Another 'what car' thread, 6K budget.
Discussion
So, a while back I decided to replace my 2.8 v6 4 motion Golf, because it seemed to have had a hard life before I got it and kept breaking.
My thoughts were that I would buy something my other half can have when she's passed her test - so I bought a Fiat Panda 100hp. And it's great! Around town... The trouble is I do a lot of motorway driving and it's absolutely horrendous! It'll do it, it sits at 80 fine and can overtake, just about, but the noise and lack of comfort is driving me mad!
I'm really struggling to choose a new car, because I have no specific criteria other than it needs to be good on long journeys. Reasonable fuel consumption preferred - and 170bhp+ ideally. Insurance is never usually an issue for me but I got some quotes on an s4 recently, and they were outrageous, although fast mercs and as no focus ST's were all fine.
Here is what I've been considering, but if anyone has some more suggestions or reasons why my choices so far are bad then please say something!
530d - although one with decent mileage etc is hard to find for the budget
Volvo C70 D5/T5 (hard folding roof)
Honda Civic Type R - although the newer shape is only just in budget and the hard ride puts me off
Focus ST - perhaps I'm after something a bit less chavvy but I do really like these
Alfa Romeo Brera/159 JTDm - and I even saw a Mito 1.4 turbo that looked nice but maybe too small to be comfy enough for long journeys. I do 60 miles a day so it really does have to be nice to live with
Legacy spec B - although the fuel consumption is perhaps a bit high and it looks really dull - but I kind of like the understated image, no one would expect it to be quick!
Ruled out mazda MPS, just don't like them much
Audi A6 3.0 TDI
Audi A3 2.0 TDI 170
Skoda Octavia VRS TFSI / tdi
Mini Cooper S
Volvo C30.
As you can see from this massive list I'm really struggling to make my mind up, so any help appreciated!!
My thoughts were that I would buy something my other half can have when she's passed her test - so I bought a Fiat Panda 100hp. And it's great! Around town... The trouble is I do a lot of motorway driving and it's absolutely horrendous! It'll do it, it sits at 80 fine and can overtake, just about, but the noise and lack of comfort is driving me mad!
I'm really struggling to choose a new car, because I have no specific criteria other than it needs to be good on long journeys. Reasonable fuel consumption preferred - and 170bhp+ ideally. Insurance is never usually an issue for me but I got some quotes on an s4 recently, and they were outrageous, although fast mercs and as no focus ST's were all fine.
Here is what I've been considering, but if anyone has some more suggestions or reasons why my choices so far are bad then please say something!
530d - although one with decent mileage etc is hard to find for the budget
Volvo C70 D5/T5 (hard folding roof)
Honda Civic Type R - although the newer shape is only just in budget and the hard ride puts me off
Focus ST - perhaps I'm after something a bit less chavvy but I do really like these
Alfa Romeo Brera/159 JTDm - and I even saw a Mito 1.4 turbo that looked nice but maybe too small to be comfy enough for long journeys. I do 60 miles a day so it really does have to be nice to live with
Legacy spec B - although the fuel consumption is perhaps a bit high and it looks really dull - but I kind of like the understated image, no one would expect it to be quick!
Ruled out mazda MPS, just don't like them much
Audi A6 3.0 TDI
Audi A3 2.0 TDI 170
Skoda Octavia VRS TFSI / tdi
Mini Cooper S
Volvo C30.
As you can see from this massive list I'm really struggling to make my mind up, so any help appreciated!!
I've seen a nice 3.0 TDI A6, I guess they're just really common and perhaps a little bit old man-y, but I'm going to test drive it as it's only down the road... It does seem to tick most boxes..
I haven't actually I'll tap that into eBay and have a look, thanks. I'd be more interested in one of those than say a golf GTI, I find those really boring!!
I haven't actually I'll tap that into eBay and have a look, thanks. I'd be more interested in one of those than say a golf GTI, I find those really boring!!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I am biased but if you can live with ~28mpg I wouldn't write it off.
Fantastic engine and (fairly) low mileage
I am biased but if you can live with ~28mpg I wouldn't write it off.
Fantastic engine and (fairly) low mileage
I do like those - prefer the 5 series, but I do like it. Haven't thought to look at the bigger petrol beemers actually, the diesel ones aren't really in budget unless I go for a high miler so that's food for thought, I'll see if there are any near me. The fuel costs would be okay, providing the performance is there. That was my biggest gripe with the heavy v6 golf I had - 19-26 mpg but not really all that quick. Don't mind paying the fuel bill if it's worth it
Smiley198700 said:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...
I am biased but if you can live with ~28mpg I wouldn't write it off.
Fantastic engine and (fairly) low mileage
This was going to be my suggestion, but 28mpg is extremely pessimistic! We're talking long journeys, and my E46 328i does 35mpg at an 80mph cruise. I'd expect a six-speed, much updated E90 to more than match that.I am biased but if you can live with ~28mpg I wouldn't write it off.
Fantastic engine and (fairly) low mileage
They are surprisingly good on fuel, but that dullness aside, it's a mega engine in a really capable chassis. That SE will ride OK even on runflats, an M Sport on runflats seems a bit hard for my liking, but soon fixed by putting proper tyres on.
Perhaps I need to test drive a 330, I'll try and find one near me. I'm looking at cars up to £6500 with a view to try and knock some money off.
A few people have said similar about the ST. It's a lovely looking thing and I'm sure it would be good fun but maybe it's not quite what I need
A few people have said similar about the ST. It's a lovely looking thing and I'm sure it would be good fun but maybe it's not quite what I need
McSam said:
his was going to be my suggestion, but 28mpg is extremely pessimistic! We're talking long journeys, and my E46 328i does 35mpg at an 80mph cruise. I'd expect a six-speed, much updated E90 to more than match that.
They are surprisingly good on fuel, but that dullness aside, it's a mega engine in a really capable chassis. That SE will ride OK even on runflats, an M Sport on runflats seems a bit hard for my liking, but soon fixed by putting proper tyres on.
I'm averaging 22mpg They are surprisingly good on fuel, but that dullness aside, it's a mega engine in a really capable chassis. That SE will ride OK even on runflats, an M Sport on runflats seems a bit hard for my liking, but soon fixed by putting proper tyres on.
but mine is an auto and most of my driving is short journeys/town. I didn't want the OP to think it would get 330d economy so I was erring in the side of caution Personally I would avoid m sport. SE is firm enough (IMO anyway)
They do shift when you wind them up, plus they sound glorious. Worth a test drive and there's a few available within your budget, seems the big 6cyl petrol E90s don't hold their value as well as the diesels which is good for us
It's got 50bhp more than the golf and weighs roughly the same so it should feel quicker - definitely worth a test drive
Edited by Smiley198700 on Monday 16th February 19:01
A mate of mine has the e46 and loves it, it does sound lovely. It's not really a car I've ever lusted after though - I'll try and have a drive in one and I'll let you know how it goes, it does seem to tick pretty much all the boxes, and it's not a car I would of thought of myself really - having said that, there aren't many in a 30 mile radius of me or my work! But I'm not in a massive hurry, and I want to consider all options. Whilst it's not a massive amount to spend on a car, I've never spent more then 3k on on one so I'm taking this purchase a bit more seriously 
I've had loads of Saabs in the past, and while I loved each and every one of them, the newer ones just don't feel as much of a quality product as it's rivals. They are a bargain for what kit you get, but then so are volvo's and they're still in production! And I'm surprised at the amount of bmw you get for the money if you go bigger engined and petrol. One things for sure, I'm not looking forward to going to work in the fiat tonight :-(
I've had loads of Saabs in the past, and while I loved each and every one of them, the newer ones just don't feel as much of a quality product as it's rivals. They are a bargain for what kit you get, but then so are volvo's and they're still in production! And I'm surprised at the amount of bmw you get for the money if you go bigger engined and petrol. One things for sure, I'm not looking forward to going to work in the fiat tonight :-(
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