£6k, quick, comfortable, reliable?
Discussion
Morning all,
I'm looking to change my car in the next few weeks and would appreciate the view of the PH fraternity to help me decide/highlight anything I may have missed.
I'm currently running an MR2 turbo and while it's an absolute riot to drive, it's starting to grate a bit as a daily. If I had the space to wrap it up and use it on weekends, I would. Sadly I don't. So I'm looking for a good all-rounder as a replacement.
Requirements are;
- 2004+
- 200 bhp+
- Creature comforts (decent stereo etc)
- Practical (the ability to carry my mountain bike, so not that difficult - unless you have an MR2)
- Relatively comfortable
- 70k miles max ideally
- Budget £6k
I'm currently considering the Mazda 3 MPS and Skoda Octavia VRS
The Mazda is an absolute bargain in my eyes, plenty of power (and tuning ability), plenty of standard kit and a great stereo but it gets stung with £485 VED which will no doubt hurt resale. How much of a concern should this be? As people have said, it's the price of a few tanks of fuel but as the car decreases in value the VED hit will be harder to swallow. The fact it's not as sharp dynamically doesn't really bother me that much.
The Skoda is also a pretty cheap car to buy, has a fantastic engine IMO and can be had in estate form (I don't need one, just like them!). The interior is probably a bit more high-rent and it falls into the cheaper tax band meaning resale will probably be easier. But as my mate put it, "It's just a taxi with a spoiler".
What other cars would you be considering? I've had a 330Ci before and while it was a nice car it was horribly unreliable so that won't be getting added to my shortlist.
Thanks all!
I'm looking to change my car in the next few weeks and would appreciate the view of the PH fraternity to help me decide/highlight anything I may have missed.
I'm currently running an MR2 turbo and while it's an absolute riot to drive, it's starting to grate a bit as a daily. If I had the space to wrap it up and use it on weekends, I would. Sadly I don't. So I'm looking for a good all-rounder as a replacement.
Requirements are;
- 2004+
- 200 bhp+
- Creature comforts (decent stereo etc)
- Practical (the ability to carry my mountain bike, so not that difficult - unless you have an MR2)
- Relatively comfortable
- 70k miles max ideally
- Budget £6k
I'm currently considering the Mazda 3 MPS and Skoda Octavia VRS
The Mazda is an absolute bargain in my eyes, plenty of power (and tuning ability), plenty of standard kit and a great stereo but it gets stung with £485 VED which will no doubt hurt resale. How much of a concern should this be? As people have said, it's the price of a few tanks of fuel but as the car decreases in value the VED hit will be harder to swallow. The fact it's not as sharp dynamically doesn't really bother me that much.
The Skoda is also a pretty cheap car to buy, has a fantastic engine IMO and can be had in estate form (I don't need one, just like them!). The interior is probably a bit more high-rent and it falls into the cheaper tax band meaning resale will probably be easier. But as my mate put it, "It's just a taxi with a spoiler".
What other cars would you be considering? I've had a 330Ci before and while it was a nice car it was horribly unreliable so that won't be getting added to my shortlist.
Thanks all!
NiceCupOfTea said:
9-3 V6 Sportwagon
Interesting... Does anyone have any experience with this powertain? My Dad has a 9-3 TTiD and most of the controls feel a little 'wooly.'J8 SVG said:
Clio 197. Just try one 
eta. Definitely comfy with Recaros, unsure without as I've not driven one too far.
Oh, and don't ask about MPG, just keep driving haha
I think if I were going Renault it would have to be an R26 eta. Definitely comfy with Recaros, unsure without as I've not driven one too far.
Oh, and don't ask about MPG, just keep driving haha
The Clio seems a little small and tinny - a bloody good laugh though but not what I'd personally call comfortable
f
k1_6 said:
Am I right to be sceptical of that ad..?k1_6 said:
pti said:
Good suggestion but the Skoda represents better VFM, as would a Leon.
While I'm not doubting it's abilities, the Golf doesn't do it for me.
Fair shout. what about a Leon Cupra R with abit left over for a bork/repair/mod fund?While I'm not doubting it's abilities, the Golf doesn't do it for me.
Or something like a Renaultsport Megane?
But I would get something like a E46 330i.
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