shopping trolley

[boxbox]

Might be a weird one to ask in this section, but I’m sure I won’t be the only one who has gone through a similar exercise to this one; I’ve recently moved from Porsche to Ferrari ownership and bought a 550. Love it and it’s a very usable car for virtually all occasions and I’m in the camp that these/any cars are better being used rather than just sat there with their battery on trickle charge. That said, there are times already when I feel I could do with another car for quick/short journeys, or taking into London, or just dumping somewhere on a night out without having to think or worry about it. It would also be a bonus if it had a reasonable sized engine, should I find myself needing to do a long motorway journey in it

So, I’ve set myself a max budget of around £10K for this glorified shopping trolley and have been thinking about options and started trawling through the classifieds. I’d definitely still like it to feel a bit special and fun to drive (I have looked at the Clio 200 cup for example). Thoughts?

[andrew]

mini cooper s

even hopping directly from the lambo, it still raises a smile

[thr32]

If you don't mind the odd trip to shell a Mk5 R32 is all the car you'll ever need - big enough to take a chest of drawers to the tip, then drive back at a million mph

TH

[70proof]

andrew said:

mini cooper s

even hopping directly from the lambo, it still raises a smile

+1

[Pork]

I've got a Cooper S too - cracking cars, but a teeny boot if thats a consideration.

[FisiP1]

An old Cayenne.

Alternatively, Golf gti/r32 sounds a good bet.

[Colossus]

Another vote for the Cooper S. If you haven't tried it, do. We have had 2, fixed head and currently a convertible, both put huge grins on you. They are properly built, can take a huge amount of punishement ( a Clio would have fallen apart by now) and are glued to the road. You get in with the best intentions to drive sensibly and then within 50m are driving the nuts off it, they simply demand to be driven and are great fun. Flod back seats down if you need any more room but you can fit more into them than you would have thought. Do it!

[bertie]

70proof said:

andrew said:

mini cooper s

even hopping directly from the lambo, it still raises a smile

+1

Plus another one, I've got a Cooper S for town runs and it's great fun and a doddle to park.

[Sir Snaz]

My 2004 CLK 55 AMG runaround cost me 8.5k ....and does all you describe .....will be keeping mine when I eventually (when the wife says ok :-)) pull the trigger on an italian

[wineman02]

I would go for an Alfa Brera..

[boxbox]

Got to admit I never thought about the cooper s. I always thought they'd be a bit heavy to be fun. Think they look great in that off white colour with black stripes. R32 - my mate had one and loved it. Mini probably a better bet for resale I guess

So the list seems to be forming....more classifieds action tonight...

I think I'd rather go for something small too - feels like more of a laugh

[CIE560]

andrew said:

mini cooper s

even hopping directly from the lambo, it still raises a smile

That's because you're leaving grey dullness behind.

[andrew]

CIE560 said:

andrew said:

mini cooper s

even hopping directly from the lambo, it still raises a smile

That's because you're leaving grey dullness behind.

you're making an assumption about the colour of my mini !

[CIE560]

Oh no... is it grey?!

[j3gme]

Impreza wrx estate 4wd for when the snow comes and cheaper mpg than the R32

[AA121]

Keep it Italian and go for a 500 Abarth with Esseesse kit..........much cooler than the Mini.

[70proof]

cooper s is great fun...... not sure if budgets will allow, but get a turbo one not a supercharged one.... MY11 onwards best.... also, best suspension setup is sports suspension (factory extra) with 16inch wheels and non-run flat tyres......

another thought.... 10k may get you into a audi tt 2nd gen but again, all the reviews saud the 2.0tfsi as it was best.... i had a stock car, no quattro, dsg or mag suspension, with short throw stick..... great fun... not as immediate as the mini... not as practical in the back seats, but with the seats down the tt was a good load carrier....

another thought..... e39 m5..... epic v8!!!!

[Scousefella]

£10-£11k gets you a great deal of Audi S4.

Motorways will be eaten up easily but some nice tourquey V8 playtime available for those little "smiley" moments.

[rog007]

R32.

[Don1]

Without being too bad (mods), I happen to know of an insane shopping trolley for sale. Sills wider than an F430. Mid-mounted engine. Not the greatest load carrying capacity, but it is worth it.

And not much more than your budget. Come on, a Clio V6 would fit in very well.