Car for an awkward wife!!

[neiljohnson]

I know what car threads are a pita but I could really do with your help.
It's time to replace the wife's car but she is causing me a real headache finding something that she likes.
Current car is a 2002 astra turbo convertible.
Budget is up to 15k maybe a tad more if we get finance.
Nothing French or from the vag stable
Petrol
Not too "girly" (her words not mine )
At least as quick as what she has already
25mpg +
A reasonable size as needs boot space for horse stuff & the dog may need to go on it occasionally
Capable of getting
Over speed humps at the stables

So what are your suggestions?

[n1cky]

nothing, let her get it. because by the sounds of it... you WILL be wrong.

[billzeebub]

Subaru Forester Turbo

[gaz1234]

if awkward suggest something like a kia or similar.

[rufusgti]

Not sure why but a 3-5 yr old civic type R sprung to mind.
They look quite exotic, go well when you need it and have very very nice seats. I've never driven one but a friend owned one that looked lovely.

[ShayneJ]

n1cky said:

nothing, let her get it. because by the sounds of it... you WILL be wrong.

Very much this.

however the forester is a good shout for what she wants it for
odd looking car but very capable like a "grown up" impreza.

[rallycross]

BMW 335 petrol coupe
terrific vlaue for money at the moment (about 30% cheaper used than the diesel 335).
300 bhp
tend to come with very high spec
£10k for a 2006 with a few miles on it.
my wife averages 30 mpg driving my 335i, I tend to get 26-28, will average 32 mpg on a long motorway trip

[AndyBrew]

rufusgti said:

Not sure why but a 3-5 yr old civic type R sprung to mind.
They look quite exotic, go well when you need it and have very very nice seats. I've never driven one but a friend owned one that looked lovely.

The OP's wife will think she's going backwards in that in my opinion.

[neiljohnson]

Better just say the no French or vag is from me
Type r is a good shout but had one as a company car a while back & she didn't get on with the dash
Mini is too small the dogs 8 stone!!
335 possible will get her in one & go from there

[Stuart70]

focus st?

[maxdb]

A bus

[MotorcyclesFish]

Mazda 3 MPS

[STW2010]

Vauxhall Monaro

[Mr2Mike]

AndyBrew said:

The OP's wife will think she's going backwards in that in my opinion.

Is the OP's wife completely incapable of getting the engine past 5000 RPM?

[g3org3y]

BMW E93 Convertible in 330i form.

335i is of course awesome but do you want the headache from potential turbo issues? 330i performance should be more than adequate.

[deltashad]

[seeby]

Sounds like a horse might fit the bill,then you can go and treat yourself to a new motor . Win Win

[billzeebub]

ShayneJ said:

n1cky said:

nothing, let her get it. because by the sounds of it... you WILL be wrong.

Very much this.

however the forester is a good shout for what she wants it for
odd looking car but very capable like a "grown up" impreza.

I love mine, usually grab the keys to this ahead of the RR! Extremely capable, quirky and above all reliable motors. Impreza Wagon also a good option, as it has nearly as much use ability but even better in the corners. Also the Wagons don't have the connotations of the saloon for me. Though I do think girls look very cool driving rally spec Imprezas!.. Something guys struggle to pull off!..

[CaptainSlow]

billzeebub said:

Subaru Forester Turbo

I think you may be on a one man mission to change the standard PH MX-5 answer!

[V8mate]

Cooper S Clubman?