Stick with the Diesel or get something more fun

[MrHanky]

Hi,

Have been using a 1.9D Octavia for commuting for the past year. Great car and is quick whilst returning excellent MPG. Car has done 170k and has been remapped, fitted with a decat, modified suspension so does go quickly and handle well for a big estate car. Anyway I was doing 2k miles per month but 4 months ago I moved jobs and get to work from home a fair bit now. I now do less than 500 miles a month of personal use but do still have to do a fair few long trips to clients a few times a month. These are not a problem though as company pays 38p a mile rate.

Am now thinking that I could sell the Octavia and get something like an E36 328 again (as I loved this car). Seeing as mileage per month is covered by the company and if it isnt it's only 500 miles then I can live with the loss of MPG. Tax would be more but I could save on overall cost of car anyway.

So should I be sensible and stick with the Octavia which is a great car or have some fun and get something else?

Any other suggestions?

Also like E39s, most Honda's and various Japanese cars. Whilst I would also love something smaller like a mk2 CRX I have 3 young kids and get to do the school run when wife is working etc, so need something practical (hence thought of E36).

Car would probably go back to its previous owner for £2700ish so busget would be up to that but prefereably less to cover any unexpected costs.

Thanks

Mark

[300bhp/ton]

ok, am I understand this correctly. You do 500 miles a month... only 6000 miles a year. Any business trips you get paid 38p/mile for, so costs you nothing. In fact actually puts money in your pocket to go towards your 500 mile a month personal usage.


If you're a petrol head and motoring enthusiast why run a boring diesel rep mobill? At this sort of usage and low mileage run something fun and outrageous. Be it a V8 luxo barge, classic, muscle car, sports car, Jap turbo nutter, 4x4, etc.

[RobCrezz]

As you like Hondas, how about an Accord Type R?

[DanDC5]

Bit of bartering would get you this. Fun and still usable on any long trips you may have to take.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3569276.htm

/thread

[MrHanky]

Yes thats right 300/BHP, I basically get paid to drive my car at the minute. So yes it does seem like an obvious answer, but that extra money helps with all the other things that come with having a bunch of kids

Good call on the accord. Had an EP3 and DC5 before and loved them, but not had an Accord Type R.

EP3 has also crossed my mind as it is a great car to drive, but I would be looking at the cheap end of the scale for one of these and would not have anything left to deal with any issues.

Thanks all

Mark

[DanDC5]

Plenty about in that price range at the moment. Just requires a bit of shopping round. Accord is a good call though, and they have something the EP3 doesn't. An LSD.

[RobCrezz]

MrHanky said:

Yes thats right 300/BHP, I basically get paid to drive my car at the minute. So yes it does seem like an obvious answer, but that extra money helps with all the other things that come with having a bunch of kids

Good call on the accord. Had an EP3 and DC5 before and loved them, but not had an Accord Type R.

EP3 has also crossed my mind as it is a great car to drive, but I would be looking at the cheap end of the scale for one of these and would not have anything left to deal with any issues.

Thanks all

Mark

The Accord Type R is a superb car, great engine, LSD, double wishbones all round and Recaro seats.

[MrHanky]

I know fuel shouldn't be a concern but an E36 would be slightly better on fuel when on a run.
Also not liking the big rise in car tax over the Octavia, but you only live once, so im trying to get rid of this sensible streak at the moment

Mark