New daily driver needed. Ideas?

[NelsonR32]

After living with the Accord Type R for 6 months as a daily driver it's getting a little unbearable now As great as the handling and engine are it can't make up for the boomy engine noise and average 29mpg fuel consumption. You can get it to 35 if you're lucky, but it's too hard not to drive. Whilst fuel consumption isn't the main issue it would be nice to get 32mpg+ without trying

So, it will be up on eBay in the next week or so and another Shed will be taking it's place. Budget is £1100 (so anything advertised at £1400 on the assumption they'll haggle) and criteria this time is something a bit more unique and a defining feature

Ideas so far;

2001-2003 Alfa Romeo 156 T Spark - Still one of the most beautiful cars made. Not as unreliable as you'd believe.
2001-2003 Alfa Romeo 166 3.0 V6 - Absurdly cheap and lots of option. Looks a little funny but i'll probably rule it out on the fuel bills!
2002-2003 2.5 V6 Jaguar S-Type - Rear Wheel Drive super comfy. Looks really dated though!
2002 Lexus IS200 - RWD and great fun but I believe these are auto only?
2002-2004 MG ZT 160 (the V6 one, not the 4 cylinder!!)) - BMW built, handle well, cheap as it's an MG and have aged allot better than the Jaguar S-Type.

Seen this down the road from me, anything to look out for? I believe they rot on the front subframe??
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3039520.htm

I love new car hunting!

[Kitchski]

I'm an Alfa and MG fan (especially the ZT - they're brilliant) but they're all going to be worse on fuel than your accord. 156 or ZT for me, though I'd probably consider a diesel or a 1.8T ZT (if the engine's been uprated in the correct way it'll be fine). The 1.8T is better on fuel, cheaper to tax and cheaper to maintain.

156's are lovely though

[McSam]

I'd probably avoid the S-Type in your situation. That's the Mondeo ST24's engine, but that weighed less than 1400kg (if memory serves), while the Jag is automatic and at least two rugby players heavier, so 25mpg would be a good result out of that.

You should be able to find a nice enough 2.0TS 156 for that money - yes, you definitely should

[insanojackson]

I have the same dilemma too but hpoing to keep the budjet below a grand. My scirocco's engine has died after 13500 miles and vw are taking it back off me. I will be looking for a car to tide me over for 6 months max until my evoque arrives.

I would like something that is a bit interesting, practical and will do 35mpg ish. My hunt isnt urgent though as i have a vx220 which should tide me through for a month until my hols.