What Car Shocker £4K limit

[DozyGit]

To the noble PH massive :-)

Budget: £4K

Requirements:
1. Reliable
2. Low service cost
3. Good fuel economy
4. Great Image
5. Good comfort
6. Speed/Acceleration/Handling - not so important shocker as this will be the work mule but bonus points for those that get this as well :-D

OK, must be able to go to a site in a full suit with tie ... hence the image and not look like a clapped out banger :-(

Can push to £4.5K if it is amazing

Awaiting loads of good suggestions

[Locke]

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2504217.htm

You'd get it for at least 4.5k

[HonestIago]

Mk IV Golf TDI (130 or 150), could get a decent one for that money and they fill all of the requirements nicely. Totally classless car IMO which makes for a good image.

We've had a MY02 TDI 130 in our family from new and its done 147k trouble free miles. Decent enough poke and 50mpg with ease. Very comfy too and servicing/costs not bad.

[charliedaker]

I drive one of these and i really rate it!

Was only supposed to fill a gap after selling a FFRR but ive ended up keeping it and really enjoy it- great everyday smoker!

Very comfy, chassis provides enough entertainment and economy never drops below 44mpg and can go north of 60 if you take it steady.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2519469.htm

I also think these are really nice cars...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2436720.htm

[Jayho]

Volvo
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2373715.htm

Saab
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1852525.htm

MG
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2574890.htm

[Chan6192]

hi i got just what your looking for, email me- [e-mail]

[Xavier259]

2003 SEAT Toledo 1.9 TDi SE


2004 VOLKSWAGEN BORA 1.9 TDI 150 Sport

I appreciate the two above are a bit predictable, dull and anonymous so I have included a few 'outside the box' suggestions below for good measure.


2004 CITROEN C5 2.2 HDi VTR


2005 PEUGEOT 407 2.0 HDI 136 SE


2005 ALFA ROMEO 156 1.9 JTD 150 Turismo

[paulm3]

Lupo GTi ??

[Xavier259]

brickwall said:

So far we've had choice comprising mostly of 1.9tdi repmobiles. What has PH come to?

Coming back to the true roots of this website, what you need sir is an MX5.

Check out his garage. He already has that base covered.

[y2blade]

Jayho said:

Volvo
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2373715.htm

Saab
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1852525.htm

MG
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2574890.htm

OPs requirement *4 would rule those out, wouldn't it?

[Petrolhead_Rich]

Jayho said:

Volvo
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2373715.htm

S60's are fantastic cars, very comfy, but quite quick to drive and reasonably chuckable, with good MPG if your careful, especially considering their size!

y2blade said:

OPs requirement *4 would rule those out, wouldn't it?

Why? What is wrong with the Volvo or Saab Image??

[y2blade]

Petrolhead_Rich said:

Jayho said:

Volvo
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2373715.htm

S60's are fantastic cars, very comfy, but quite quick to drive and reasonably chuckable, with good MPG if your careful, especially considering their size!

y2blade said:

OPs requirement *4 would rule those out, wouldn't it?

Why? What is wrong with the Volvo or Saab Image??

nothing, look at my garage..I love my Volvos (I've had a few now)...just not a "PH" image is it

my S60 D5 SE is bloody superb

[DozyGit]

Wow this is why I love the enlightened masses of PH :-D

So many wonderful suggestions, keep them coming!!!!

Another MX-5 is a good suggestions, sadly need a motorway cruiser that can work well in town!

A quick question about costs regarding the:
1. C class Merc
2. The Alfa Romeo 156 diesel
3. Volvo S60 D
4. Saab 9-3

In terms of servicing, general ownership. Also how reliable are these beasts, so far I have been spoilt rotten by Japanese reliability of the MX5 and never had to do anything major except service the car every 3,000miles (yes yes I know)

[chunkymonkey71]

Ignis Sport if you can compromise on comfort.

Its fun fun fun!!!

[Robb F]

That Alfa 156 is lovely.

[DozyGit]

Is the Ignis sport economical?

Oh yes the Alfa looks lovely but the fears of astronomical bills...... true or not true is the question :-)

[y2blade]

DozyGit said:

A quick question about costs regarding the:
1. C class Merc
2. The Alfa Romeo 156 diesel
3. Volvo S60 D
4. Saab 9-3

In terms of servicing, general ownership. Also how reliable are these beasts, so far I have been spoilt rotten by Japanese reliability of the MX5 and never had to do anything major except service the car every 3,000miles (yes yes I know)

I can only speak from my own experience with the S60 D5 SE

I've had mine since July last year and it has been used Daily for my commute, I also did a 1000mile Lake district trip and countless other long trips visiting family members around the country
she has NEVER missed a beat..100% reliable (touch wood)

It is a real pleasure to drive on all types of road,equally at home on rural roads and motorways and all roads in-between, good in the corners and the brakes are superb..the interior is as you'd expect from a High Spec Volvo (very well equipped)..the seats are among the comfiest you will find.
the OEM stereo (13 speaker Dolby Pro-logic) is highly regarded amongst those in the know.

The service bill was the same as the T5 tbh..parts are surprisingly cheap from Volvo

try one before you dismiss it...I'm Truly smitten with mine

and I never thought I'd catch myself saying that about a Diesel

[Hot Potatoes]

What about an early Lexus IS200 and put the difference towards fuel?

Otherwise if diesel ; Seat Leon 1.9 TDi 130 can't really go wrong with that...

[Thejimreaper]

Mondeo st220. Are not to thirsty if driven sensibly!

[Kaelic]

Robb F said:

That Alfa 156 is lovely.

This!

For that price you may be able to find a facelift 156 with leather and lots more toys just look around, and keep a look out for a stromboli grey with red leather interior as those are simply gorgeous!