Ohh no. Not another what car thread. you love them really

[TankRS]

Yep as the title says, it’s my turn to ask What Car?!

I’m fed up of buying unreliable motors! And just want something to last a few years with nothing more than the usual consumables needing doing. (I know it can’t be guaranteed but here’s hoping)

Basic info/requirements/budget –

Mx-5 not an option!

Budget is £2,500 max.

I need something with 5 seats, comfortable for 5 adults.

3 or 5 doors, doesn’t really matter.

Decent sized boot for suitcases (I’m the in-laws airport run bh!) and for weekend marshalling. Estates may be an option.

Decent MPG return. Thinking something around the 30-35mpg mark.

It’s mainly for daily commuting with a mix of traffic and flowing 40/50 mph bypass’. Commute is a 26mile round trip.

Petrol or Diesel, doesn’t really matter. I cover anything between 10-15k a year. This depends on how far I go for events.

I’d like something with under 80-90k on the clock. It will be the daily hack for at least the next 5 years.

I’d like to get away from the mundane fwd hatches if possible.


Given I’m after reliability I have been looking at German makes, mainly VAG & BMW’s. Have seen quite a few early 2000’s 3 series, there’s quite a few with under 80k on the clock.

Noticed many 3 series compacts. But have been warned about the Ti engine being less than reliable. But that’s from someone who had a Compact Diesel that had its turbo go, taking engine with it. And form a mechanic mate, who tbh isn’t always reliable for info, and isn’t a fan of anything outside of Vauxhalls range!

Have seen quite a few A3/4/6’s also, but they seem to have higher mileage than the BMW’s.

I had considerd something Quattro, but nothing in my price has lower than the 100k mark. While it would be a bonus for the mrs to have Quattro during the winter months and weeks of snow we currently have, and also useful for the extra bit of grip on the rally stages, it isn’t and essential. Just and idea i had toyed with, if i did go Quattro it would have to be TDI to compensate for the poor economy the 4x4 gives.

While i have listed a few options/thoughts above i am open to other suggestions from the wide knowledge and experienced owners on this forum.

Now let the bizarre suggestions commence!

And remember NO MX-5!!!!!

Edited by TankRS on Thursday 4th April 15:55

[TameRacingDriver]

I know you didn't want FWD but what about a Civic Type-R? Should just be available for the price, be reliable, 30 MPG possible.

Otherwise, an E36 328 would be a good choice, a minty saloon could be picked up for budget (or a touring).

[wiliferus]

Reliable - check
4x4 - check
30mpg - probably ish
Low miles - check

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

If you can live with its looks I don't think you can go far wrong.

[TankRS]

TameRacingDriver said:

I know you didn't want FWD but what about a Civic Type-R? Should just be available for the price, be reliable, 30 MPG possible.

Otherwise, an E36 328 would be a good choice, a minty saloon could be picked up for budget (or a touring).

Have looked at a Type-R tbh. Not sure i can drive it sensibly enough to see the upper figures of the mpg. Also a fair few round my way are being ragged (vtec kicked in you!) and poorly treated and sold on once something looks like it needs doing. My local garage sees one guy coming in every 4 months or so for a new clutch/tyres.
Not saying they are all like that but it’s just what I’ve noticed.

wiliferus said:

Reliable - check
4x4 - check
30mpg - probably ish
Low miles - check

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2012...

If you can live with its looks I don't think you can go far wrong.

i can learn to live with its looks. swmbo cant and refuses to let me own one! lol
from what I’ve read, 30mpg isn't actually achievable. Or is only on boring motorway cruises with minimal use of the accelerator.

Have had a look and there’s many BMW’s local for sale so I may just be dragging swmbo around garages this weekend to look/try a few and see how it feels.

[wiliferus]

You sound pretty set on a BMW. That being the case I'd agree with TRD above - aim for a 328, manual, and with your rally marshalling I'd go for a tourer. They're a very compact estate, and IMHO they look better than the saloon too That said I'd settle for a 325 too, although I'm led to believe the 323 is best avoided.... All of the MPG of the other two with none of the power

I love car shopping, enjoy

ETA - a quick glance on AT reveals you're either going to have to compromise on engine size or mileage. Plenty of 318/320's sub 100k miles in your budget, but most of the six potters are >100k miles.

Personally I'd look for a six pot with a flawless service history and disregard mileage, as long as it wasn't biblically high!

Edited by wiliferus on Wednesday 3rd April 21:20

[TankRS]

wiliferus said:

You sound pretty set on a BMW. That being the case I'd agree with TRD above - aim for a 328, manual, and with your rally marshalling I'd go for a tourer. They're a very compact estate, and IMHO they look better than the saloon too That said I'd settle for a 325 too, although I'm led to believe the 323 is best avoided.... All of the MPG of the other two with non if the power

I love car shopping, enjoy

I was set on an Impreza a week ago! Until I was talked out of it on rust/economy issues!

Only reason for leaning more towards a BMW at the mo is there’s more there, with lower mileage than an Audi equivalent, in my price range. I can handle the BMW driving rep-tt tag too that I’ve been threatened of having stuck to me
And i also fancy a go at some rwd stuff for a change.

I’ll certainly take onboard the models advised and see what I can find.

I also love a bit of car shopping. And am frequently browsing a potential new car, even when there’s no chance of getting one! Lol
Swmbo however detested the last bout of car shopping I took her too, and it ended up costing me a small shopping spree for her ‘putting up with me, driving all over to just look at a car that looks the same as the last one’.
I'd leave her at home if i could, but she has to be part of the decision as she will be driving it as much as me

[TankRS]

i know i've pretty much highlighted a 3series as my next motor, but thats only because i like the thought of one right now.
a week ago i was all set on an Impreza, until finding various posts on here and other forums about the true running costs of ownign one!

wiliferus said:

ETA - a quick glance on AT reveals you're either going to have to compromise on engine size or mileage. Plenty of 318/320's sub 100k miles in your budget, but most of the six potters are >100k miles.

Personally I'd look for a six pot with a flawless service history and disregard mileage, as long as it wasn't biblically high!

Edited by wiliferus on Wednesday 3rd April 21:20

just noticed the ETA part.

yeah i've been looking most of the day at various 3series.
Both the E36 & E46 generations in my budget. theres a quite a few there with auto boxes, with various high and low mileage.

is that a sign of the motorway cruisers for the higher mileage ones?

also noticing more 3 series compacts on there than saloon/coupes. there may be a reason i've been warned off them and there are so many up for sale!

i think i may have to open a thread in the BMW section