpg all day long, and the 2.0 derv bmw engine pisses on the VAG stuff in every respect. Nice handling RWD car too.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

2004 BMW 1 SERIES 118D 5DR WITH 12 MONTHS WARRANTY
Trade Seller: Barker Mills Car Sales
See all cars from this dealer
Overview Vehicle Summary Performance & Economy Dimensions Interior/Exterior Safety



5 Doors, Manual 6 speed, Diesel, 59,780 miles, Metallic Grey. FULL BMW SERVICE HISTORY 4 stamps in book. Only 1 Owner From New and with Full 12 Months MOT. Fitted with POWER ASSISTED STEERING, Climate Control, Remote Central Locking linked to alarm/immobiliser, Electric Windows, Electric Mirrors, ABS Brakes, Alloy Wheels and Stereo/CD Player. In Superb Condition inside and out. Any test drive or inspection most, Welcome. Sold with Full HPI Report and 12 Months Warranty. £6,990

[300bhp/ton]

screwloose said:

My GF is wanting a new car given that her current mk2 MX5 isn't nearly economical enough for her daily commute. She does roughly 25000, mainly motorway, miles per year so is after a reliable, economical (50mpg and over), cheap to maintain car. She still wants it to be 'good looking' and 'feel special' inside.
She has a budget of £6000.
Ideas I've had thus far have been:

Seat Ibiza 1.9 tdi FR 130
Audi A3 2.0 Tdi 140 - seems to offer a lot of car for the money.
Seat Leon 1.9 tdi either 130/150 depending on price
VW Golf Tdi - Mk4 or Mk5

I'm keen to know any other ideas people may have or any advice on those listed above.

thanks for any help

smart Roadster or Roadster Coupe should do 45-55mpg. I also think it's quite comfy.




Either that or look for something else funky and price up an LPG kit for it.

[H_Kan]

118d is a tempting choice imo, driving dynamics will be miles better then the cars listed.

[Taffer]

edo said:

I believe the OP's GF wanted it to feel 'special inside'. While decently made, poverty-spec BMW interiors have all the aesthetic quality of a North Korean tower block. Not that anything on OP's list will have a stunning interior, but the budget should stretch to higher-specced examples than the BMW.

Alfa 147 diesel with leather interior? OK, reliability and servicing, but at least they don't rust like Alfas of old!

300BHP, stop posting pics of the Smart coupe with those Brabus wheels - they are making me want one!

Edited by Taffer on Thursday 4th November 13:37

[300bhp/ton]

H_Kan said:

118d is a tempting choice imo, driving dynamics will be miles better then the cars listed.

you reckon?

[300bhp/ton]

Mafioso said:

alfa pint said:

Off field suggestion that fits the requirements - smart coupe.

To do 25,000 miles in!?

Which they are currently using an MX-5 it appears. And why not, they are comfy and with cruise control will easily sit at 70+mph all day long.

[H_Kan]

300bhp/ton said:

H_Kan said:

118d is a tempting choice imo, driving dynamics will be miles better then the cars listed.

you reckon?

Not better then the Smart, but I reckon they'll be much better then the Vag stuff that the OP listed. Have been out in a 1 series a few times and they are great fun.

[300bhp/ton]

H_Kan said:

300bhp/ton said:

H_Kan said:

118d is a tempting choice imo, driving dynamics will be miles better then the cars listed.

you reckon?

Not better then the Smart, but I reckon they'll be much better then the Vag stuff that the OP listed. Have been out in a 1 series a few times and they are great fun.

In that case, fully agree then

[adycav]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1967680.htm

Jag X Type?

[excel monkey]

Mini D?

[Mafioso]

300bhp/ton said:

Mafioso said:

alfa pint said:

Off field suggestion that fits the requirements - smart coupe.

To do 25,000 miles in!?

Which they are currently using an MX-5 it appears.

That's the whole reason why they want to change it.

[robsco]

Taffer said:

Alfa 147 diesel with leather interior? OK, reliability and servicing, but at least they don't rust like Alfas of old!

This man is talking sense. First and foremost, the 147 is better looking than any of the vehicles mentioned by the OP (subjective of course). Secondly, the interior looks and feels extremely special with the full leather trim and those cowled dials. Thirdly, the engine is infinitely more flexible, and probably quieter than the VAG TDi engines. Fourthly, reliability and build quality really isn't a trouble with these cars anymore, providing that the services are completed on schedule and they aren't looked after on a shoestring. This little baby, only £6495 over on the PH Classifieds. Divine

[DaveL86]

adycav said:

james_tigerwoods said:

Skoda Fabia VRs.

Good shout.

However, have a look and see if you can find the (quite rare) Ibiza Cupra TDi with its stonking 160ps engine.

These or the Ibiza PD130 (same engine as the vRS) excellent engine, frugal yet enough power to be fun.