What car - practical, sensible, interesting.

[JFReturns]

I've just sold my beloved Chimaera ( ) and am now on the hunt for a replacement. Tough act to follow, and I'd appreciate some help.

Here is an idea of what I'm after:

- Petrol
- Practical (we have a large labrador)
- Must fit in garage (5m x 2.25m)
- Sporty, fun to drive OR lots of toys and luxury (is both possible?)
- 30mpg+
- £280 rfl or less
- £9,000 budget
- 2004 or younger

So far I'm interested in and have started looking at (but not test driven) E90 32x Touring, Audi A4 2.0 TFSI, C-Class estate and coupe, FN2 Civic Type-R.

Any suggestions, experiences or advice on the above gratefully received.

Robert.

[Mave]

alpina b3.3s touring? (e46)

[Mr SFJ]

Alfa Romeo 159?

[dai1983]

2.0t Octavia VRS estate?

[The Moose]

Out of interest, and not trying to start an argument, but why does the RFL figure matter in the grand scheme of things?

[JFReturns]

Mave said:

alpina b3.3s touring? (e46)

Good shout here, I'd not even thought about this. Its older and less frugal than I'd like but still, it is very special and practical. Can't find a touring though, do you know of any for sale? This looks nice though, and the dog could sit on the back seats at a push

Mr SFJ said:

Alfa Romeo 159?

Another good shout. They are stunning! But I can't find any within budget

Shame as they are otherwise perfect in 2.2 or even the fancy new turbo engined guise.

dai1983 said:

2.0t Octavia VRS estate?

I didn't consider these for some reason, but fulfil my criteria so thanks for the suggestion. One to test drive for sure!

[JFReturns]

The Moose said:

Out of interest, and not trying to start an argument, but why does the RFL figure matter in the grand scheme of things?

It is a good question - I want the car to be cheaper to run overall than my Ford Ka / TVR combo, and a £475 rfl is a stinger that I've felt before in my WRX Wagon. I'd rather not have to pay that again, but for the right car..... maybe.

Now you've got me thinking about it, this is a bit special:

[Mave]

JFReturns said:

I didn't consider these for some reason, but fulfil my criteria so thanks for the suggestion. One to test drive for sure!

Take a look at alpina register. There's a pre#facelift for sale, although no price listed.

[Matt UK]

Your OP looks like a description of the Mk5 VW Golf GTI?

[mike9009]

You can fit a Lab in a VX220. I think it fits all your other criteria, except maybe an NA will only be in reach and they stopped registering in early 2004.

[JFReturns]

The Golf GTi was right at the top of my list. Great all round practical car.

However I've gone and bought a car already. It is practical. Well compared to a TVR it is. SWMBOs gonna kill me!

[Matt UK]

JFReturns said:

However I've gone and bought a car already. It is practical. Well compared to a TVR it is. SWMBOs gonna kill me!

Spill the beans then

[JFReturns]

mike9009 said:

You can fit a Lab in a VX220. I think it fits all your other criteria, except maybe an NA will only be in reach and they stopped registering in early 2004.

Already owned one of those, miss it loads. And you're right, a labrador will fit though mine was quite small at the time

[JFReturns]

Matt UK said:

JFReturns said:

However I've gone and bought a car already. It is practical. Well compared to a TVR it is. SWMBOs gonna kill me!

Spill the beans then

Told her I was test driving two 3 series Tourings, returned with a coupe

[mike9009]

JFReturns said:

mike9009 said:

You can fit a Lab in a VX220. I think it fits all your other criteria, except maybe an NA will only be in reach and they stopped registering in early 2004.

Already owned one of those, miss it loads. And you're right, a labrador will fit though mine was quite small at the time

I love that photo! I managed to fit my parents lab/ collie cross in mine. Never got a photograph of it though....

[Mr SFJ]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/a...

£9 under 8k. Just get a blanket to cover back seats for the dog.

[LuS1fer]

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/d...

Edited by LuS1fer on Friday 2nd May 08:35

[Mr SFJ]

LuS1fer said:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/d...

Comes free with a wallet emptying thirst and the urge to marry your cousin.

[rallycross]

JFReturns said:

Told her I was test driving two 3 series Tourings, returned with a coupe

Is that a 335i?
They are a bargain at the moment vs other models in the E92 range.

[AudiWurst]

If you don't need rear seats, how about a Z3M breadvan coupe?

May need to stretch the budget a little (£10k) and relax the maximum age criteria.

Fast, relatively rare, and (allegedly) not ruinous to keep/maintain. Should hold its value well in future.