What Car? Fast, family car for £3-4k
Discussion
Morning boys and girls. I've finally managed to persuade SWMBO that we need a newer motor. I've got a budget of £3,000-£4,000 and I'm looking for a large family car with a bit of poke. Reliability, relative economy (ie not 5mpg), safety, and comfort are also essential.
I've been looking at a few 02 Mondeo ST's and they are floating my boat in a big way, so what else is out there that ticks these boxes. Needs to be big enough for two adults, three kids and a smallish dog.
Thanks in advance
Jim
I've been looking at a few 02 Mondeo ST's and they are floating my boat in a big way, so what else is out there that ticks these boxes. Needs to be big enough for two adults, three kids and a smallish dog.
Thanks in advance
Jim
I'm thinking about the same factors for my next car. I think the best ph answer is an e39 530 estate, but I'm a little wary of biggish repair bills.
I'd also considering a 3.0 jag x-type estate, st220 mondeo which although different seem quite closely matched in comparisons. Audi a6 avant also have a huge boot if you have such a big family that is prob important to you.
I also think I'd love a Mazda 6 mps, but they are more £££ and no estate, although you can easily (see youtube) drop the rear seat backs.
I'd also considering a 3.0 jag x-type estate, st220 mondeo which although different seem quite closely matched in comparisons. Audi a6 avant also have a huge boot if you have such a big family that is prob important to you.
I also think I'd love a Mazda 6 mps, but they are more £££ and no estate, although you can easily (see youtube) drop the rear seat backs.
I'd say Jaguar X-Type 3.0 - lot of car for the money:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-Jaguar-X-TYPE-3-0-V...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2003-Jaguar-X-TYPE-3-0-V...
ST220 feels more sporty than the jag, helped by being lighter and not having so much power sucked away by its transmission - the 4WD that gets the jag off the line quickly is a burden once rolling. ST also has sharper steering and a juicier exhaust note and in fact feels more sporting overall than an e46 330.
browna said:
Oh yeah, I always forget about the octy, they are v.tempting, I think even the hatchback has pretty big boot. But for me I'd always be wanting the newer model based on the mk5 gti platform I think?
The hatch has a massive boot. I think the later ones will be out of budget however, unless you are happy with several light years on the clock.strangehighways said:
As nice as that would be to drive I suspect the mpg it returns will not be to the OP's liking, as it'll drink like a fish when you get your foot down! 
a_bread said:
ST220 feels more sporty than the jag, helped by being lighter and not having so much power sucked away by its transmission - the 4WD that gets the jag off the line quickly is a burden once rolling. ST also has sharper steering and a juicier exhaust note and in fact feels more sporting overall than an e46 330.
I find the X-type 3.0 is fine and doesn't lack poke at all once moving. The vvt helps with this giving it a handy leg up. I came from an E34 540i to mine and the manual X-type is a swift car. The word burden really is a bit OTT. I'd very much agree the se Jag is softer handling than the Mondeo but the Sport more matched. I can hustle the se along nicely but for me it was about a comfy choice. Otherwise it would have been a close call between Mondeo ST and Jag Sport
As for the exhaust note, I have a lovely stainless set-up which those on here who have heard will testify is suitably fruity
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