Looking for next quirky daily
Discussion
Hi all,
The time has come to look for my next daily, I am looking preferably for a 5dr hatchback or estate and to satisfy the Mrs maybe an SUV. I have been looking at Subaru Legacy and levorgs, Honda Accord Type S (on Torque GT) and most recently a Lexus IS300 sport Cross. I currently have a Mini Cooper s 2010 N18 engine.
My criteria
- Something different to the norm
- Cruise Control
- Heated seats
- Fun to drive
- Reliable
- not silly on fuel I consider around 30mpg decent which is achievable I think
- mile muncher
- £12k at a push
- preferably petrol
I have been unlucky recently with my last 3 cars being money pits and always in the garage every other week, so reliability is a big one.
I am moving out and moving half way across the country, so I'm being very fussy and making sure I get something I most importantly like but also fits my criteria. Feel free to have a laugh and say the car doesn't exist I know I have, but I'm persistent 😂
I am wondering what other cars people know that's are different from the norm but fit the criteria above. I have looked at an S4 Avant, 330i estates but they just seem to be a dime a dozen but I am still looking at them if I can't find anything else.
Any all advise is appreciated!
The time has come to look for my next daily, I am looking preferably for a 5dr hatchback or estate and to satisfy the Mrs maybe an SUV. I have been looking at Subaru Legacy and levorgs, Honda Accord Type S (on Torque GT) and most recently a Lexus IS300 sport Cross. I currently have a Mini Cooper s 2010 N18 engine.
My criteria
- Something different to the norm
- Cruise Control
- Heated seats
- Fun to drive
- Reliable
- not silly on fuel I consider around 30mpg decent which is achievable I think
- mile muncher
- £12k at a push
- preferably petrol
I have been unlucky recently with my last 3 cars being money pits and always in the garage every other week, so reliability is a big one.
I am moving out and moving half way across the country, so I'm being very fussy and making sure I get something I most importantly like but also fits my criteria. Feel free to have a laugh and say the car doesn't exist I know I have, but I'm persistent 😂
I am wondering what other cars people know that's are different from the norm but fit the criteria above. I have looked at an S4 Avant, 330i estates but they just seem to be a dime a dozen but I am still looking at them if I can't find anything else.
Any all advise is appreciated!
I've had a Sportcross IS300 for about 12 years. I came from a Lexus main dealer background, and wanted the most reliable thing I could get my hands on that would be long term transport for my other half and the dog. We've done about 100k in it in our ownership, so it's at 125k now. It has all of the things you seem to require.
It's just what you would expect from Lexus, not totally faultless, but in the great scheme of things, calling it ultra reliable would not be an exaggeration. It's gong to be a very difficult car to replace, and I'm making every effort to keep ours in good nick to avoid having to part with it. If you can find one, I would recommend you go for it if it's been looked after.
Check the rear of the sills. They don't generally rot, but that's a problem area. The tailgate is aluminium over a steel frame and they corrode at the contact points. Front calipers can start to seize. The original head unit is guaranteed to swallow cd's and not give them back at some point. Water pumps may weep when you turn off the engine. No big deal, it's not a sign of imminent disaster, but should be replaced when the cambelt is done.
Ours has had a backbox at 85k, one lamda sensor fail at 90k, the two small and cheap heat exchanger pipes for the gearbox oil cooler replaced ( £25 from Lexus ) and one battery.
Tyres and alignment make a big difference. It likes Goodyear Assymmetrics and I think it's great to drive considering the market it's aimed at. I have an Evo, a Boxster and a Mk1 MR2 so I'm a harsh critic, and the IS is fun enough to bring out the hooligan in me occasionally. You could spend a lot more and end up with a lot worse.
It's just what you would expect from Lexus, not totally faultless, but in the great scheme of things, calling it ultra reliable would not be an exaggeration. It's gong to be a very difficult car to replace, and I'm making every effort to keep ours in good nick to avoid having to part with it. If you can find one, I would recommend you go for it if it's been looked after.
Check the rear of the sills. They don't generally rot, but that's a problem area. The tailgate is aluminium over a steel frame and they corrode at the contact points. Front calipers can start to seize. The original head unit is guaranteed to swallow cd's and not give them back at some point. Water pumps may weep when you turn off the engine. No big deal, it's not a sign of imminent disaster, but should be replaced when the cambelt is done.
Ours has had a backbox at 85k, one lamda sensor fail at 90k, the two small and cheap heat exchanger pipes for the gearbox oil cooler replaced ( £25 from Lexus ) and one battery.
Tyres and alignment make a big difference. It likes Goodyear Assymmetrics and I think it's great to drive considering the market it's aimed at. I have an Evo, a Boxster and a Mk1 MR2 so I'm a harsh critic, and the IS is fun enough to bring out the hooligan in me occasionally. You could spend a lot more and end up with a lot worse.
Edited by Heaveho on Monday 17th July 11:05
Heaveho said:
I've had a Sportcross IS300 for about 12 years. I came from a Lexus main dealer background, and wanted the most reliable thing I could get my hands on that would be long term transport for my other half and the dog. We've done about 100k in it in our ownership, so it's at 125k now. It has all of the things you seem to require.
It's just what you would expect from Lexus, not totally faultless, but in the great scheme of things, calling it ultra reliable would not be an exaggeration. It's gong to be a very difficult car to replace, and I'm making every effort to keep ours in good nick to avoid having to part with it. If you can find one, I would recommend you go for it if it's been looked after.
Check the rear of the sills. They don't generally rot, but that's a problem area. The tailgate is aluminium over a steel frame and they corrode at the contact points. Front calipers can start to seize. The original head unit is guaranteed to swallow cd's and not give them back at some point. Water pumps may weep when you turn off the engine. No big deal, it's not a sign of imminent disaster, but should be replaced when the cambelt is done.
Ours has had a backbox at 85k, one lamda sensor fail at 90k, the two small and cheap heat exchanger pipes for the gearbox oil cooler replaced ( £25 from Lexus ) and one battery.
Tyres and alignment make a big difference. It likes Goodyear Assymmetrics and I think it's great to drive considering the market it's aimed at. I have an Evo, a Boxster and a Mk1 MR2 so I'm a harsh critic, and the IS is fun enough to bring out the hooligan in me occasionally. You could spend a lot more and end up with a lot worse.
I appreciate all this! It's exactly what I wanted to hear sounds like one I should genuinely consider. Tbh I would only go for one with a black interior I think the tan/ cream is very off putting. I have seen 2/3 in a lovely blue with a black interior that I shall look into further. How is the auto? I've read it's a 4 speed and others have said a 5 speed? And what is fuel consumption like. I know for petrol heads fuel doesn't usually matter, but in my situation it's sadly something I have to consider. It's just what you would expect from Lexus, not totally faultless, but in the great scheme of things, calling it ultra reliable would not be an exaggeration. It's gong to be a very difficult car to replace, and I'm making every effort to keep ours in good nick to avoid having to part with it. If you can find one, I would recommend you go for it if it's been looked after.
Check the rear of the sills. They don't generally rot, but that's a problem area. The tailgate is aluminium over a steel frame and they corrode at the contact points. Front calipers can start to seize. The original head unit is guaranteed to swallow cd's and not give them back at some point. Water pumps may weep when you turn off the engine. No big deal, it's not a sign of imminent disaster, but should be replaced when the cambelt is done.
Ours has had a backbox at 85k, one lamda sensor fail at 90k, the two small and cheap heat exchanger pipes for the gearbox oil cooler replaced ( £25 from Lexus ) and one battery.
Tyres and alignment make a big difference. It likes Goodyear Assymmetrics and I think it's great to drive considering the market it's aimed at. I have an Evo, a Boxster and a Mk1 MR2 so I'm a harsh critic, and the IS is fun enough to bring out the hooligan in me occasionally. You could spend a lot more and end up with a lot worse.
Edited by Heaveho on Monday 17th July 11:05
Ours is silver with black leather and 5 speed auto. The box is pretty good, if you run the car on decent fuel, the ecu will learn that and the performance is noticeably more lively. I won't lie, I don't tend to really think about fuel consumption on it, as it's the only regular expense you have with a Lexus, but again, it certainly goes further on a tank of Esso or Shell premium than cheaper supermarket stuff, and it tends to be better for the car long term.
When you rarely have to get your hand in your pocket for repairs, the fuel consumption stops being such a consideration!
When you rarely have to get your hand in your pocket for repairs, the fuel consumption stops being such a consideration!
Heaveho said:
Ours is silver with black leather and 5 speed auto. The box is pretty good, if you run the car on decent fuel, the ecu will learn that and the performance is noticeably more lively. I won't lie, I don't tend to really think about fuel consumption on it, as it's the only regular expense you have with a Lexus, but again, it certainly goes further on a tank of Esso or Shell premium than cheaper supermarket stuff, and it tends to be better for the car long term.
When you rarely have to get your hand in your pocket for repairs, the fuel consumption stops being such a consideration!
I do like them in Blue, I don't know the factory colour name but they do look sharp and just something a bit different. Sadly there are not many for sale locally to me in Surrey to go and test drive. I think as you said if fuel is the only expense it doesn't tend to matter, I have just had bad experiences over the last 18 months - 2 years with cars constantly letting me down that it sadly sits on my mind and I can't get in my cars without a worrying thought being everpresent of something happening, It seems the IS300 sport cross seems a pretty decent car to add to the list. When you rarely have to get your hand in your pocket for repairs, the fuel consumption stops being such a consideration!
Heated seats were very rare and 30mpg will only be got on motorway runs but how about a SAAB 9-3 V6, I had a 2006 MY07 and enjoyed it around 275bhp with the Hirsch Performance remap. Can get a decent one for half your budget, or even the Turbo x model.
Here's a Turbo X for example
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266321172640?hash=item3...
Here's a Turbo X for example
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266321172640?hash=item3...
Edited by the-norseman on Monday 17th July 15:53
the-norseman said:
Heated seats were very rare and 30mpg will only be got on motorway runs but how about a SAAB 9-3 V6, I had a 2006 MY07 and enjoyed it around 275bhp with the Hirsch Performance remap. Can get a decent one for half your budget, or even the Turbo x model.
Here's a Turbo X for example
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266321172640?hash=item3...
Indeed I appreciate it's a hard one, but as I have said I am open to anything. Interesting I have previously looked at a Saab 9-3 sport wagons but never got around to driving one. I will definitely add it to the list of cars I am looking at, during your ownership how was its reliability and what was it like to drive?Here's a Turbo X for example
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266321172640?hash=item3...
Edited by the-norseman on Monday 17th July 15:53
CEB011 said:
Indeed I appreciate it's a hard one, but as I have said I am open to anything. Interesting I have previously looked at a Saab 9-3 sport wagons but never got around to driving one. I will definitely add it to the list of cars I am looking at, during your ownership how was its reliability and what was it like to drive?
Only issue I had was the old owner had fitted an aftermarket one way valve on the brake vacuum and it failed, resulting in a very hard to press brake pedal. I got an OEM one fitted and it was perfect after. The old owner had serviced every 5k miles and I kept up a similar regime.
Very quirky car, I'd always looked at them as Vectra's but I actually enjoyed owning it. I'd love a Turbo X saloon.
the-norseman said:
Only issue I had was the old owner had fitted an aftermarket one way valve on the brake vacuum and it failed, resulting in a very hard to press brake pedal. I got an OEM one fitted and it was perfect after.
The old owner had serviced every 5k miles and I kept up a similar regime.
Very quirky car, I'd always looked at them as Vectra's but I actually enjoyed owning it. I'd love a Turbo X saloon.
Thank you, I shall add this car to my slowly growing list.The old owner had serviced every 5k miles and I kept up a similar regime.
Very quirky car, I'd always looked at them as Vectra's but I actually enjoyed owning it. I'd love a Turbo X saloon.
How about a Passat R36, it said it may do 27mpg on a run..
https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/t-Used-Volkswagen-...
https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/t-Used-Volkswagen-...
CEB011 said:
Hi all,
The time has come to look for my next daily, I am looking preferably for a 5dr hatchback or estate and to satisfy the Mrs maybe an SUV. I have been looking at Subaru Legacy and levorgs, Honda Accord Type S (on Torque GT) and most recently a Lexus IS300 sport Cross. I currently have a Mini Cooper s 2010 N18 engine.
My criteria
- Something different to the norm
- Cruise Control
- Heated seats
- Fun to drive
- Reliable
- not silly on fuel I consider around 30mpg decent which is achievable I think
- mile muncher
- £12k at a push
- preferably petrol
I have been unlucky recently with my last 3 cars being money pits and always in the garage every other week, so reliability is a big one.
I am moving out and moving half way across the country, so I'm being very fussy and making sure I get something I most importantly like but also fits my criteria. Feel free to have a laugh and say the car doesn't exist I know I have, but I'm persistent ??
I am wondering what other cars people know that's are different from the norm but fit the criteria above. I have looked at an S4 Avant, 330i estates but they just seem to be a dime a dozen but I am still looking at them if I can't find anything else.
Any all advise is appreciated!
Giulietta Cloverleaf:The time has come to look for my next daily, I am looking preferably for a 5dr hatchback or estate and to satisfy the Mrs maybe an SUV. I have been looking at Subaru Legacy and levorgs, Honda Accord Type S (on Torque GT) and most recently a Lexus IS300 sport Cross. I currently have a Mini Cooper s 2010 N18 engine.
My criteria
- Something different to the norm
- Cruise Control
- Heated seats
- Fun to drive
- Reliable
- not silly on fuel I consider around 30mpg decent which is achievable I think
- mile muncher
- £12k at a push
- preferably petrol
I have been unlucky recently with my last 3 cars being money pits and always in the garage every other week, so reliability is a big one.
I am moving out and moving half way across the country, so I'm being very fussy and making sure I get something I most importantly like but also fits my criteria. Feel free to have a laugh and say the car doesn't exist I know I have, but I'm persistent ??
I am wondering what other cars people know that's are different from the norm but fit the criteria above. I have looked at an S4 Avant, 330i estates but they just seem to be a dime a dozen but I am still looking at them if I can't find anything else.
Any all advise is appreciated!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306218...
The other one is the Insignia VXR, you'll see 26mpg in mixed driving & 30+ on a run & they're a good steer too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303315...
A bit mainstream but the Focus ST-3 Estate ticks a lot of boxes:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305177...
Now one of these is a bit of a sleeper & it hits all the criteria, they're as good a steer as the R36 & Saab mentioned above it's also sensible to tax too.
It won't have as much character as the VXR above but it's a bloody good option especially if you remap it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
jamesbilluk said:
How about a Passat R36, it said it may do 27mpg on a run..
https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/t-Used-Volkswagen-...
I looked at these last year, and sadly I have heard they are pretty expensive to run and not the most reliable. If I had the wallet to afford a lot of expensive fixes and the high running costs, I would probably look at them. As Heaveho mentioned the fuel cost doesn't matter is it's off set by low maintenance costs, which from my research are on the higher side of things.https://www.cargurus.co.uk/Cars/t-Used-Volkswagen-...
edc said:
How about a variation on what you know and a Mini Countryman or Clubman?
I have been looking at clubman's as I love the handling of Minis and quirkiness, however, I would only have a JCW clubman which are hard to find and with the issues I have had with my N18 I must say I have been a little put off Minis, as much as it pains me to say that as I would love a clubman but it has cost me too much money recently to run and I fear a JCW Clubman could be ever more costly when it comes to repairs. I have a love-hate relationship with my Mini but I don't have the funds to keep throwing at the temperamental prince engine.ZX10R NIN said:
Look at picture 5 of the last car you linked!!!ZX10R NIN said:
Giulietta Cloverleaf:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306218...
The other one is the Insignia VXR, you'll see 26mpg in mixed driving & 30+ on a run & they're a good steer too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303315...
A bit mainstream but the Focus ST-3 Estate ticks a lot of boxes:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305177...
Now one of these is a bit of a sleeper & it hits all the criteria, they're as good a steer as the R36 & Saab mentioned above it's also sensible to tax too.
It won't have as much character as the VXR above but it's a bloody good option especially if you remap it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
I nearly pulled the plug and brought a Giulietta last year, however, I decided to get a Brera V6 and regretted it instantly after the heater matrix broke a day into ownership. I do regret not getting a Giulietta, however, I do believe the 1.75 can be very hit-and-miss from the research I did and require a fair bit of maintenance. It is one that's on my list but I haven't been actively looking at them as they still command a fair old price.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305167...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306218...
The other one is the Insignia VXR, you'll see 26mpg in mixed driving & 30+ on a run & they're a good steer too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307179...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202303315...
A bit mainstream but the Focus ST-3 Estate ticks a lot of boxes:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305177...
Now one of these is a bit of a sleeper & it hits all the criteria, they're as good a steer as the R36 & Saab mentioned above it's also sensible to tax too.
It won't have as much character as the VXR above but it's a bloody good option especially if you remap it:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305187...
I was offered a VXR on Facebook last night but turned it down as it was modified beyond love and all money and to be brutally honest, I am just not a fan of Vauxhall from interior to exterior design never really liked their cars, I am sure they are good to drive. That said their more recent cars don't look half bad and the Insignia that you send the interior looks pretty decent and the exterior is not half bad either, I will be adding that one to my maybe list.
Sadly again Ford for me comes under the same as Vauxhall, I learned to drive in one, while very good cars. They are not my cuppa tea and I really don't like the interiors or exteriors, their newer models again like Vauxhall are pretty good having test driven a Mustang Mach E for my dad last year and snooping around in some other models they definitely look better than older models.
I do appreciate all the suggestions! certainly one I would not have considered in the Insignia, I did mention I am fussy, haha. Thank you for the help!
Silvanus said:
Or a Cooper S Paceman
I responded to a question about minis just a second ago haha, I love them but I have had pretty poor luck with my N18 and I have spoken to a few other owners who have said although they are on the more reliable scale of mini the prince engines always have something going wrong. While I love my mini, I also hate how much it has cost me in my ownership, and with moving out and paying rent, I can't afford the car being in the garage every other week. I own a well looked after Cooper S, the previous owner was an electrical engineer in Formula E and worked for Mercedes F1 and has a load of paperwork and history, and has PS 4 tyres on, yet sadly still cost me more than it should have to upkeep it. Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff