Looking for inspiration

[mr2turbogts]

Looking for some inspiration/help on what type of car

I’ve be doing the rounds of looking at what to replace the wife’s car (it’s turning into a ££ pit).

Budget up to 4/5k, ideally would like to spend around 3/4K though

Only requirements really is can’t be a two seater (we have two dogs), and not a diesel as her commute is only 10miles.

I’ve mainly been looking at the following;
Mk5 golf gti
Focus st

But keep wondering off and looking at different style of cars

E90 330/335i (although put off by the horror stories of the 335i turbos)
Merc clks
Bmw 630i
E39/E60 530i

So I keep flicking between cheap basic fun cars, then looking at spending more on a luxury barge with a bit of power.

Can anyone give any comments on the above cars and what you would choose or any other cars to consider?

Thanks in advance

[exelero]

Saab estate petrol? Either 9-3 or 9-5.

[mr2turbogts]

oh yeah I forgot to mention, she’s has one requirement that’s in not an estate, lol

[interstellar]

I thought Saab as I read the op’s message.

93 1.8t saloon?

[DoubleD]

How about a civic with the "magic" back seats. The dog would be able to stand.

[mr2turbogts]

Saab, interests!

How are these for parts now?

[interstellar]

mr2turbogts said:

Saab, interests!

How are these for parts now?

fine, no problem, when they went they set up a uk saab parts company so you wont have any problems there.

[ZX10R NIN]

I can personally recommend the ST-3 Focus the 2.5T engine is a peach & it is IMO a better steer than the Golf.

ST-3 Try to get an ST-3 as it makes it that bit nicer.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I also have CLK's now these are a very nice car more GT than hot hatch but they're a great place to sit, it's also easier to find a nice one for 3-4k.

CLK200 Avantgarde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...


240 Avantgarde

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you don't mind spending 5k you can get a very good CLK:

200 Avantgarde Sport (a very rare model with Orthopedic Seats Sports suspension but not the AMG kit) 7 speed box

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

280 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[mr2turbogts]

Went down the Saab route, ended up with a 2007 60k 9-3 aero.

So far very impressed, and for the ££ it was a steal, I’m a bit jealous she gets to drive it daily if I’m honest

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted now don't start looking at the Abbey Motorsport Website

[mr2turbogts]

Too late.

They are only 15 miles up the road

[ZX10R NIN]