Best man - advice needed on wheels

[sassthathoopie]

A mate of mine (who I will shortly be acting as best man for) has asked for advice on a new car. His car history to date is: E30 320i, Mk1 MX5 x2, Seat Leon, latest shape Civic Type R.

He's not an out and out wheelman but likes a 'fun' car.

He lives in London so main journey is Wimbledon to Swansea every weekend to see his fiance, plus the occasional trip into the welsh hills (although usually they take her SLK)

Criteria:
Good/Great Economy
Fun
5 years old or less
Cruise control
Up to £21k
A bit of luggage space probably handy

He mentioned BMW 120d. I of course suggested a 335d

A brief look at the PH classified suggested
Alfa 159 2.4JTDM
Alfa GT JTDM Cloverleaf
Alfa Brera JTD
VW Scirrocco 2.0 TDI
Honda CRZ
Volvo C30 D5

New diesels aren't really my field of expertise - what have I missed?

Suggestions much appreciated as I could do with making up for the purchase of Apollo 13 - his old 3 series that he bought on my recomendation

[nonuts]

Depends on this bit:

Good/Great Economy

130i / 123d wouldn't be a bad bet depending on the answer to the above.

[sassthathoopie]

Economy does seem to be a major reason for the switch from the Type R. He's been quoting me the different mpg figures for the 120d

[Mattt]

123d would be a good bet.

[LuS1fer]

Seems to me he will never ever make up the financial deficit between the improved mpg and the cost of a new car given the limited use. Keep the Type R and ensure he spells fiance, fiancee to avoid funny looks...

[sassthathoopie]

LuS1fer said:

Seems to me he will never ever make up the financial deficit between the improved mpg and the cost of a new car given the limited use. Keep the Type R and ensure he spells fiance, fiancee to avoid funny looks...

That's what I said!

In reply he said 'The Civic isn't really me. I fancy a more mature brand of quality fun'

Edited by sassthathoopie on Friday 1st April 14:16

[LukeSi]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Couldn't resist

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011... is nice

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011... M3 Maybe?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011... or being completely epic.

And none of these fit the criteria. You can see what my car purchases will be like. *Needs sensible Family car - Comes back with Two seater sports car*

[LuS1fer]

sassthathoopie said:

LuS1fer said:

Seems to me he will never ever make up the financial deficit between the improved mpg and the cost of a new car given the limited use. Keep the Type R and ensure he spells fiance, fiancee to avoid funny looks...

That's what I said!

In reply he said 'The Civic isn't really me. I fancy a more mature brand of quality fun'

Edited by sassthathoopie on Friday 1st April 14:16

So he wants to be a badge snob? Difficult to see how you get more fun than a hot hatch...

What about a Ducati....

[jdw1234]

Given new found marital status I would recommend only something with 4 doors (other car is SLK).

Otherwise they will need to change again for kids.

[LuS1fer]

jdw1234 said:

Given new found marital status I would recommend only something with 4 doors (other car is SLK).

Otherwise they will need to change again for kids.

Fair point - we had to trade a 3 month old Typr R EP3 for the Mazda because the front seats don't tip forward enough for kids. Lost a lot of money too. He could buy a diesel barge, screw the fun and enjoy the luxo-waft? Audi A8?

[sassthathoopie]

LukeSi said:

Somehow I don't think this was what he was imagining for a 4 hour friday evening M4 commute!

[angusc43]

sassthathoopie said:

Suggestions much appreciated as I could do with making up for the purchase of Apollo 13 - his old 3 series that he bought on my recomendation

My advice? Don't give him advice. Cars always go wrong. Ergo you'll always get blamed.......

[LukeSi]

sassthathoopie said:

Somehow I don't think this was what he was imagining for a 4 hour friday evening M4 commute!

I would. Show him and if he says no tell him to stop being a wuss and suck it up

And then spend the rest on a barge.

or this which fits the Criteria.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

That would be my solution

"Honey did you find a family car?"

• Crap

"Ah...Yes honey. It's just being prepared at the garage"

• Hides MegaBusa
• Spends remaining on Astra

"Here it is honey"

He would have £15 left before haggling.

Edited by LukeSi on Friday 1st April 14:43

[edo]

2008 BMW 1 SERIES 123D M SPORT

2 Doors, Manual, Coupe, Diesel, 19,997 miles, Metallic Blue. SATELLITE NAVIGATION, Full Leather, Climate Control, Xenons, One Former Keeper, Full Service History, Diesel, Sports suspension, Park distance control, Metallic paintwork, Multi function steering wheel, CD Multichanger, Heated seats, Sports Model, Alloy wheels, Cruise control, Central locking, Adjustable steering column/wheel.
£19,790

[sassthathoopie]

Very nice. Where did you find that? Doesn't appear to be on PH or Autotrader.

[edo]

sassthathoopie said:

Very nice. Where did you find that? Doesn't appear to be on PH or Autotrader.

Tis on trader.

The main dealer car is the better car, mainly as it has the new widescreen HDD based media system, however it is white...

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/search/used/cars/postc...

[bacpac109]

I'm biased, but I would look at what Alfa have to offer - although I've no experience of what they're like on diesel. Brera would be my first choice - still a stunning car and great fun to drive.

[hornetrider]

Sod the petrol. Epic horizon breaching awaits.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2010...

[sassthathoopie]

I'd heard vaguely good things about diesel Alfas. Anyone with any experience?

[tyranical]

Mk2 Cooper S JCW is all he needs imo, sod the luggage space!

Economical when it needs to be (40+ on a run, even when nailing it around you still get 30ish) much more fun and doesn't run on the dreaded "D".

Also people see it as a quality brand even though its not really (it has a peugeot engine after all).

A test drive will make anyone fall in love with one, even a hardcore mini hater.