12-15k that can actually do it all? What compromise?

[C70R]

I'll start by saying this is going to be car #3, so it perhaps doesn't need to do everything. Tip runs and boring stuff will be done by the hybrid 4x4 that replaces the BMW, and my track car will be staying.

However, we're moving out of town part-time, which is going to increase my dependence on a usable car that can do:

• Lots of boring miles (and some fun ones) on very rural roads (needs to be safe, but fun)
• Occasional long motorway runs between county and city, and crawling in heavy town traffic (needs to be auto, with refinement, and ULEZ compliant)
• Big enough to carry 2x adults, a dog and a kid seat (plus paraphernalia) occasionally (needs to have 4 real seats)
• Fun to drive on roadtrips like the NC500, without being the last word in handling prowess (needs some performance and chassis dynamics)

I've pulled a short list out of my ar*e, but keen to know whether I'm missing anything, or something is undeserving of being there.

• E46 M3 SMG. Banking that the maintenance spend and SMG aggro in traffic would be offset by some cool points and appreciation.
• E92/93 M3 DCT. Probably at the ropey end of the market, but a coupe with EDC would be a great solution.
• E92/93 335i Auto. Seems like the obvious choice, potent with a remap, but might be inert.
• S5 V8. Potentially an unsung hero with a V8 and proper autobox, but probably a better cruiser.
• M135i. Not the last word in exciting, but a really well balanced option, and a remap wakes it up.
• Golf R Mk6. Sensible, nippy, but a bit dull.
• Evo X SST. As above, with marginally less dullness.

On reflection, that list is very BMW heavy. Am I being too blinkered?

[Jamescrs]

Before I read your list I was thinking BMW 135i.

Mercedes C63 AMG could be considered though may be rough at the lower end of the budget.

[C70R]

Jamescrs said:

Mercedes C63 AMG could be considered though may be rough at the lower end of the budget.

Great car, but I'm into high-miler/insurance saloons for the money. Nice, but not what I want.

[Smurfsarepeopletoo]

I know its not a prestige car, but a Skoda superb seems to tick most of the boxes, its huge so will carry dog, kid and other stuff, you can get it in the 280 guise, and with a remap even more, and comes in a 4x4 version as well, and will probably get alot newer for the money than your other options.

[RedAndy]

Subaru Forester?

If its a 3rd car, get something a bit cheaper and wilfully different like a Stagea, Caldina?

[C70R]

RedAndy said:

Subaru Forester?

If its a 3rd car, get something a bit cheaper and wilfully different like a Stagea, Caldina?

I love a bit of Jap oddity, but finding a fun, ULEZ-compliant auto is quite tough.

[C70R]

Smurfsarepeopletoo said:

I know its not a prestige car, but a Skoda superb seems to tick most of the boxes, its huge so will carry dog, kid and other stuff, you can get it in the 280 guise, and with a remap even more, and comes in a 4x4 version as well, and will probably get alot newer for the money than your other options.

I really love the Skoda, but it's probably a bit overkill in size terms. I don't need a proper family car, to be honest.

[Timoo]

Lexus IS200

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

IS F

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Insignia VXR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Could consider jags also if they suit?
(Missed that it needed to be auto so ignore the vxr suggestion)

Edited by Timoo on Tuesday 1st December 12:42

[C70R]

Timoo said:

Lexus IS200

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

IS F

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Insignia VXR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Could consider jags also if they suit?
(Missed that it needed to be auto so ignore the vxr suggestion)

Edited by Timoo on Tuesday 1st December 12:42

IS200 is too slow by far, and the ISF has been to the moon and back. I hadn't considered Lexus though.

On the Jag front, I'd definitely be open to a 5.0 XKR. I think they are at the top of the price band, sadly.

[culpz]

Leon Cupra? I'm obviously a bit biased but you a lot of the toys that are an option on the Golf R as standard, the same power but in a FWD package, which makes it a bit more fun to drive.

Tbh, out of your selection, i think I'd go for an M135i though, which would also trump the Seat. I know it's just a 1-Series M Sport with a big engine, but that powertrain really dominates the experience. Probably not as much space as you might like, but should fit your description and a good compromise with all your requirements.

[nickfrog]

culpz said:

i think I'd go for an M135i though

I agree, I would try and find a LCI, so 2015 onwards. And then it can progressively be improved on, perhaps starting with front M4 LCAs. Not sure a remap is that crucial, my M135i didn't feel much slower than the M2 in a straight line.
PS. Just had a look and there is a couple on AT that fit the brief for under £16k and around 50k miles. Should be able to haggle down to £15k perhaps.

Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 1st December 15:35

[C70R]

nickfrog said:

I agree, I would try and find a LCI, so 2015 onwards. And then it can progressively be improved on, perhaps starting with front M4 LCAs. Not sure a remap is that crucial, my M135i didn't feel much slower than the M2 in a straight line.
PS. Just had a look and there is a couple on AT that fit the brief for under £16k and around 50k miles. Should be able to haggle down to £15k perhaps.

Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 1st December 15:35

Ha! Good of you to stop by.

As you can see, the man maths on the road/track M2 didn't stack up next to buying another house!

Really keen to hear your thoughts on how an M135i might drive relative to your lovely M2, not that it will ever go near a track.

[nunpuncher]

My M135i was one of the worst handling cars I've ever driven on Scottish roads. So if you plan on doing the NC500 in it then buy something... ANYTHING else. it was like driving an over powered pogo stick the way it seemed to build up bounce energy on the undulating roads.

[C70R]

culpz said:

Leon Cupra? I'm obviously a bit biased but you a lot of the toys that are an option on the Golf R as standard, the same power but in a FWD package, which makes it a bit more fun to drive.

Tbh, out of your selection, i think I'd go for an M135i though, which would also trump the Seat. I know it's just a 1-Series M Sport with a big engine, but that powertrain really dominates the experience. Probably not as much space as you might like, but should fit your description and a good compromise with all your requirements.

I have a FWD hatch track car, and I love it. But I feel like I'd prefer something which is a bit of a contrast.

[nickfrog]

C70R said:

Really keen to hear your thoughts on how an M135i might drive relative to your lovely M2, not that it will ever go near a track.

I really liked mine, I would go as far as saying it's a better daily driver than the M2, and more practical.

The handling and damping are an acquired taste and lots of people dislike both, as per nunpuncher's post. I liked both actually for the intended purpose of being a quick "mini-GT". They've made the rear soft to promote traction in the absence of a LSD and for me it worked. I even tracked it at Spa where it was seriously capable (3:00!). Mine was a 3-door and I understand that those handle a bit better in terms of wheel control thanks to extra bracing.

So I would suggest a decent test drive as you might hate it!

Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 1st December 17:01

[C70R]

nickfrog said:

C70R said:

Really keen to hear your thoughts on how an M135i might drive relative to your lovely M2, not that it will ever go near a track.

I really liked mine, I would go as far as saying it's a better daily driver than the M2, and more practical.

The handling and damping are an acquired taste and lots of people dislike both, as per nunpuncher's post. I liked both actually for the intended purpose of being a quick "mini-GT". They've made the rear soft to promote traction in the absence of a LSD and for me it worked. I even tracked it at Spa where it was seriously capable (3:00!). Mine was a 3-door and I understand that those handle a bit better in terms of wheel control thanks to extra bracing.

So I would suggest a decent test drive as you might hate it!

Edited by nickfrog on Tuesday 1st December 17:01

Cheers.

The 'mini-GT' thing is much closer to the sort of thing I'm looking for than something 'hardcore'.

[RichardAP]

Merc E350d cab may tick the different box. Can get them remapped too if you are so inclined.

[A500leroy]

s4 soft top with a tow bar?

[C70R]

A500leroy said:

s4 soft top with a tow bar?

S4 convertible really appeals, actually. Doesn't get great reviews as a driver's car, but that might not matter.

No idea what I'd need a towbar for though...

[A500leroy]

C70R said:

A500leroy said:

s4 soft top with a tow bar?

S4 convertible really appeals, actually. Doesn't get great reviews as a driver's car, but that might not matter.

No idea what I'd need a towbar for though...

Ultimate do it all car then, buy a trailer and youve got a small convertible van!