Fun, depreciation proof, cheap to run, fit a tent, 4 seats?
Discussion
Price not that important though looking at cars at or near bottom of depreciation curve probably means 3-6k realistically. Classic/modern classic territory but needs to be used in winter and not in the garage all the time.
The best thing I can think of to hit all boxes is probably a MkII Golf GTi or a Racing Puma (albeit the Mrs hates the latter, but just so you can see the sort of thing I am thinking of (although if a 1990s M5 had better running costs that would be in the mix too so I'm not just thinking hatches). Needs to be good at motorway miles but fun on the b-roads too.
So come on then, is there anything else I should be thinking of?
The best thing I can think of to hit all boxes is probably a MkII Golf GTi or a Racing Puma (albeit the Mrs hates the latter, but just so you can see the sort of thing I am thinking of (although if a 1990s M5 had better running costs that would be in the mix too so I'm not just thinking hatches). Needs to be good at motorway miles but fun on the b-roads too.
So come on then, is there anything else I should be thinking of?
Roastie ITR said:
Integra Type R DC2?
Seems to fulfill your criteria, some people think it's not that great on a motorway, but it's never been an issue with me.
I believe widely regarded as one of the greatest FWD cars ever... What has been happening to values? And what is the difference between twin round headlights and the other single flat lamp ones? Not sure about the twin round ones...Seems to fulfill your criteria, some people think it's not that great on a motorway, but it's never been an issue with me.
I wanted a big barge for family use that is fun in the twisties (for an estate) and is comfy and will not break.
I plumped for an S type Exec Accord Tourer with the beautifully revvy 2.4 i-Vtec engine.
It's so economical when pootling along but has a lot of "go" when you want to rev it to 9k rpm.
Ultra reliable, has all the toys (heated electric leather seats, dual climate, integrated satnav, traction control, electric remote opening tailgate, puddle lights, sunroof, auto wipers, fantastic HID lights, cruise control, steering wheels controls for everything, built in cargo nets, reverse proximity sensors with LED distance monitor, full OEM body kit, nice alloys). You can pick them up for the bottom end of your budget these days and they are not such a common sight and look good in dark colours.
I plumped for an S type Exec Accord Tourer with the beautifully revvy 2.4 i-Vtec engine.
It's so economical when pootling along but has a lot of "go" when you want to rev it to 9k rpm.
Ultra reliable, has all the toys (heated electric leather seats, dual climate, integrated satnav, traction control, electric remote opening tailgate, puddle lights, sunroof, auto wipers, fantastic HID lights, cruise control, steering wheels controls for everything, built in cargo nets, reverse proximity sensors with LED distance monitor, full OEM body kit, nice alloys). You can pick them up for the bottom end of your budget these days and they are not such a common sight and look good in dark colours.
Kentish said:
I wanted a big barge for family use that is fun in the twisties (for an estate) and is comfy and will not break.
I plumped for an S type Exec Accord Tourer with the beautifully revvy 2.4 i-Vtec engine.
It's so economical when pootling along but has a lot of "go" when you want to rev it to 9k rpm.
Ultra reliable, has all the toys (heated electric leather seats, dual climate, integrated satnav, traction control, electric remote opening tailgate, puddle lights, sunroof, auto wipers, fantastic HID lights, cruise control, steering wheels controls for everything, built in cargo nets, reverse proximity sensors with LED distance monitor, full OEM body kit, nice alloys). You can pick them up for the bottom end of your budget these days and they are not such a common sight and look good in dark colours.
Oh it can't be an estate as again I don't need anything big.I plumped for an S type Exec Accord Tourer with the beautifully revvy 2.4 i-Vtec engine.
It's so economical when pootling along but has a lot of "go" when you want to rev it to 9k rpm.
Ultra reliable, has all the toys (heated electric leather seats, dual climate, integrated satnav, traction control, electric remote opening tailgate, puddle lights, sunroof, auto wipers, fantastic HID lights, cruise control, steering wheels controls for everything, built in cargo nets, reverse proximity sensors with LED distance monitor, full OEM body kit, nice alloys). You can pick them up for the bottom end of your budget these days and they are not such a common sight and look good in dark colours.
kambites said:
Corrado?
Very nearly bought one before but oddly it seems to be a car that constantly defies its cast iron modern classic status and just keeps on depreciating and cars seem to keep getting tattier and tattier. I think if a good VR6 was available, I would be very keen, although presume running costs would be rather higher than a Mk2 Gti. Also understand the G60 is rated as the better drive on the twisties, although the VR6 has more character in the big-engine/(relatively) tiny car mould. What sort of real world is anyone getting from an ageing Vr6 and how much should be budgeted to keep it on the road?zebedee said:
kambites said:
Corrado?
Very nearly bought one before but oddly it seems to be a car that constantly defies its cast iron modern classic status and just keeps on depreciating and cars seem to keep getting tattier and tattier. I think if a good VR6 was available, I would be very keen, although presume running costs would be rather higher than a Mk2 Gti. Also understand the G60 is rated as the better drive on the twisties, although the VR6 has more character in the big-engine/(relatively) tiny car mould. What sort of real world is anyone getting from an ageing Vr6 and how much should be budgeted to keep it on the road?You'll struggle to average get 30mpg from a VR6 although the others should manage it comfortably. Suspension consumables will be on the way out if they haven't already been replaced, but they aren't desperately expensive - there's no reason it should cost much more than a Golf of the same era to run unless you bend it and need new body panels.
not to all tastes, but I had 2 z28s (in total for 6 years) and they were the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned..
total depreciation was about £200 (so thats £30/year), running costs tiny, v8 rumble and 30 mpg on the m'way if you keep the speed down.
The very opposite of a nasty little front wheel drive hatchback.
total depreciation was about £200 (so thats £30/year), running costs tiny, v8 rumble and 30 mpg on the m'way if you keep the speed down.
The very opposite of a nasty little front wheel drive hatchback.
Edited by balls-out on Tuesday 6th November 10:54
kambites said:
Good ones have gone up in value since I got rid of mine.
You'll struggle to average get 30mpg from a VR6 although the others should manage it comfortably. Suspension consumables will be on the way out if they haven't already been replaced, but they aren't desperately expensive - there's no reason it should cost much more than a Golf of the same era to run unless you bend it and need new body panels.
Cheers - where do you sit on the great G60 v VR6 debate?You'll struggle to average get 30mpg from a VR6 although the others should manage it comfortably. Suspension consumables will be on the way out if they haven't already been replaced, but they aren't desperately expensive - there's no reason it should cost much more than a Golf of the same era to run unless you bend it and need new body panels.
zebedee said:
kambites said:
Good ones have gone up in value since I got rid of mine.
You'll struggle to average get 30mpg from a VR6 although the others should manage it comfortably. Suspension consumables will be on the way out if they haven't already been replaced, but they aren't desperately expensive - there's no reason it should cost much more than a Golf of the same era to run unless you bend it and need new body panels.
Cheers - where do you sit on the great G60 v VR6 debate?You'll struggle to average get 30mpg from a VR6 although the others should manage it comfortably. Suspension consumables will be on the way out if they haven't already been replaced, but they aren't desperately expensive - there's no reason it should cost much more than a Golf of the same era to run unless you bend it and need new body panels.
So I guess it depends on whether you're an "engine person" or a "chassis person". Personally I preferred the G60.
Proper Volkswagens stopped at the MK2 and Corrado. They've all been bland white goods since then, imo.
Simple engineering which if regularly maintained, is extremely reliable.
The Rado VR has that X factor. Something you can't put your finger on, but it sucks you in. Your budget should bag you a very tidy one.
Mid 30s if sticking to 70mph. Mid 20s if not.
I like Integs too, but only the DC5, so not cheap or easy to get hold of. The DC2 is just as long in the tooth as the Corrado now (both were heralded as great FWD'ers) and will need a chassis overhaul to return it's original sharpness.
The Civic Type R I found to be a very enjoyable machine too! But all of Rhonda's VTECs have horribly boomy and tinny interiors, which may get on your wick on long journeys. The Corrado is just as quiet as my old E34 5 series
Simple engineering which if regularly maintained, is extremely reliable.
The Rado VR has that X factor. Something you can't put your finger on, but it sucks you in. Your budget should bag you a very tidy one.
Mid 30s if sticking to 70mph. Mid 20s if not.
I like Integs too, but only the DC5, so not cheap or easy to get hold of. The DC2 is just as long in the tooth as the Corrado now (both were heralded as great FWD'ers) and will need a chassis overhaul to return it's original sharpness.
The Civic Type R I found to be a very enjoyable machine too! But all of Rhonda's VTECs have horribly boomy and tinny interiors, which may get on your wick on long journeys. The Corrado is just as quiet as my old E34 5 series
kambites said:
Mine wasn't either, it was a 16v, but that was at least partly because I was young and insurance was prohibitive. However I did drive them all and I don't think you can call either "better". The VR6 makes a wonderful noise but feels decidedly nose-heavy; the G60 feels more agile but isn't a particularly inspiring engine and the supercharger is just one more thing to go wrong.
So I guess it depends on whether you're an "engine person" or a "chassis person". Personally I preferred the G60.
Interesting point. I have an Elise, so if I am all out for the drive, that is my chassis car! The VR6 would be a lovely counterpoint for when I want to chuck my sons in the car with a tent and blast off to Wales or the Lakes for the weekend when I don't need to be doing 4g around a corner but want to enjoy the whole experience. Have only driven the VR6 and it is silky smooth and I really like it. Odd that it had dropped out of my sights when I started this thread but I am starting to get excited now...So I guess it depends on whether you're an "engine person" or a "chassis person". Personally I preferred the G60.
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