Comfy But Good For A Spirited Drive

[smiley_boy2501]

I'm currently in a Peugeot 208 Gti PS which although is very fun and a really great drive, is just far too stiff on Central Manchester roads. It's not the best for motorway cruising either and I frequently travel to Leeds and Whitby will be my parents new home

Budget £5000
Something that excites down a B Road
Comfy
Less than 8 seconds
Focus sized or above. Preferably hatchback/estate for easy bike transport
Preferably manual, but must be a good auto
Preferably N/A, but characterful is probably more important

I appreciate that's a particular list

Been thinking 2.5 Mk4 Mondeo or ST220, Subaru Legacy Spec B and the obligatory Ovlov T5 (any variant) for starters

[ZX10R NIN]

Although the Mondeo is good it won't be as much fun as your 208 down a B Road as long as you're happy to accept that then the cars you've listed will fit the bill.

I'd go for the 2.5T Mondeo as it's the best steer of it's type & the engine has character too, plus you can hit the Mountune sweet shop should you want to make it sharper.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Subaru WRX 2.5T Hatchback

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Saab 9-3 2.8T these are cheap but have a high road tax band which counts against them:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Vectra VXR these didn't handle as badly they were made out to so they could fit the bill

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Audi A3 3.2 S Line Whilst not the sharpest the engine has character & they've got potential, just keep an eye on the timing chain.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[smiley_boy2501]

Hadn't thought about the saab. VXR looks awful inside but willing to be told otherwise.

How would a W211 stack up against a mondeo?

Any views on Legacy as a daily (comfort wise).

[ZX10R NIN]

The E Class will be a nicer place to dispatch with the miles but the Mondeo will be the better steer also if you're looking at a petrol the it'll be drinking more too. What model were you considering?

[ZX10R NIN]

The dash in the VXR is't the greatest but the Recaro seats are really nice & who doesn't want a a 2.8T engine to have fun with.

[UberMeister]

My first thought was a Legacy Spec B but also a Golf R32 Mk4 or Mk5?

[smiley_boy2501]

Not fussed about consumption. I'm more bothered about a lovely exhaust note.

W211 wise I was thinking E350 or E500 although the latter may stretch the budget as I'd be hoping for post 54 plate to reduce chance of borkage, or at least that's what the barge thread suggests. Maybe it would be a tad too soft for what I'm after.

I'll have a look at a VXR and cop a feel of the gearstick/wheel. My 208 has such a lovely tactile experience so it'll be hard to beat match.

R32 is out of my budget for all but the cheapest. The MKV golf sounds to be a good all-rounder but I'd ruled it out on the basis most suggest it's just a bit boring to drive. I think i'd prefer something other than a 4 pot as well.

[TheVole]

Ovlov C30 T5. This is mine, with some go-faster goodies.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd go for a the 500 out of the two as it's the more reliable engine the 350 can have balancer shaft issues if you do then it's an engine out job & a £1500 bill (although you can check if your engine one that's affected) also who doesn't like listening to a V8, although you have to do some exhaust (X Pipe) work before you can get to hear that V8, also take a look at the CLK500 as the rear seats fold (a lot of the E Classes don't) down giving you a bigger boot than the E Class.

CLK500

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E500

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E500-5-0-A...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Estate

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

You can get some lovely 350's

CLK350 get the 55 plates & you save on the road tax too.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

E350

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-E-350-AVENTGARD...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...