£10k Fast Family Car
Discussion
Wife currently has a 2 1/2 year old Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCi (maintained an impressive 53mpg over our ownership for a house brick) that we'll own out right in about 3 months. We brought it as it was big enough to ship her and the kids around and still give decent mpg as she drives a fair bit for work (around 18k a year). She is getting a company car soon so we don't need another boring derv but we do need a family car for the weekend as she'll be getting something small (DS3 or Mini or something like that) so I plan on swapping the Qashqai for something petrol based and a bigger.
I'm after something quick, reliable, and big for £10k, what should I be looking at? It'll only really be used on the weekend and holidays (MPG isn't a massive concern) but we do need something big enough to transport two adults, two teenage kids, a dog, and four bikes and still have a decent turn of speed.
I'm after something quick, reliable, and big for £10k, what should I be looking at? It'll only really be used on the weekend and holidays (MPG isn't a massive concern) but we do need something big enough to transport two adults, two teenage kids, a dog, and four bikes and still have a decent turn of speed.
tankplanker said:
Wife currently has a 2 1/2 year old Nissan Qashqai 1.5 DCi (maintained an impressive 53mpg over our ownership for a house brick) that we'll own out right in about 3 months. We brought it as it was big enough to ship her and the kids around and still give decent mpg as she drives a fair bit for work (around 18k a year). She is getting a company car soon so we don't need another boring derv but we do need a family car for the weekend as she'll be getting something small (DS3 or Mini or something like that) so I plan on swapping the Qashqai for something petrol based and a bigger.
I'm after something quick, reliable, and big for £10k, what should I be looking at? It'll only really be used on the weekend and holidays (MPG isn't a massive concern) but we do need something big enough to transport two adults, two teenage kids, a dog, and four bikes and still have a decent turn of speed.
I guess something like a Subaru Legacy or even a Forrester would tick all the boxes rather well.I'm after something quick, reliable, and big for £10k, what should I be looking at? It'll only really be used on the weekend and holidays (MPG isn't a massive concern) but we do need something big enough to transport two adults, two teenage kids, a dog, and four bikes and still have a decent turn of speed.
Although part of me says, if it'll mostly be used at weekends and holidays when you have the family in it, does it really need to be quick?
Basically what I'm getting at is, if 90%+ of the time you'll have 4 of you and a dog in it, then you really aren't going to be throwing it about are you.
On this basis I think more fun and enjoyment could likely be had from other vehicles.
Something like this maybe:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...
I say this because it'll be practical, but I'm willing to bet that it'll make you smile more often than a 3 Series estate would for the use you describe in your op.
Anything 3 series sized within my budget is going to be too small, needs to be 5 series touring sized at least in terms of boot and rear leg room. How big is the Forester's boot and rear leg room compared to a 5?
RS6 looks awesome and I already use a great VAG specialist for my servicing, any known problems on higher mileage examples?
I'd be using the car at the weekend when I'm out on my own for longer trips as well, plus I ain't dead yet so I'm not settling for something that sensible when I don't need to.
RS6 looks awesome and I already use a great VAG specialist for my servicing, any known problems on higher mileage examples?
I'd be using the car at the weekend when I'm out on my own for longer trips as well, plus I ain't dead yet so I'm not settling for something that sensible when I don't need to.
300bhp/ton said:
Damn, I thought you were going to suggest a Defender, no points for me today 
tankplanker said:
I'd be using the car at the weekend when I'm out on my own for longer trips as well, plus I ain't dead yet so I'm not settling for something that sensible when I don't need to.
I guess what I suggested wasn't actually sensible (not sure if you looked). Just something I think could be more fun.An interior designed to get muddy and easy to clean (good for a dog). Plenty of room and things like removable roof and doors would just make it a hoot on a day out in summer.
Fast is all good and that, but if you almost never get to use it for that, then it becomes slightly wasted.
otolith said:
300bhp/ton said:
Damn, I thought you were going to suggest a Defender, no points for me today Although I think it would be the right sort of thing. A bit more budget and the op could consider a 4.4 V8 Range Rover Sport, faster and more car like, but probably less grin inducing and less fun to own.
otolith said:
tankplanker said:
RS6 looks awesome and I already use a great VAG specialist for my servicing, any known problems on higher mileage examples?
A leggy RS6 carries a whiff of impending financial ruination to my nose.But, if its got a decent warranty and the air suspension and gearbox have been replaced, you should be ok
nosuchuser said:
otolith said:
tankplanker said:
RS6 looks awesome and I already use a great VAG specialist for my servicing, any known problems on higher mileage examples?
A leggy RS6 carries a whiff of impending financial ruination to my nose.But, if its got a decent warranty and the air suspension and gearbox have been replaced, you should be ok
Mr Roper said:
Be surprised if you could get a decent warranty on a 10k RS6 if at all.
That'd be my worry, if the 'box or air suspension is suspect I'll give it a miss as that sounds expensive. Not a fan of the Ranger Rover Sport, too many blinged up examples round my way and I'd be worried about the reliability of them. Defender would be great with a V8 in, would I get a good example for my budget?
That Wrangler any good and is it a decent size? I had a quick go in the Cherokee a few years ago and it felt tiny inside compared to how big it was on the outside, same problem with the Touareg.
tankplanker said:
Defender would be great with a V8 in, would I get a good example for my budget?
The answer is yes, although you might have to do some work yourself. But converting a diesel to a V8 is pretty easy and can be done in a weekend.Don't get me wrong - such a vehicle as this would be a heck of a long way away from your request in your op and it'd still be slow.
But the point I picked up on was intended use and fun factor. Basically I love fast cars, but even I know that with a dog in the back I just wouldn't be able to make use of a fast car. But I also know some cars can give you the same buzz and excitement even when driven slowly. On this basis alone I'd personally be looking at other cars unless you think you'll get enough opportunity to make use of a powerful car.
tankplanker said:
That Wrangler any good and is it a decent size? I had a quick go in the Cherokee a few years ago and it felt tiny inside compared to how big it was on the outside, same problem with the Touareg.
The Wrangler is rugged and fairly basic. It's very much like a Defender only better in every regard. They do do a V6 one, but not for the UK and not in budget. But for me it'd be about the fun of driving a 4x4 and one that you could fold the windscreen down on (which I would too).Digger said:
Mr Roper said:
Be surprised if you could get a decent warranty on a 10k RS6 if at all.
Had a warranty direct one on mine for last two years. Would be able to renew if I chose too. Never had an RS6 but I've read that they can be crippling with the bills, nice to be able to get some cover if/when (?) something goes pop.
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