Grudging what car - lack of enthusiasm for anything new

[sawman]

I have had my beautiful red morgan for nearly three years. One of the reasons I bought it was that we had some savings which aerent making anything in the bank, and so one of the things agreed with err indoors was that when buying a house (currently in rented after having been abroad) then we could sell the mog to put into the house.

This time may be approaching as we are getting really fed up of rented properties. At the same time my employer has changed terms and conditions where my milage allownce will be slashed to 23p per mile, if I use my own car, or kept at 48p per mile if I take a lease car (which would be insured taxed and maintained as part of the lease)

I asked the lease company if they could get me a morgan, but they couldnt, so now the question is what else could I get? I dont have any particular desire for anything new, although I did enjoy the fiat 500 twin air that I test drove a while ago.

My requirements are:
seating for 4, although this could be 2+2 as we have another car
not dull
preferably petrol engined
Not massively expensive on a lease, or less than £6k if buying retail and not taking up the lease offer

If I go down the non leased car, I might be tempted by something like an RX8, I have ruled out TT on the grounds that I have driven both original and new shape and been uncerwhelmed by both.

I could look at another older classic, but I need to cover 10=12k miles a year. I will admit to being slightly envious of Balmoral's recent purchase.

so, gang, give me some inspiration......

[Vitorio]

Well, i have no real clue about prices, but since you mention stuff like the TT and RX8, i guess it doesnt have to be a boring econobox.

You like the 500 twinair, why not go for the abarth 500? especially in esse-esse trim it will be rather exciting to drive.

[sawman]

Vitorio said:

i guess it doesnt have to be a boring econobox.

You like the 500 twinair, why not go for the abarth 500? especially in esse-esse trim it will be rather exciting to drive.

Definitely not boring, but then again doesnt need to be a flying machine either.

Oh I suppose I could pretty much rule out anything made by Audi. mercedes or BMW at this stage.

I did like the twin air - I tested it a few months ago and it made me giggle out loud all the way. I should probably have a go in an abarth as well - good call

ETA: I requested a quote for a chevvy volt last night, as it ticks the technically interesting box, and is tax efficent, as on the lease, I will need to cough for the BIK tax

Edited by sawman on Tuesday 15th May 08:58

[Snowboy]

You are in a similar situation to me.

I’d just sold my S2000, and I had around 20k to spend on an exciting but slightly practical car.

I went for a 135i cabrio.
I sold it 6 months later.

It was an excellent car, 0-60 in no time at all, an excellent gearbox in both auto and paddles. Comfortable, quiet, smooth to drive. Effortlessly fast.
…
..
And boring as hell.

No sensation of speed, no thrill on the corners, no grin factor at all.

I’m sure someone coming from a 1.4 diesbox would have loved it.
But from a little s2000 where the driving was visceral to say the least, it was a massive comedown.


I think you’ll have the same problem swapping the Mog.
Most modern performance cars are too overpowered to be really enjoyable as sportscars when under 100mph – and they all seem to lack character.

I flogged the BMW, and bought a 15 year old jeep wrangler with a 4l straight 6 engine.
It’s not as refined, as fast or as quiet.

But it’s faster than an original golf GTI, I can take the roof off, and it makes me smile when I drive it.

[JayTee94]

Punto Evo Abarth. My local has brand-new examples going for £250 p/m IIRC.

Polo GTI a tad dull?

[Dave Hedgehog]

lease a megane 265 cup

http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/roadcars/megane265

http://www.financeacar.co.uk/new-cars/renault-mega... £326 a month

Edited by Dave Hedgehog on Tuesday 15th May 09:42

[thinfourth2]

After something like a Morgan whatever you get will be dull dull dull

Save your cash and buy something like a fiat panda.

Once you are on the up again get another Morgan

[DanDC5]

Dave Hedgehog said:

lease a megane 265 cup

http://www.renaultsport.co.uk/roadcars/megane265

http://www.financeacar.co.uk/new-cars/renault-mega... £326 a month

Edited by Dave Hedgehog on Tuesday 15th May 09:42

That was my first thought.

[sawman]

thinfourth2 said:

After something like a Morgan whatever you get will be dull dull dull

Save your cash and buy something like a fiat panda.

Once you are on the up again get another Morgan

This would probably be my long term plan.

I just got my quote back for the chevvy volt lease, which looks interesting at just over £300 per month fully maintained and insured. I know its not the last word in driving pleasure, but its at least interesting technology and I can claim 48 p per mile for using a bit of leccy - the majority of my commute would be within its claimed battery range. (might be able to hide an old eunos on the edge of the drive for fun!)

[Twincam16]

What about an Abarth 500C Essesse?

Everything the standard 500 is (albeit with reduced luggage capacity), but with the added advantage of being able to retract the whole roof minus the side-rails.

If you find the 500 fun to drive, and enjoy the exposed nature of the Morgan, then surely the hottest Abarth 500 with a drop-top roof would be ideal? Plus those roll bars ensure it still handles properly and it's very cheap to run.

[telecat]

CR-Z??? Does not meet the 4 seater brief but I wouldn't like to be in the back of a 500!!!!

[DanDC5]

telecat said:

CR-Z??? Does not meet the 4 seater brief but I wouldn't like to be in the back of a 500!!!!

They're not as bad as you'd think. Far from great but there is room for 2 adults.

[Mr Gear]

sawman said:

ETA: I requested a quote for a chevvy volt last night, as it ticks the technically interesting box, and is tax efficent, as on the lease, I will need to cough for the BIK tax

Vauxhall Ampera in the UK. It won't be any "fun" to drive like the Morgan, but it's a very pleasant place to be and the savings on BIK tax might help pay for a nicer house!

[sawman]

Just waiting for the lease quotes for 500 abarth and twinair.

CRZ is an interesting option too, I'll go and have a prod around one, its a good looker, I always liked the look of the crx

[sawman]

Mr Gear said:

sawman said:

ETA: I requested a quote for a chevvy volt last night, as it ticks the technically interesting box, and is tax efficent, as on the lease, I will need to cough for the BIK tax

Vauxhall Ampera in the UK. It won't be any "fun" to drive like the Morgan, but it's a very pleasant place to be and the savings on BIK tax might help pay for a nicer house!

I think the chevvy version is also being sold here too, and whilst its cheaper I thought the lease price might be better - came out at 320 on salary sacrifice, so not bad.....

[ArsE92]

Dave Hedgehog said:

lease a Golf R

EFA

[Mr Gear]

sawman said:

I think the chevvy version is also being sold here too,

I didn't know that, but it appears you are correct.

[Arthur Daley]

Really cheap pcp deals on the 500 twin air at the moment, run one of those until you can afford another morgan.

Thanks.

Alex

[Dave Hedgehog]

ArsE92 said:

Dave Hedgehog said:

lease a Golf R

EFA

my man

out of his budget range thou

[sawman]

ArsE92 said:

Dave Hedgehog said:

lease a Golf R

EFA

I'm sure they are very good, but they just leave me a bit cold.