Let's re-jig my garage (a 'what car' thread)
Discussion
Ok, my garage is as follows:
My new commute will be 80 miles a day and I simply fancy a change from the Elise (not that there is anything wrong or not to like about it.
I need something that will be comfortable on the motorway, the Focus isn't and I'd like a bigger engine. If I go for a economic car then I will need something in the garage to make that worthwhile. I actually don't care whether I have a brand new car or second hand, I'm perfectly happy with 100k milers. My considerations so far have been anywhere from Volvo S60s & E60 5 series with circa 100k miles to brand new Golf 1.6D or Volvo V60 that do a million MPG.
The wild card here is that I could replace both the Focus and the Lotus with a single car that has 'acceptable' economy (~40mpg) and decent performance. The BMW M135i ticks this box but it's stretching what I'd like to pay, I can't decide on the second-hand option that fits this category.
Wife's car could remain as the 172 but it could also become the 'garage car' as I'd happily turn it into my track day car and then this would make the economical car worthwhile.
I could keep the 172 as a car for my Wife and then just buy a trackday car with all sorts of options.
Unfortunately, I've not been helpful as my criteria is quite wide however it's difficult because performance cars aren't economical...
Finally, not very keen on Jap or Yank cars... with exception of the GT86 which I like, but my Wife doesn't.
Thanks!
- 2004 Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec (my work 'shed')
- 2001 Renault Clio 172 (my Wife's car... was mine!)
- 2005 Lotus Elise 111S (the weekend toy)
My new commute will be 80 miles a day and I simply fancy a change from the Elise (not that there is anything wrong or not to like about it.
I need something that will be comfortable on the motorway, the Focus isn't and I'd like a bigger engine. If I go for a economic car then I will need something in the garage to make that worthwhile. I actually don't care whether I have a brand new car or second hand, I'm perfectly happy with 100k milers. My considerations so far have been anywhere from Volvo S60s & E60 5 series with circa 100k miles to brand new Golf 1.6D or Volvo V60 that do a million MPG.
The wild card here is that I could replace both the Focus and the Lotus with a single car that has 'acceptable' economy (~40mpg) and decent performance. The BMW M135i ticks this box but it's stretching what I'd like to pay, I can't decide on the second-hand option that fits this category.
Wife's car could remain as the 172 but it could also become the 'garage car' as I'd happily turn it into my track day car and then this would make the economical car worthwhile.
I could keep the 172 as a car for my Wife and then just buy a trackday car with all sorts of options.
Unfortunately, I've not been helpful as my criteria is quite wide however it's difficult because performance cars aren't economical...
Finally, not very keen on Jap or Yank cars... with exception of the GT86 which I like, but my Wife doesn't.
Thanks!
Rawwr said:
I'm assuming divorce isn't an option?
Nah, she's a keeper... unlike the cars 
stormy22 said:
Another thread that will be filled with posts recommending you buy a BMW, especially as you mentioned it in your original post.
Just buy a BMW and save the webspace LOL ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz
I know! It's a predictable choice and really why I'm looking for alternativesJust buy a BMW and save the webspace LOL ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzz
Idontdrinkrsmoke said:
How about a mark 6 golf gti to replace the focus and elise and get the gti remapped for additional fun? Fuel economy after a remap would maybe be close to 40mpg and performance would be around 230/240bhp.
Nothing wrong with the GTI but between us we've done Golfs and GTIs!I think this thread is going to end up being quite predictable (my fault really!), it's a shame there isn't much out there that takes my fancy... and isn't going to ruin me when doing 20k miles a year!
430T said:
Cheap Volvo as a daily and a Caterham as the weekend car?
The cheap Volvo is a suggestion that's stuck for quite some time. I think that, as much as I'd enjoy a Caterham, that function is currently catered for with the Elise. Having said that, that's an itch I'd like to scratch. Pity I don't have the funds for a Caterham Academy season 
Like the idea of the 911, not thought of a 996.
Whilst thinking about this, I thought of another option... cycle to the station (6 mins according to Google Maps), train 1hr 7m and then cycle to work (9 mins). That means I can relax on the way to work AND not need a car for commuting and therefore... >V6s are an option!
Whilst thinking about this, I thought of another option... cycle to the station (6 mins according to Google Maps), train 1hr 7m and then cycle to work (9 mins). That means I can relax on the way to work AND not need a car for commuting and therefore... >V6s are an option!
300bhp/ton said:
MagicalTrevor said:
Finally, not very keen on Yank cars...
Yet you own and drive a Ford....
It's the design of Yank cars that I'm not keen on rather than the parent company location. I respect your love of American cars but they just don't float my boat (well, expect for the newer Corvettes which I'll be driving in September on the PetrolHead Nirvana trip
)MagicalTrevor said:
Ah, Mr 300bhp/ton... I've been expecting you
It's the design of Yank cars that I'm not keen on rather than the parent company location. I respect your love of American cars but they just don't float my boat (well, expect for the newer Corvettes which I'll be driving in September on the PetrolHead Nirvana trip )
lol I think you'll find your Ford is still American, still sold in the USA and elsewhere It's the design of Yank cars that I'm not keen on rather than the parent company location. I respect your love of American cars but they just don't float my boat (well, expect for the newer Corvettes which I'll be driving in September on the PetrolHead Nirvana trip
)300bhp/ton said:
MagicalTrevor said:
Ah, Mr 300bhp/ton... I've been expecting you
It's the design of Yank cars that I'm not keen on rather than the parent company location. I respect your love of American cars but they just don't float my boat (well, expect for the newer Corvettes which I'll be driving in September on the PetrolHead Nirvana trip )
lol I think you'll find your Ford is still American, still sold in the USA and elsewhere It's the design of Yank cars that I'm not keen on rather than the parent company location. I respect your love of American cars but they just don't float my boat (well, expect for the newer Corvettes which I'll be driving in September on the PetrolHead Nirvana trip
)Anyway, stop trolling my thread
MagicalTrevor said:
I did have a look but couldn't find where the Mk1 Ford Focus was manufactured. I would really surprise me if it was made in America and then shipped to Europe rather than being manufactured in Europe.
Anyway, stop trolling my thread
Mercedes used to build the ML in North America and BMW built the Z4 there, are these then American?Anyway, stop trolling my thread
I believe Honda and Toyota both have extensive manufacturing facilities in the UK and in the USA. Does this mean they are Anglo-American companies?
Incidentally my Chevy was actually built in Canada, so therefore can't be American if we follow this thought pattern
That aside, if I wanted a motorway mile munch I think I'd be tempted to look at a 2.7HDI Citreon C6. Good on fuel, fairly speedy and very comfy. Plus a little left field.
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