Which fun reliable commuter to get

[Ross16v]

Hi folks, I've been lurking about on these forums for quite a while but rarely post. However, I'm currently debating what car to replace my old B5.5 passat Tdi estate with as it's starting to get a bit tired and has developed a few issues. Also, it seems like a good excuse to finally treat myself to something a bit nicer for daily duties so thought I'd seek some advice on here for any options I may have missed.

My past cars have mainly been french hot hatches with the odd cheap banger (including the £600 passat mentioned above) thrown in between.

When I first started considering a replacement for the passat I thought I'd just go with a MK5 Golf Gti as this seemed like a practical all rounder, however I think it might be a bit boring and they're also getting on a bit now. So as these things usually go, the budget slowly started increasing and I thought that I may as well go for something a bit newer and hopefully avoid some potential reliability pit falls of an older car. After speaking to one of my mates who's recently gone from a mk6 to mk7 golf and hearing about the step up in terms of quality etc. between the mk5/6 and mk7 I've also started looking at those but they are at the top end of my budget.

I'm going to go and have a look round the local dealers at a MK6 Gti, an ED35 and a Mk7 Gti to get a feel for these models as a Mk6 may be a perfectly nice place to be for me, especially compared to the cheap french interiors I'm used to. I'll also look at a Polo 1.8T Gti.

Before committing to anything I just thought I'd see what other suggestions people might have for a reliable but fun daily commuter. I'd like something that's got a nice interior and will be enjoyable to drive so that I don't get bored of it too soon. 3dr over 5dr variant would be my preference on whatever I end up going for and I'd also need to be able to fit roof bars for my mtb carrier (don't want to use a Seasucker). My commute's around 50 mile round trip and is a mix of rural A-roads, dual carriageway and then the last few miles in town. Fuel economy isn't priority but would rather something that can do >25mpg. The same with road tax, I'd rather not be paying over £250 per year if I can help it.

Some cars I've considered already include;

Mini R53 GP1 - maybe a bit too old now and not sure what it would be like to live with as a daily. Always fancied one but might be better as a second car rather than piling too many miles on it.

Seat Leon Cupra - nice cars but think I'd prefer a golf. Also, don't think they come in 3dr variant?

Nissan 350Z - getting on a bit now, and also very expensive for road tax I believe. Also, not sure if I can fit roof bars.

Renaultsport Clio or Megane - good fun cars but I think I fancy a change from French hatches.

BMW 135i - think I might be struggling to get a really good one on my budget. Also maybe not the best for all year round use in Aberdeenshire. Although for all the snow we get then a spare set of alloys and winter tyres would probably keep it safe all year round.

Honda Civic Type R - Have their issues but should be pretty reliable - although wouldn't be able to fit roof bars.


Oh, and my budget is £15k.

Any input would be greatly appreciated; should I just go for a Mk7 golf Gti and be done with it or would a Mk6 Gti serve me as well and save me a few grand in the process? Or maybe an ED35 golf as it may hold it's value better over a similarly priced Mk7 Gti.

Any other good alternatives that I've overlooked?

Sorry for such a long post.

Cheers
Ross

[ZX10R NIN]

It really is hard to look past the Megane especially if you're talking about fun.

RS265 Lux with the Cup chassis:

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

With regards to the Nissan you'd actually be able to get a 370Z, these are an underrated car but they're a good steer, yes they're £535 tax but that's a small expense in terms of the overall running costs.

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

A good alternative to the Golf is the Seat Leon Cupra 280:

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

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

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

Leftfield:

308 GTI

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

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

Alfa Giulietta TBI/Cloverleaf

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

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

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

[culpz]

It's always hard to look past a Golf GTI in these scenarios. They can sometimes feel a bit numb and not much fun compared to the French stuff though. Great cars to spend alot of time in, mind. I'd go a try and test drive as many of your options as possible.

The Leon Cupra's can be had in 5 door, if needs be. You could always get a decent Clio 220 Trophy for 15k, as a bit of a left field choice. They're a bit more grown-up now and not as nice inside compared to the VAG stuff, but they're fun cars to drive.

[NorthernSky]

This, before I snap it up. £3800 as advertised, can probably scoop it for nearer 3.5 if asking the buyer nicely.

> Single owner from new who can afford a list of key long term maintenance upgrades
> Petrolhead status car
> 'Modern classic'?
> Cheaper than the GTI mk5's you mention
> Very rare Goodwood green.
> Two tone seats, BOSE, remapped but without boy racer additional mods.

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

[daemon]

ZX10R NIN said:

With regards to the Nissan you'd actually be able to get a 370Z, these are an underrated car but they're a good steer, yes they're £535 tax but that's a small expense in terms of the overall running costs.

I would second that. Whilst road tax is high, buy at the right price and they depreciate very slowly.

We bought a year old one for £19,995, ran it for 2 years and sold it for £18,000.

With early models starting at a little over £10K, i think you could buy one and lose relatively little come resale time.

[Mo28]

If you want practicality combined with the underpinnings of the Golf GTI, a Skoda Octavia VRS should do the trick. Especially in estate form I see them to be quite a sleeper.

[Integroo]

Type R - wouldn't be able to fit roof bars, but easily fit the bike in the boot with the rear seats down. However, wouldn't buy one for commuting - much too firmly sprung plus tight bucket seats. Interior isn't that nice either - all hard plastic and rattles. (Presume you are speaking about an FN2 - wouldn't get an FK2/8 in budget).

[Integroo]

daemon said:

ZX10R NIN said:

With regards to the Nissan you'd actually be able to get a 370Z, these are an underrated car but they're a good steer, yes they're £535 tax but that's a small expense in terms of the overall running costs.

I would second that. Whilst road tax is high, buy at the right price and they depreciate very slowly.

We bought a year old one for £19,995, ran it for 2 years and sold it for £18,000.

With early models starting at a little over £10K, i think you could buy one and lose relatively little come resale time.

Would he get roof bars on? You couldn't get them for a 350Z.

[Ross16v]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions.

I'd looked at Type R's before but ruled them out due to not being able to take roof bars. With my current passat, and also with previous hatches I've put the bike in the boot but this becomes a bit of a chore after a while, especially when the bike is completely filthy after a muddy winter cycle, particularly in the dark. I think this may also rule out the 370Z too but will double check.

I've spent quite a bit of time in Peugeot and Citroen hire cars over the last 18 months whilst working away, and would rule the 308 out due to the poor interior quality.

Ideally I'd like something newer than that S3 but it does look a very good buy, in fact if it was closer I'd be tempted to go a look at it.

I had ruled out the Renaultsport cars but as suggested I don't think it'll hurt to go and have a look at a couple to get a better feel for them. I'd also ruled out Seat Leon Cupra's but again not for any strong reason so will have a look at those too.

Thankfully my current steed seems to be holding in there for now so I'll hopefully have time to have a good look around before committing to something.

Thanks again, and any other left field suggestions welcomed. I've been trawling through the PH classifieds looking at all sorts such as RS4's, 964 911's and Cayenne's but although nice cars, I'd probably be at the lower end of the scale for what I could afford and could end up being crippled by big repair bills.

[ZX10R NIN]

Integroo said:

daemon said:

ZX10R NIN said:

With regards to the Nissan you'd actually be able to get a 370Z, these are an underrated car but they're a good steer, yes they're £535 tax but that's a small expense in terms of the overall running costs.

I would second that. Whilst road tax is high, buy at the right price and they depreciate very slowly.

We bought a year old one for £19,995, ran it for 2 years and sold it for £18,000.

With early models starting at a little over £10K, i think you could buy one and lose relatively little come resale time.

Would he get roof bars on? You couldn't get them for a 350Z.

Yep you can fit roof bars on the 370z:

[Ross16v]

Just a quick update to close out the thread. After almost buying a mk7 Golf R I ended up going for a M135i instead. Picked it up last weekend and loving it so far

[Toed64]

Ross16v said:

Just a quick update to close out the thread. After almost buying a mk7 Golf R I ended up going for a M135i instead. Picked it up last weekend and loving it so far

Excellent choice! Enjoy...just be careful in the snow!

Visit:

babybmw.net

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted OP.

[Ross16v]

Thanks guys, will definitely enjoy it.

Thankfully I'm working away from home this week so no need to do the commute in the snow.