4k for something vaguely practical and fun
Discussion
I've just sold my MR2. Still have a giant Volvo XC90 for most 'practical' tasks, like carting around a tiny human and all associated equipment. However we have a second baby on the way so I need a daily which can accept a baby seat, returns not horrific mpg on my long commute but isn't dull.
I can spend 4k ish. On my mental list so far I have the Volvo S60 T5R, Audi S4 B7, Mazda 6 MPS and the E46 330i.
I like the idea of a fast Volvo and loved my boring S60 D5 so the T5R is probably first choice. Unfortunately I suspect my budget only buys a ropey example these days. Potential for massive bills and quite thirsty too. Normal T5 would be well within budget but not sure I want FWD.
The Mazda and the Audi both seem like bargains for the potential performance. Maybe a bit dull to drive? S4 sounds ace but I can probably get a better example of the Mazda.
My natural preference is for RWD but choices are limited from this era it seems. Hence the 330i. Not sure it's that fast or exciting though - basically makes the list because in an ideal world I'd like an M3. Or a 911.
What interesting stuff am I missing? Maybe a 350z? Some exciting Jap import I've never heard of?
I can spend 4k ish. On my mental list so far I have the Volvo S60 T5R, Audi S4 B7, Mazda 6 MPS and the E46 330i.
I like the idea of a fast Volvo and loved my boring S60 D5 so the T5R is probably first choice. Unfortunately I suspect my budget only buys a ropey example these days. Potential for massive bills and quite thirsty too. Normal T5 would be well within budget but not sure I want FWD.
The Mazda and the Audi both seem like bargains for the potential performance. Maybe a bit dull to drive? S4 sounds ace but I can probably get a better example of the Mazda.
My natural preference is for RWD but choices are limited from this era it seems. Hence the 330i. Not sure it's that fast or exciting though - basically makes the list because in an ideal world I'd like an M3. Or a 911.
What interesting stuff am I missing? Maybe a 350z? Some exciting Jap import I've never heard of?
The MPS is a good car but they have some serious issues that if not already rectified will end up costing you a fair few pennies.
If you can live with a hatchback then I'd say the Focus ST-3 is a winner:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the Mondeo with the same drivetrain as the above:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the older but no lesser a car Mondeo ST220:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
If you can live with a hatchback then I'd say the Focus ST-3 is a winner:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the Mondeo with the same drivetrain as the above:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the older but no lesser a car Mondeo ST220:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
CrippsCorner said:
350Z is 2 seater isn't it? I noticed these were just getting into my price bucket but not being able to ferry the family around makes it an impossible choice 
Go for the Skyline 350GT as these are an extended 350Z platform so are a 2+2 (it later became the Infiniti G37) so that may suit your requirements:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Skyline-V35-350G...
f:1https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-03-NISSAN-SKYLINE-...
0UAAOSwaaNcF6PW:rk:3f:1They also come in saloon form for all your needs:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NISSAN-SKYLINE-350GT-PR...
f:1Thought I'd revive my own old thread rather than start a new one with the same brief.
So in the end I bought an LPG converted RX8. Other than the fact that I had to fill it up essentially everyday it was fulfilling the brief nicely. Unfortunately a drunk lady drove into it at speed so it's going to be written off. I can;t be bothered to faff trying to do my own conversion on a new RX8 (it apparently took a lot of effort to get it to run right) so I'm in the market for a car again.
Any new suggestions?
So in the end I bought an LPG converted RX8. Other than the fact that I had to fill it up essentially everyday it was fulfilling the brief nicely. Unfortunately a drunk lady drove into it at speed so it's going to be written off. I can;t be bothered to faff trying to do my own conversion on a new RX8 (it apparently took a lot of effort to get it to run right) so I'm in the market for a car again.
Any new suggestions?
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