What cars with a twist

[v64motion]

Evening PH'ers,

Slightly different quandry we are in the process of looking at changing cars from a Seat Altea 2.0 TDi SE (so loaded with heated leather, bluetooth, cruise and a Ford Sport KA.

The Altea is used daily by the other half for work (a nanny so gets loaded with these enormous push chairs people buy these days, kids, etc) so any replacement needs to be practical to get this clobber in. We also use the Altea for weekends away and does on a normal week about 200 miles a week plus any weekend trips. The replacement need not be diesel but has to be practical, cheap to run, cheap to maintain and preferably newish and needs to be in keeping with the other halfs job. The Honda Jazz looks like it ticks most of the boxes (not very PH I know). Budget 7k tops.

The Ka replacement would do a short trip about 10 miles to work and 10 miles back which is mainly dual carriageway (or a nice stretch of twisty B road as an alternative route) and would also be used for weekends away so needs to be able to take a bit of luggage. Been thinking Z4 coupe but there might be an occasion where we need 4 seats so that knocks the Z4 out of the water but it would be rare and so could take the Altea replacement. Budget, £10k. I like the Ka as it is quite raw and love the way it handles but isn't good on trips on motorways, etc so needs to be good on b roads but cruise and be fairly relaxed when the mood takes me.

Any suggestions for either/both welcome.

[Vladimir]

I think the Jazz and BM are good options if you can get a good enough one for £10k. Beware the 20i engine though - LOADS of issues with them. Go 30i if possible.

An alternative to the Jazz is the excellent Suzuki Swift (possibly Sport). Cracking little car.

[300bhp/ton]

Ok, so where's the twist??? It just sounds like you need two normal cars

[LuS1fer]

Depending on how many kids. A Mazda 5 is brilliant but as soon as you start lifting the 5th/6th seat, you lose luggage space. Otherwise Mondeos fit 3 across the back seat and have cavernous hatches/estate areas. May be too big based on your choice of Jazz though.

[v64motion]

300bhp/ton said:

Ok, so where's the twist??? It just sounds like you need two normal cars

The twist being there are specific jobs for each of the cars to do unlike most PH what car threads that consist of fastest, cheapest, etc. etc. Apologies if it the thread isn't twisty enough for some.

[Luke167]

C-Max and an M3!

[300bhp/ton]

v64motion said:

The twist being there are specific jobs for each of the cars to do unlike most PH what car threads that consist of fastest, cheapest, etc. etc. Apologies if it the thread isn't twisty enough for some.

Sorry, just thought what you wanted them for seemed quit normal


Some ideas.



Car 1:

CHRYSLER VOYAGER 2.8 CRD EXECUTIVE 5DR AUTO 7 SEATS (2007/07)
44,000 miles £7,995
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3334119.htm


Reckon that seems to tick all the boxes, ok you'll want to haggle £500 off the price or so. But it's pretty close.



Car 2:

I know the SportKA is a bit of a riot to drive, and frankly anything more civilised will lose the lightweight chuckability and feel of the SportKA.

But £10k does give you a lot of choices, personally I think a Z4 is a very good candidate and in terms of 2 seater car are only likely to find alternatives rather than anything hugely better. If you are wanting more seats however...


11,000 Mile Blue RX8-R3 for sale 231bhp (2009)
11,000 miles £10,999
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3543473.htm



Fuel economy is poor, but for a 10 mile trip to work I can't see it being an issue. The drive however is fantastic, very good on both B roads and motorway. And just look how practical it is with 4 proper seats and a boot. Your money will also get you a new low mileage example.


2004 BMW M3 (2004)
63,000 miles £9,500
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3566534.htm


What's not to like?


Focus RS, Imperial Blue, Unmolested Example, FSH, Immac. (2003/03)
65,000 miles £8,495
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3561135.htm


Looks great and has rock solid residuals. Maybe not an ideal motorway cruiser, but certainly one up on a SportKA in terms of comfort and refinement.


ALFA ROMEO BRERA 3.2 V6 JTS Q4 SV COUPE (2006)
50,000 miles £8,900
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3445283.htm



Stunning looking The V6 sounds great or there's a 2.4 diesel if you wanted more economy.


CHRYSLER 300C 6.1 V8 SRT-8 4DR AUTO//CHEAPEST IN UK/// (2006/N)
68,714 miles £8,925
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3450435.htm



Just say it to yourself out loud "six point one litres". Sounds great doesn't it! High on speed and comfort.

[Deva Link]

v64motion said:

The Altea is used daily by the other half for work (a nanny so gets loaded with these enormous push chairs people buy these days, kids, etc) so any replacement needs to be practical to get this clobber in. We also use the Altea for weekends away and does on a normal week about 200 miles a week plus any weekend trips. The replacement need not be diesel but has to be practical, cheap to run, cheap to maintain and preferably newish and needs to be in keeping with the other halfs job. The Honda Jazz looks like it ticks most of the boxes (not very PH I know). Budget 7k tops.

My daughter has an ICandy push chair and the frame will only fit in wifey's Jazz boot on its side, and completely fills it. Mind you it fills daughter's Golf boot too, but at least it will go flat down in that, so the pram bit can fit in on top.

[v64motion]

That M3 looks tempting but are they hideously expensive if the do go wrong?

Thanks for the info about the Jazz's ability to stow and iCandy, I still can't
believe the size of the things!

[okie592]

Defo get a mk1 RS value is only going to go up if you keep it in good condition

[v64motion]

Decided to keep hold of the Altea, OH says it does exactly what she needs it to do without having an enormous MPV so that's that settled.

Now to the Ka, passed it's MOT week before last with no advisories so well pleased with that. I still like a hoon but to be honest with the state of the roads and the number of drivers around my way who simply don't look where they are going it isn't a priority anymore to have a car that you can have a good hoon around in, more something you can enjoy a nice relaxed drive.

We had a most pleasant weekend last weekend in Kent/Sussex countryside/coast and we both really like the idea of having a waft in something with two seats and convertible. I also have a dodgy back that comes and goes so getting in and out needs to be taken into account. So I was thinking:

Merc SLK W171 (not very PH but has folding hardtop and isn't a bad steer from reviews I have seen).

OR

MX-5 Coupe/Roadster, had a go in the 2.0 sport and liked it but getting in and out was a bit of an issue on the test drive.

The 5 is obviously the PH weapon of choice and running costs would be lower than the Merc I would imagine but like the idea of the Merc and love the mini SLR looks.

Advice and opinions appreciated as always.

[Dalto123]

Not sure if you may have considered an Audi S4. Whilst its not a 2 seater it's still seem to tick your boxes. Easy to get in and out of, and there's plenty of space. Plus being an Auto nice and easy to pootle around in. However, when you fancy it, put your foot down ad y have 344bhp on tap . Also good value now:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3475549.htm