Recommend the gf a 5.5K max car (stuffed full of gadgets)

[MDMetal]

So the GF want's a new car, she's fed up of her '99 Hyundai coupe and gets jealous when she drives my 350z.

Her "dream" is a 1 series coupe or an A3, my dream is something that won't require constant garage trips because she's bought the cheapest version of one of those she can find.

Her criteria are something "stylish" and lots of gadgets inside. She wouldn't mind a v40 or a mazda3 hatchback either. Preferably petrol and some performance.

So what would people recommend? max budget is 5 1/2 shiny pounds.

[V88Dicky]

Gadgets - check
Stylish - check
Performance - check
Reliability - check
£5500 - check



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[GregK2]

What kind of gadgets is she looking for?

[Lee540]

GregK2 said:

What kind of gadgets is she looking for?

Lane departure warning system?

[wiliferus]

Volvo C30?

Loads available in budget, right from 1.6 poverty spec to T5 R-Design. Take your pick. I think they're still a great looking motor.

[aka_kerrly]

Stylish and full of gadgets sounds like the sort of comment a girl who has just bought a Fiat 500 with bluetooth integration would make.

I'm really not that fussed on new cars so what exactly counts as a gadget these days? a stereo with bluetooth? a stupid novelty system that reads your text messages, a built in Satnav that is hopelessly out of date within a year or two, a lip stick holder, a vanity mirror with LED lighting?

I'm sure all of those would count as gadgets to people where as I have no no interest and would much rather a multi function display that tells me oil pressure, oil temperature, exact coolant temperature, boost , MPG, outside temperature - I.E USEFUL things about my car not just st gadgets mostly for the benefit of passengers.

[GregK2]

Mini Cooper? http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/m...

[nickofh]

If she likes her coupe styles I think I would be tempted to have a look at something like this. - perhaps not that one exactly.



http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

The Italian cars I have owned and know people own have not been any worse reliability wise than some of the german brands and better than the French - in my experience.

If I were concerned more about reliability , it would have to be a newer Hyundai coupe or a celica.

Personally think that alfa looks spot on and cheaper ones are available - without going too cheap!

Edited by nickofh on Monday 6th October 13:03

[GregK2]

Good find that, lovely looking car for the money.

[nickofh]

GregK2 said:

Good find that, lovely looking car for the money.

Thanks !

Whilst your suggestion might not be my cup of tea, it could be just right for the OP's mrs !

[a7x88]

If she's not averse to a Mazda 3, what about a mazda 3 MPS? Stylish and afaik fully loaded as standard

[MDMetal]

Nice find Alfa's are on the cards for sure.

She's not into small cars like mini's or fiat 500's or anything that could be classed as an old man car, coupes are in though. Nothing too big, gadget wise Bluetooth, mp3's anything that seems "cool" (although given the current car then electric seats would be a gadget hehe)

Edited by MDMetal on Monday 6th October 14:21

[amusingduck]

I wouldn't get too hung up on bluetooth/mp3 etc. £100 stereo will do the lot, much easier to find a car she likes and chuck a new stereo in.

My suggestions:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

and... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

[MDMetal]

amusingduck said:

I wouldn't get too hung up on bluetooth/mp3 etc. £100 stereo will do the lot, much easier to find a car she likes and chuck a new stereo in.

My suggestions:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

and... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2014...

2 zed's on the driveway might get the neighbours whispering! Nice cars but overall a bit too high mileage me thinks

[MDMetal]

The alfa went down well, big no to the jag though and a hmmm to the c30, anymore thoughts?

[chris watton]

What about a Mini Cooper S?

I have also noticed that some Audi TT's and RX8's can be had quite cheap, now.

[pimpchez]

a7x88 said:

If she's not averse to a Mazda 3, what about a mazda 3 MPS? Stylish and afaik fully loaded as standard

Reliable yes (ko4 & vvt aside) , cheap to own ? Not so much

[nickofh]

Perhaps not stuffed full of gadgets , but meets most other requirements. £5k will buy just about the best there is.





http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-55-TOYOTA-CELICA-VV...

[Jayho]

I've actually seen quite a lot of the spaceship looking Civic Type R's going for about £6000 lately... Try and find a clean GT example and there'd be many toys. Not bad turn of speed either.

[Matt UK]

Mk1 Audi TT.
Get a Parrot 9200 installed for bluetooth phone and tunes.