4-7k Budget - Something interesting, modern(ish), and practi

[chris-fm270]

For the first time in my car buying life I am stuck for ideas and I need a quick(ish) solution. My budget is dependant on running costs so I am willing to spend up to 7k or something with decent economy and low tax and less for something with worse economy (but not below 25 mpg).

This will be my only (functioning) car so has to be dependable.

The use will be mostly motorways with a few fun local country lanes so I want decent NVH. I prefer petrol but can be swayed to diesel.

I have previously owned from most recent:
1996 Volvo 960 auto (soooo practical but a bit thirsty and difficult to rely on as an only car)
2019 Fiesta ST-2 (great car, can't fault it but rather boring. probably not practical enough for me now that I have had an estate)
1990 BMW E34 1.8 (comfy, cheap, slow, but interesting. I want something more modern)
2010 VW Scirocco 2.0TSI DSG (probably one of my favouite cars owned, don't want another though and not practical enough)

previous to that they were just cheap runabouts, mk1 focus, KA, Corolla etc.

So far I have considered:

Citroen Cactus (love the design and "ethos" of the low cost simple design ideas, hate the gearbox)
Peugeot RCZ 200thp (Haven't tried one, but it looks like my kind of car. proabably not practical enough but it would be if I could get a roof rack?)
Audi TT (its like the pug but can take a roof rack, bit boring though)
Saab 9-5/9-3 (very tempting but concerned over reliability/maintenance costs)
Mini Clubman (right size, power, quirkyness but something about them I just don't get on with)
Renault Avantime (would be interesting, but not brave enough)

There are probably more that I have considered, but you get the idea. I was sold on a cactus til I drove one. Pug is currently in the lead in my mind and I would go for it if I could find a roof rack as I need to occasionally move some long (1.8m ish) light weight display stands.

So yeah, for the first time in my life I am stuck for ideas. I sold the Volvo earlier this week so need to sort out a replcement soonish.

[konster296]

E82 125i

[Canon_Fodder]

I loved my RCZ diesel as a long distance motorway cruiser but it's got a rock hard ride around town and as for a roof rack on that double-bubble roof - I doubt it!

Was quite practical though and felt very well built

[chris-fm270]

konster296 said:

E82 125i

Actually. yeah, I never considered that.

I had rulled out the 1 series hatch, and 3/5 series are great but a bit boring.

The mini BMW is quite an oddity and quite appealing.

I have also just learned that you can get a roof rack for a 986 boxster....

[ZX10R NIN]

You can put a roof box on a 350Z:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108146...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108075...

125i Coupe

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108216...