Daily driver; how do you do it?
Discussion
My daily and family/dog wagon for the last 6 years is a 1994 Toyota 4Runner 3ltr turbo diesel, 'DERELICT' spec.
Does 20k commuting a year including a few non-stop 1000 mile family drives across Europe in snow, rain and sun
Has 220k on the clock, just keeps going and going, I like the simplicity of it and it keeps up with modern traffic
I should replace it with something that shouts 'I'm grown up and successful' but as I've not grown up yet and don't care how successful people think I am I think I'll just keep it until there is not enough of it left to patch up and also I have no idea what I would buy instead
Does 20k commuting a year including a few non-stop 1000 mile family drives across Europe in snow, rain and sun
Has 220k on the clock, just keeps going and going, I like the simplicity of it and it keeps up with modern traffic
I should replace it with something that shouts 'I'm grown up and successful' but as I've not grown up yet and don't care how successful people think I am I think I'll just keep it until there is not enough of it left to patch up and also I have no idea what I would buy instead
Silver 57 plate diesel mondeo for work / commute, does everything well and only cost £900. 20k miles a year. No one notices it, never been washed on the outside in my ownership. Liberating. On 205k miles now.
911 C2S (992) for the weekends and holidays, does everything even better, apart from tip / Ikea runs. Maybe 5-6k miles a year.
911 C2S (992) for the weekends and holidays, does everything even better, apart from tip / Ikea runs. Maybe 5-6k miles a year.
Good question and I've tried several approaches over the years too. Boring hatchback, hot hatch, estate car, SUV, shed, Scooby with the hot hatches and the Scooby probably being the most enjoyable. For most of my 20s, I ran a diesel company car, so didn't have to worry too much about running costs/practicality on my personal cars (in my case, an MX5, E30 325i and Corrado VR6). However, no company car, kids and paying for my own fuel has meant a bit more compromise with my last 3 cars being a Civic 1.8, an R56 MINI Cooper and currently a mk7.5 Golf GT Estate alongside our family wagon, my wife's Chrysler Grand Voyager!
I've only had the Golf for a couple of months and it's a fantastic all-rounder. Fully loaded, very comfortable and more effortless than the MINI (it's the 1.4 TSI automatic), so very smooth and maximum torque from 1500rpm but it's not as "fun" as the MINI and part of me would like something more fun and/or faster and possibly RWD/AWD. I hadn't planned on getting rid of the MINI yet but was having engine issues that were difficult to diagnose so I needed a new car ASAP and the Golf was available locally at a great price.
Prior to that, I was contemplating a GT86/BRZ, mk7 Fiesta ST or M135i (although wasn't sure whether to go manual or auto on the M135i) as my next car. Quite fancied a manual harking back to my E30 325i but I hear that the ZF8 is by far the better transmission choice in that car. An Impreza WRX STI hatchback was also on my radar, as on balance, despite being a bit juicy, my 2004 WRX is the best car that I have owned. By all accounts, the 2.5 in the later cars isn't quite as bombproof as the older EJ20 though. Might still happen, as prior to having issues with the MINI, we were thinking about changing the Grand Voyager. It's a little juicy on short journeys, quite big to park and we don't really need the space any more but my wife was undecided on what she wanted (SUV, crossover, estate etc). She loves the Golf though and I think that would be more than ample for our family needs.
Having experienced a bit more comfort/luxury with the Golf though, I maybe fancy something a bit more bargey. Would love a G30 5-Series/W213 E-Class with a 6-pot motor (petrol or diesel) but definitely can't afford one, so maybe a 430d/435d Coupe/Gran Coupe would be a nice compromise between a fun, smaller car and a "wafty" barge?
I've only had the Golf for a couple of months and it's a fantastic all-rounder. Fully loaded, very comfortable and more effortless than the MINI (it's the 1.4 TSI automatic), so very smooth and maximum torque from 1500rpm but it's not as "fun" as the MINI and part of me would like something more fun and/or faster and possibly RWD/AWD. I hadn't planned on getting rid of the MINI yet but was having engine issues that were difficult to diagnose so I needed a new car ASAP and the Golf was available locally at a great price.
Prior to that, I was contemplating a GT86/BRZ, mk7 Fiesta ST or M135i (although wasn't sure whether to go manual or auto on the M135i) as my next car. Quite fancied a manual harking back to my E30 325i but I hear that the ZF8 is by far the better transmission choice in that car. An Impreza WRX STI hatchback was also on my radar, as on balance, despite being a bit juicy, my 2004 WRX is the best car that I have owned. By all accounts, the 2.5 in the later cars isn't quite as bombproof as the older EJ20 though. Might still happen, as prior to having issues with the MINI, we were thinking about changing the Grand Voyager. It's a little juicy on short journeys, quite big to park and we don't really need the space any more but my wife was undecided on what she wanted (SUV, crossover, estate etc). She loves the Golf though and I think that would be more than ample for our family needs.
Having experienced a bit more comfort/luxury with the Golf though, I maybe fancy something a bit more bargey. Would love a G30 5-Series/W213 E-Class with a 6-pot motor (petrol or diesel) but definitely can't afford one, so maybe a 430d/435d Coupe/Gran Coupe would be a nice compromise between a fun, smaller car and a "wafty" barge?
white_goodman said:
Good question and I've tried several approaches over the years too. Boring hatchback, hot hatch, estate car, SUV, shed, Scooby with the hot hatches and the Scooby probably being the most enjoyable. For most of my 20s, I ran a diesel company car, so didn't have to worry too much about running costs/practicality on my personal cars (in my case, an MX5, E30 325i and Corrado VR6). However, no company car, kids and paying for my own fuel has meant a bit more compromise with my last 3 cars being a Civic 1.8, an R56 MINI Cooper and currently a mk7.5 Golf GT Estate alongside our family wagon, my wife's Chrysler Grand Voyager!
I've only had the Golf for a couple of months and it's a fantastic all-rounder. Fully loaded, very comfortable and more effortless than the MINI (it's the 1.4 TSI automatic), so very smooth and maximum torque from 1500rpm but it's not as "fun" as the MINI and part of me would like something more fun and/or faster and possibly RWD/AWD. I hadn't planned on getting rid of the MINI yet but was having engine issues that were difficult to diagnose so I needed a new car ASAP and the Golf was available locally at a great price.
Prior to that, I was contemplating a GT86/BRZ, mk7 Fiesta ST or M135i (although wasn't sure whether to go manual or auto on the M135i) as my next car. Quite fancied a manual harking back to my E30 325i but I hear that the ZF8 is by far the better transmission choice in that car. An Impreza WRX STI hatchback was also on my radar, as on balance, despite being a bit juicy, my 2004 WRX is the best car that I have owned. By all accounts, the 2.5 in the later cars isn't quite as bombproof as the older EJ20 though. Might still happen, as prior to having issues with the MINI, we were thinking about changing the Grand Voyager. It's a little juicy on short journeys, quite big to park and we don't really need the space any more but my wife was undecided on what she wanted (SUV, crossover, estate etc). She loves the Golf though and I think that would be more than ample for our family needs.
Having experienced a bit more comfort/luxury with the Golf though, I maybe fancy something a bit more bargey. Would love a G30 5-Series/W213 E-Class with a 6-pot motor (petrol or diesel) but definitely can't afford one, so maybe a 430d/435d Coupe/Gran Coupe would be a nice compromise between a fun, smaller car and a "wafty" barge?
F10 is a class car too, the engines are just as strong and similar barge factor.I've only had the Golf for a couple of months and it's a fantastic all-rounder. Fully loaded, very comfortable and more effortless than the MINI (it's the 1.4 TSI automatic), so very smooth and maximum torque from 1500rpm but it's not as "fun" as the MINI and part of me would like something more fun and/or faster and possibly RWD/AWD. I hadn't planned on getting rid of the MINI yet but was having engine issues that were difficult to diagnose so I needed a new car ASAP and the Golf was available locally at a great price.
Prior to that, I was contemplating a GT86/BRZ, mk7 Fiesta ST or M135i (although wasn't sure whether to go manual or auto on the M135i) as my next car. Quite fancied a manual harking back to my E30 325i but I hear that the ZF8 is by far the better transmission choice in that car. An Impreza WRX STI hatchback was also on my radar, as on balance, despite being a bit juicy, my 2004 WRX is the best car that I have owned. By all accounts, the 2.5 in the later cars isn't quite as bombproof as the older EJ20 though. Might still happen, as prior to having issues with the MINI, we were thinking about changing the Grand Voyager. It's a little juicy on short journeys, quite big to park and we don't really need the space any more but my wife was undecided on what she wanted (SUV, crossover, estate etc). She loves the Golf though and I think that would be more than ample for our family needs.
Having experienced a bit more comfort/luxury with the Golf though, I maybe fancy something a bit more bargey. Would love a G30 5-Series/W213 E-Class with a 6-pot motor (petrol or diesel) but definitely can't afford one, so maybe a 430d/435d Coupe/Gran Coupe would be a nice compromise between a fun, smaller car and a "wafty" barge?
rayyan171 said:
F10 is a class car too, the engines are just as strong and similar barge factor.
Point taken, as is the W212 E-Class no doubt but they both look a little dated now to my eyes and I always thought that the F10 lacked the sharp looks of previous generations and the current generation and was more generic large BMW saloon. I generally like to drive something current generation or possibly previous generation if it only went out of production fairly recently.In the last year I have used all my cars for the daily commute.
I don't have a favourite as such, just whatever takes my fancy, but mainly weather dependent. Too hot or rainy and dark I take a 330i. Sunshine but colder I take the Smart Roadster. Warm and Clement weather and I occasionally take the Air-cooled T25 especially if it has not been on a run for a while.
I like having the choice.,...
Mike
I don't have a favourite as such, just whatever takes my fancy, but mainly weather dependent. Too hot or rainy and dark I take a 330i. Sunshine but colder I take the Smart Roadster. Warm and Clement weather and I occasionally take the Air-cooled T25 especially if it has not been on a run for a while.
I like having the choice.,...
Mike
I struggle with having more than one car, I just cant be bothered to swap between them.
I had that issue with a 911 and 520d the 5 series was used all the time, same when I had an A6 allroad and M3, the M3 was used all the time, I now have an 740d xdrive and X3MC and the 7 series hasn't moved for a week which isn't good for it, cars really don't like standing around doing nothing, so I'll be going down to one car in the new year.
I had that issue with a 911 and 520d the 5 series was used all the time, same when I had an A6 allroad and M3, the M3 was used all the time, I now have an 740d xdrive and X3MC and the 7 series hasn't moved for a week which isn't good for it, cars really don't like standing around doing nothing, so I'll be going down to one car in the new year.
Wills2 said:
...the 7 series hasn't moved for a week which isn't good for it, cars really don't like standing around doing nothing, so I'll be going down to one car in the new year.
A week? Some of my older motors have sat around for years with no noticeable problems and I have had newer cars sat around for months. I wouldn't worry too much!Digby said:
Wills2 said:
...the 7 series hasn't moved for a week which isn't good for it, cars really don't like standing around doing nothing, so I'll be going down to one car in the new year.
A week? Some of my older motors have sat around for years with no noticeable problems and I have had newer cars sat around for months. I wouldn't worry too much!
white_goodman said:
Point taken, as is the W212 E-Class no doubt but they both look a little dated now to my eyes and I always thought that the F10 lacked the sharp looks of previous generations and the current generation and was more generic large BMW saloon. I generally like to drive something current generation or possibly previous generation if it only went out of production fairly recently.
Personally, I view it as having left production fairly recently. Think they went up to either 16 or 17 plates on these cars. If you want a nice engine, you may have to go pre-facelift, but they still come with lots of advanced tech e.g. ACC, adaptive drive, drivers assistance packages, sometimes even a full digital instrument display. Paired with the M-sport bumpers and the updated adaptive lights in pre-facelift, and the LED lights in facelift models, and they certainly look rather recent. W212 E-class feels much more dated to me, especially pre-facelift. You are right however that the F10 is ever so slightly bland.
Wills2 said:
I struggle with having more than one car, I just cant be bothered to swap between them.
I had that issue with a 911 and 520d the 5 series was used all the time, same when I had an A6 allroad and M3, the M3 was used all the time, I now have an 740d xdrive and X3MC and the 7 series hasn't moved for a week which isn't good for it, cars really don't like standing around doing nothing, so I'll be going down to one car in the new year.
I presume you never take a holiday for fear of the cars being ruined when you return after a fortnight away. I had that issue with a 911 and 520d the 5 series was used all the time, same when I had an A6 allroad and M3, the M3 was used all the time, I now have an 740d xdrive and X3MC and the 7 series hasn't moved for a week which isn't good for it, cars really don't like standing around doing nothing, so I'll be going down to one car in the new year.
I wonder whether the vehicles you have are a little too similar - modern, comfortable, competent. Get something older with a little more character (flaws). Pick the right vehicle and you'll enjoy it, but also you will appreciate the 'boring', modern, German competence.
Mike
Currently my daily drive is a Nissan Micra 160SR to compliment my fleet of pampered Rovers and S3 Elise.
I’ve been debating for a while selling the Micra and buying £20k worth of nearly new Golf GTI/Hyundai i30N, but just can’t bring myself to do it. The Micra costs buttons to run, is a laugh to chuck about, has been reliable and still looks presentable.
The only downfalls are it isn’t especially comfortable on a long drive (stuff suspension, a lack of cruise control and short gearing see to that) and the connectivity (no Bluetooth, DAB or USB) is non-existent, although the stereo itself is decent.
I’ve been debating for a while selling the Micra and buying £20k worth of nearly new Golf GTI/Hyundai i30N, but just can’t bring myself to do it. The Micra costs buttons to run, is a laugh to chuck about, has been reliable and still looks presentable.
The only downfalls are it isn’t especially comfortable on a long drive (stuff suspension, a lack of cruise control and short gearing see to that) and the connectivity (no Bluetooth, DAB or USB) is non-existent, although the stereo itself is decent.
Always had a 911 as my everyday car from mid 20’s to late 30’s. including 993’’s, 997’s, 993 gt2 and 2.7 ra lightweight.
Always doing 30,000 miles a year.
Then went 7 series x 2 , then Audi and now A6 bitdi and also scruffy 993 rs tribute.
Always had a few other toys too though !
Phone
Always doing 30,000 miles a year.
Then went 7 series x 2 , then Audi and now A6 bitdi and also scruffy 993 rs tribute.
Always had a few other toys too though !
Phone
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