Big and nimble?

[pitbull turbo]

Hi
After starting my family two years ago I have starting my family I really struggle to find a car that's fun nimble balanced handling and enough room and comfort of the family! Now I have had a big pay increase and can spend more on the car! I don't want debt so 10k max and I do 6k a year max and have say £550 a month running cost cover! I am not getting on with my Mazda 6 mps so anyone got a family car and not regret it?

[SystemParanoia]

daimler double 6

[pitbull turbo]

Lol nice but doubt it will handle at all

[Garlick]

Thought it was another thread about Riggers...

[Dangermouse58]

How about an st220 or honda accord type r?

For a bit more performance a scooby estate or s4

[pitbull turbo]

Well kind of put off by 4wd now as I find it grips rather than handles hence not much fun

[matt21]

My e39 did a pretty good job of fulfilling both of these criteria

[Jaroon]

I just got a Scooby 3.0R spec B. Only the saloon as it was a steal but would have liked to run to the estate if I had the readies.

It bloody loves a drink but I do similar miles to you so I can live with that. My choices were Saab Aero, Volvo T5 or leggy 330i. I didn't think I'd get in a Spec B on budget but had a punt and my bid stood up and all appears well with a newish clucth and service but tyres required.

I absolutely love it, I'd forgotten hold fiesty a mere 240bhp could feel and 4 wheel drive really flaters my ham fists. Loadsa toys, bit plasticy inside but not bad. Maybe not quite big enough, but the estates are fine in that department.

[pitbull turbo]

I have about £2.20 a mile budget although could do more if pushed and up to 10k buying power on top. If a accord would give me driving thrills I'd look at it but might fall apart now? I like red but not put off by fwd. I was thinking e39 m5 or e55k but don't want it to feel like a boat

[TameRacingDriver]

Primers GT was very nimble for the size of it, but I'm guessing the OP wants more than a 750 quid banger?

[pitbull turbo]

I quite like the old gt's remember the touring cars when I was a kid! To be honest I like power and lots of it but if it's fun in other ways I'm all ears. I don't care about flash either so ok with jap or what ever! I want the same buzz as my skyline gave me but a different car as had 3 now

[300bhp/ton]

pitbull turbo said:

Hi
After starting my family two years ago I have starting my family I really struggle to find a car that's fun nimble balanced handling and enough room and comfort of the family! Now I have had a big pay increase and can spend more on the car! I don't want debt so 10k max and I do 6k a year max and have say £550 a month running cost cover! I am not getting on with my Mazda 6 mps so anyone got a family car and not regret it?

I would guess a BMW of some kind might be the answer. At this money you have choices of a minter e36 M3, even a 4 door saloon variant. Or an e46 M3 if you don't mind a coupe/2 door saloon.

M5's I suspect are worth a look. I'd also be heading over to the Jaguar camp to try out an XJR. They might be softer, but they still handle well. And the benefits they bring in ride quality and interior design are significant for all those times you aren't hooning or have the family in tow.

And I know you've said no 4wd, but maybe you really should try an Evo 9 FQ.

[Ozzie Osmond]

pitbull turbo said:

I really struggle to find a car that's fun nimble balanced handling and enough room and comfort of the family!

Waste of time. Passengers don't enjoy being thrown around in a car. Get a cruiser for the family and a toy for yourself. That way you avoid the inevitable compromise which pleases nobody.

[SVX]

Depending on budget a Mercdes-Benz CLS is a surprisingly good steer for handling especially in Sport or AMG trim levels. Not sure on OPs budget, but even older ones are wearing the miles well.

[ez64]

e39,e38 , sl500, xjr all good choices. quite nearer the high end though an r33/32?

[TameRacingDriver]

pitbull turbo said:

I quite like the old gt's remember the touring cars when I was a kid! To be honest I like power and lots of it but if it's fun in other ways I'm all ears. I don't care about flash either so ok with jap or what ever! I want the same buzz as my skyline gave me but a different car as had 3 now

The GT did handle well but its not that powerful and a bit soulless. However its easy enough to get more power as its fundamentally the same lump as that of the the GTI-R sans turbo.

[pitbull turbo]

This is my fun car as o/h has her car and I have a van too. Budget in first post jags are nice not sure it's a 27 year lid kind of car but il try one

[pitbull turbo]

This is my fun car as o/h has her car and I have a van too. Budget in first post jags are nice not sure it's a 27 year lid kind of car but il try one

[pitbull turbo]

Could maybe go to 15k if the Mazda sells well

[750turbo]

Garlick said:

Thought it was another thread about Riggers...

And that will be you off his Christmas card list boss...