Help me choose a new car please!

[Dominicjeans]

Hi all.

I need help in deciding on some cars to look at. Historically I have had old school hot hatches (clio 172, 205gti, etc.) and am in a mini cooper S at the minute BUT I need to change as I am now needing something bigger as we now have a dog. It doesn't need to be massive (golf size would be ok) but there are other things I need now-

A comfortable ride (I'm now old and my back is killed from the mini's lack of suspension)
A light clutch or an auto/DSG- my left knee is very weak from an injury
The car needs to be pretty fast with good acceleration
Decent handling
Safe (the Mrs says this is important)

What do you think? Budget up to 10k.

Ta!

[snotrag]

Renaultsport Clio 1.6 EDC - fast, bit bigger than the old ones, 5 door, auto, great chassis, pretty sure they early ones are just in budget?

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11074461?c...

[Lowboidrifting]

just a few cheap barges
Lexus LS400 (automatic for optimum wafting)
TOYOTA ARISTO (automatic for optimum wafting)
seat leon FR estate (can be bought with dsg)
just a few options for you

[Alex_225]

That Clio RS doesn't seem a bag compromise, get the auto box but they are that bit less harsh overall compared to some hot hatches.

If you want something more comfortable, again automatic you could look at something between a luxury barge and a hot hatch. Something like a Merc C350 has the right ingredients. Automatic gearbox, 270bhp and 0-60 in about 6.5 seconds so hot hatch performance figures but a much more comfortable type of car.

[Dominicjeans]

thanks guys... I did consider the auto turbo RS Clio but dismissed it as I guessed the ride was harsh. Is is a bit softer then?

[Jamescrs]

BMW 130i?
I'm sure you would find a very nice auto within your budget

[w8pmc]

Golf R Estate. Job jobbed

[Jamescrs]

w8pmc said:

Golf R Estate. Job jobbed

Sub 10k purchase price?

[culpz]

Dominicjeans said:

thanks guys... I did consider the auto turbo RS Clio but dismissed it as I guessed the ride was harsh. Is is a bit softer then?

Much more softer and compliant compared to it's main rival at the time; the Fiesta ST (although i never thought the ride was that bad in one of those, either). It would be my pick, anyway.

Failing that, you can't go much wrong with a decent Golf GTI.

[w8pmc]

Jamescrs said:

Sub 10k purchase price?

Fair point, didn't read the last line (& a somewhat important one)

[ThriftShift]

Octavia vRS Estate

[C350Akra]

ThriftShift said:

Octavia vRS Estate

This.

[MorganP104]

C350Akra said:

ThriftShift said:

Octavia vRS Estate

This.

Double this.

Anyone who's used to lively handling hot hatches, but now has a dog, a dodgy back and a weak left knee needs to be getting into one of these.

With the excellent DSG 'box. Yummy.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006160...

[ZX10R NIN]

I'd say these are good Auto/DSG picks:

Alfa Quadrifoglio Verde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008313...

Audi S3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101017...

R32 nice creamy V6 with a slightly softer ride than the ED30.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012016...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011236...

Leon FR 180

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012157...

Sciirocco GT 210

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009093...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...

GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010215...

Manual wise I'd say test drive these two:

PS 308 GTI

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010285...

Astra GTC VXR

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012076...

A very good deal could be had with the car below negotiate hard, pay the finance company yourself & if the clutch is good for you then you should have a bit of a steal.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012297...

[Dominicjeans]

thanks all- really helpful!! Lots to think about here. Never considered an Alfa before.