'Special' daily driver for £20K
Discussion
Suggestions please.....
I currently drive a diesel Mondeo. I’ve had the car over 6 years and it’s been a faithful servant. I’m keen to get something a bit special for my next car and keep changing my mind about what I want so thought I’d ask the PH masses for advice. I have some slightly unusual criteria for choosing a car which I’ve listed below.
1. Coupe, hatchback, or saloon bodystyle.
2. 4, 5, or 2+2 seating. I don’t have any kids but like the practicality of the extra seats.
3. Must have clean styling. I really hate tacky bodykits and massive spoilers. Don’t mind subtle lip spoilers but want to avoid big side skirts and anything OTT.
4. 25 MPG minimum.
5. Insurance not a major concern as I have full NCB, live in a low crime area and I am 36.
6. Car must be reliable and comfortable. I’m looking for a good compromise between handling and ride quality. I have a Caterham for weekend fun so don’t need something ultra sharp as a daily driver although I don’t want something that handles like a boat in a gale either.
7. Steering must have reach and rake adjustment. As a daily driver a comfortable driving position is a must.
8. Equuipment list is not critical. Not too fussed about having sat nav.
9. Budget up to £20K.
10. Manual gearbox preferred.
I’ve consider all the usual suspects including the Clio 200, Golf GTI, Audi S3 etc but am also drawn to V6 and V8 coupes such as the jaguar XK (post 2006), Audi TT 3.2, BMW 1 series and 3 series. In fact if the jag had a manual ‘box it would be perfect as I love the styling and feel good factor of owning a luxury V8 coupe.
Thanks in advance.
I currently drive a diesel Mondeo. I’ve had the car over 6 years and it’s been a faithful servant. I’m keen to get something a bit special for my next car and keep changing my mind about what I want so thought I’d ask the PH masses for advice. I have some slightly unusual criteria for choosing a car which I’ve listed below.
1. Coupe, hatchback, or saloon bodystyle.
2. 4, 5, or 2+2 seating. I don’t have any kids but like the practicality of the extra seats.
3. Must have clean styling. I really hate tacky bodykits and massive spoilers. Don’t mind subtle lip spoilers but want to avoid big side skirts and anything OTT.
4. 25 MPG minimum.
5. Insurance not a major concern as I have full NCB, live in a low crime area and I am 36.
6. Car must be reliable and comfortable. I’m looking for a good compromise between handling and ride quality. I have a Caterham for weekend fun so don’t need something ultra sharp as a daily driver although I don’t want something that handles like a boat in a gale either.
7. Steering must have reach and rake adjustment. As a daily driver a comfortable driving position is a must.
8. Equuipment list is not critical. Not too fussed about having sat nav.
9. Budget up to £20K.
10. Manual gearbox preferred.
I’ve consider all the usual suspects including the Clio 200, Golf GTI, Audi S3 etc but am also drawn to V6 and V8 coupes such as the jaguar XK (post 2006), Audi TT 3.2, BMW 1 series and 3 series. In fact if the jag had a manual ‘box it would be perfect as I love the styling and feel good factor of owning a luxury V8 coupe.
Thanks in advance.
Edited by Ecosseven on Monday 27th February 11:57
Ecosseven said:
Suggestions please.....
I currently drive a diesel Mondeo. I’ve had the car over 6 years and it’s been a faithful servant. I’m keen to get something a bit special for my next car and keep changing my mind about what I want so thought I’d ask the PH masses for advice. I have some slightly unusual criteria for choosing a car that I’ve listed below.
1. Coupe, hatchback, or saloon bodystyle.
2. 4, 5, or 2+2 seating. I don’t have any kids but like the practicality of the extra seats.
3. Must have clean styling. I really hate tacky bodykits and massive spoilers. Don’t mind subtle lip spoilers but want to avoid big side skirts and anything OTT.
4. 25 MPG minimum.
5. Insurance not a major concern as I have full NCB, live in a low crime area and I am 36.
6. Car must be reliable and comfortable. I’m looking for a good compromise between handling and ride quality. I have a Caterham for weekend fun so don’t need something ultra sharp as a daily driver although I don’t want something that handles like a boat in a gale either.
7. Steering must have reach and rake adjustment. As a daily driver a comfortable driving position is a must.
8. Equuipment list is not critical. Not too fussed about having sat nav.
9. Budget up to £20K.
10. Manual gearbox preferred.
I’ve consider all the usual suspects including the Clio 200, Golf GTI, Audi S3 etc but am also drawn to V6 and V8 coupes such as the jaguar XK (post 2006), Audi TT 3.2, BMW 1 series and 3 series. In fact if the jag had a manual ‘box it would be perfect as I love the styling and feel good factor of owning a luxury V8 coupe.
Thanks in advance.
Went from S3 to 130i, BMW definately the more rewarding steer and the engine so much more involving than the a screechy four pot....I currently drive a diesel Mondeo. I’ve had the car over 6 years and it’s been a faithful servant. I’m keen to get something a bit special for my next car and keep changing my mind about what I want so thought I’d ask the PH masses for advice. I have some slightly unusual criteria for choosing a car that I’ve listed below.
1. Coupe, hatchback, or saloon bodystyle.
2. 4, 5, or 2+2 seating. I don’t have any kids but like the practicality of the extra seats.
3. Must have clean styling. I really hate tacky bodykits and massive spoilers. Don’t mind subtle lip spoilers but want to avoid big side skirts and anything OTT.
4. 25 MPG minimum.
5. Insurance not a major concern as I have full NCB, live in a low crime area and I am 36.
6. Car must be reliable and comfortable. I’m looking for a good compromise between handling and ride quality. I have a Caterham for weekend fun so don’t need something ultra sharp as a daily driver although I don’t want something that handles like a boat in a gale either.
7. Steering must have reach and rake adjustment. As a daily driver a comfortable driving position is a must.
8. Equuipment list is not critical. Not too fussed about having sat nav.
9. Budget up to £20K.
10. Manual gearbox preferred.
I’ve consider all the usual suspects including the Clio 200, Golf GTI, Audi S3 etc but am also drawn to V6 and V8 coupes such as the jaguar XK (post 2006), Audi TT 3.2, BMW 1 series and 3 series. In fact if the jag had a manual ‘box it would be perfect as I love the styling and feel good factor of owning a luxury V8 coupe.
Thanks in advance.
It's a difficult one. The objectively best answer is probably something like a 130i or 135i, but I don't think you could really call that "special". I wouldn't say it had "clean styling" either I suppose - it's covered in weird lines and curves. Avoid the M-Sport suspension and run-flats if you want it to be comfortable.
If you want to get 25mpg, I think you're realistically looking at things with an official combined figure of over 30.
If you want to get 25mpg, I think you're realistically looking at things with an official combined figure of over 30.
Edited by kambites on Monday 27th February 11:41
kambites said:
It's a difficult one. The objectively best answer is probably something like a 130i or 135i, but I don't think you could really call that "special".
I agree on the difficulty Kam.Was thinking E60 M5 but doesn't meet manual/mpg requirements.
996 C4(S) - Meets pretty much everything other than perhaps the practicality aspect?
mickymellon1 said:
The Clio 200, Golf GTI, Audi S3, BMW 1 series and 3 series are not special.
TVR, Porsche, a Monaro and if you must BMW's (M3/5) are where I'd look
Depends on the OP's definition of "special" I suppose. I would agree with you, but that doesn't necessarily make either of us right.... TVR, Porsche, a Monaro and if you must BMW's (M3/5) are where I'd look
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