Advice on Daily Driver Options
Discussion
Hello all - new to the forum but long time reader.
I'm looking for some expert opinions on options to look at for a second hand daily driver for around 8k. Background is that last year I bought my first 'proper' performance car, a Jag XKR 4.2, with the intent of using it as my only transport. The reality is, however, that I love the Jag too much and don't like leaving it on the street / carting dirty kit around in it etc. Prior to the Jag, I had a Freelander 2 and loved it for its practicality and off road ability.
So, what would you lot shortlist for a practical daily runaround to complement your 'special car'? The car would be used for an occasional Edinburgh - Devon jaunt, would ideally have capacity to carry a couple of large rucksacks / holdalls and mild off road ability would be a bonus. Something engaging to drive would also be preferable. So far I've thought about: a) another Freelander 2, b) Old Jimny, c) Skoda Yeti, d) Golf TDI GT, e) Audi A4 Avant.
Thank you in advance, PH hive mind.
I'm looking for some expert opinions on options to look at for a second hand daily driver for around 8k. Background is that last year I bought my first 'proper' performance car, a Jag XKR 4.2, with the intent of using it as my only transport. The reality is, however, that I love the Jag too much and don't like leaving it on the street / carting dirty kit around in it etc. Prior to the Jag, I had a Freelander 2 and loved it for its practicality and off road ability.
So, what would you lot shortlist for a practical daily runaround to complement your 'special car'? The car would be used for an occasional Edinburgh - Devon jaunt, would ideally have capacity to carry a couple of large rucksacks / holdalls and mild off road ability would be a bonus. Something engaging to drive would also be preferable. So far I've thought about: a) another Freelander 2, b) Old Jimny, c) Skoda Yeti, d) Golf TDI GT, e) Audi A4 Avant.
Thank you in advance, PH hive mind.
Edited by ThunderCat2 on Wednesday 25th January 19:38
Edited by ThunderCat2 on Wednesday 25th January 22:11
I had a similarish spec a few years ago, quite a few good suggestions here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
(I ended up busting the budget to get a V8, but I guess you've already got one of those
)
(I ended up busting the budget to get a V8, but I guess you've already got one of those
)That's the story of every car I've bought. Buy to be a main car, then I become a tart and don't like leaving it places. This has resulted in five cars haha
The last one being a Saab 9-3 which I'm really pleased with. I've owned an estate model before so might be worth a look. My current one is a convertible so not quite as practical.
The last one being a Saab 9-3 which I'm really pleased with. I've owned an estate model before so might be worth a look. My current one is a convertible so not quite as practical.
I bought a BMW Z4M Coupe in 2019, but was still on elderly parent taxi duty so I got a 2005 BMW 330i saloon to fulfil that role for £3.5K - complete with a 2nd set of wheels with winter tyres fitted.
Sadly Mum passed away in 2020 but it still works for me and 200+ miles trips are no problem, although it sounds like a Touring might suit you better.
Added bonus is it is ULEZ compliant as my sister lives in a London Borough!
Sadly Mum passed away in 2020 but it still works for me and 200+ miles trips are no problem, although it sounds like a Touring might suit you better.
Added bonus is it is ULEZ compliant as my sister lives in a London Borough!
ThunderCat2 said:
So, what would you lot shortlist for a practical daily runaround to complement your 'special car'? The car would be used for an occasional Edinburgh - Devon jaunt, would ideally have capacity to carry a couple of large rucksacks / holdalls and mild off road ability would be a bonus. Something engaging to drive would also be preferable. So far I've thought about: a) another Freelander 2, b) Old Jimny, c) Skoda Yeti, d) Golf TDI GT, e) Audi A4 Avant.
Thank you in advance, PH hive mind.
What sort of off road ability?Thank you in advance, PH hive mind.
Edited by ThunderCat2 on Wednesday 25th January 19:38
Edited by ThunderCat2 on Wednesday 25th January 22:11
Freelander 2 you obviously know....
Freelander 1's can be had for sensible money too.
Jimny's are cool, but go and drive one. The 3rd Gen is a 1.3 petrol, goes ok, but not the quickest. I don't mind them on longer journeys, but Edinburgh to Devon is quite a jaunt tbh.
Lots of other cross over SUV's, Dacia Duster, Rav4, Vitara, Showgun Pinin, etc. All will drive similar to some extent.
You could look at bigger 4x4's, more capable. But will all be heavier on fuel. Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee worth a look, Shoguns maybe even a Range Rover or Discovery 3.
MattsCar said:
Volvo V70 diesel 5 cyl. Either D3 or D5.
Decent reliability, good on fuel and not as diesely sounding as most.
Or D4, but commands a premium... Either way, Volvo 5-cylinder diesels of any Euro category are great engines.Decent reliability, good on fuel and not as diesely sounding as most.
If mild off-road ability is a bonus, XC70 has a basic (Haldex) AWD system - it'll come at the expense of a bit of fuel economy, but that's a compromise for OP to weigh up if looking at these.
300bhp/ton said:
MattsCar said:
Volvo V70 diesel 5 cyl. Either D3 or D5.
Decent reliability, good on fuel and not as diesely sounding as most.
What mild off road ability do they have? Decent reliability, good on fuel and not as diesely sounding as most.
V70 FWD will be better on fuel than XC70 AWD, but either will eat long trips for lunch and provide practical load space.
All depends where OP's compromises fall best - which I guess could be either of these, or something else altogether!
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