'Best' Highland road destroyer

[Hobojim]

I'm browsing for potential new cars. Currently have a mk6 GTi 5dr. I'm after something for thundering along through the glens.

Was wondering on what do folks consider to be the best weapon? Must be able to get 2 people plus weekend luggage in. Must be all weather/GF compatible (no Caterhams i'm informed) not too wide (looking at you 911 turbo) and won't be written off by a pothole.

Ability to do a bit of dual carriageway an advantage. Bonus points for ski carrying ability.

[Rich A]

You didn't give a budget, so i'll start with E46 M3 coup which would fit the bill nicely.

[shoestring7]

Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

SS7
PS On the small wheel option + PASM will give a good combination of compliance, stability, fun, performance and comfort.

Edited by shoestring7 on Monday 3rd March 13:57

[anonymous-user]

A45 AMG??

[RizzoTheRat]

All weather on potholed narrow roads? Surely that's crying out for a rally rep like an Impreza or Lancer Evo isn't it?

[Dr G]

S4/5 on 18" wheels.

[rallycross]

A bmw 335i - but its too far from the local dealers to keep taking it back with its faults and you'll get stuck when it snows.
or
A EVO9 MR360 or Impreza Type 25 cosworth version - but you might keep running out of fuel between petrol stations up there!

[jamieduff1981]

F-Type V6S Coupe.

[jhonn]

It sounds like an SUV type vehicle is the best bet to meet your criteria. (I live in the Highlands too and know what the roads can do to suspension/wheels/tyres). The improved vision allowed by the extra height pays dividends in 'making progress.'
I've never found that the width causes any problems.

[Hobojim]

No budget as such. What ever the price it has to be 'worth' it. So the normal PH logic applies so probably nothing new new.

Visability is important and being able to make it between petrol stations is always nice. I was thinking a rally rep but nothing really has caught my eye. I do like Subarus and the evo's but the interiors are just sooooooo bad. I doubt it will pass the GF test. But I'm open to some advice on this one. Any particular model suggestions?

The E46 M3 is a good shout. Will look into those.

Cayman is on the list but it would have to be a 981 and they are still really new and going to depreciate like a fother mucker. Same goes for f-type. I think one of those two will be the car after this one.

4x4 hmmm I don't know where I sit in this one. I just don't think it'd be fun to drive. Willing to be corrected though.

I love the gt86 but not enough go. Supercharger/turbo conversion pushes it into the not worth the £ category. Same for mx-5.

S5 / 335i coupe, very tempting. It's on the short list.

[plenty]

rallycross said:

A EVO9 MR360 or Impreza Type 25 cosworth version - but you might keep running out of fuel between petrol stations up there!

In all seriousness this is a legitimate concern in northern Scotland, particularly if you need super.

[Major Fallout]

Absolute bog standard 911 with the smallest wheels they do.

[Censorious]

Clearly, you need the new £50k Range Rover Sport.

[jhonn]

Hobojim said:

4x4 hmmm I don't know where I sit in this one. I just don't think it'd be fun to drive. Willing to be corrected though.

You're right - in my experience, they can't really be classed as 'fun to drive' (although you can make fast, comfortable progress in difficult conditions, over long distances in them.)

Maybe a Cayenne, or one of the new RR Sports would be more fun, but still give you the practicality you need?

[tvrolet]

Hobojim said:

Ability to do a bit of dual carriageway an advantage. Bonus points for ski carrying ability.

[dazren]

Hobojim said:

.....Must be all weather/GF compatible (no Caterhams i'm informed) not too wide (looking at you 911 turbo) and won't be written off by a pothole.

Not had a problem doing 7 TartanHoons in a 996 turbo.

[harryowl]

Lotus Evora?

[Dracoro]

Hobojim said:

not too wide (looking at you 911 turbo)

Just a FYI, the 911Turbo is narrower than your GTI.

[dazren]

RizzoTheRat said:

All weather on potholed narrow roads? Surely that's crying out for a rally rep like an Impreza or Lancer Evo isn't it?

Good shout but I'd be concerned with the fuel tank range? Highland trips in cars using super unleaded need a fuel strategy in place. You need to plan for fuel stops. The longer the fuel tank range the better.

[Lordglenmorangie]

Dracoro said:

Just a FYI, the 911Turbo is narrower than your GTI.