Golf GTE Is A No - What For £1500?? - Page 1 - Car Buying

SiT

Original Poster

1,242 posts

222 months

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Wednesday 21st February 2018

So I posted another thread about the Golf GTE, due to a change in work circumstances I will soon be upping my commute from 8 miles to about 14 (each way) I can use A/B roads or do a junction on the motorway.

My thinking initially was to sell my X5 and replace it with something which would cost little to run but still offer some fun when required.

The response to my GTE thread was mixed and lots of grey areas around battery pre-conditioning to get max range, availability to charge at both ends of journey etc.

I went to look at one at local VW dealer and it was nice, but just a nice Golf which I guess is no bad thing. I would struggle to spend £20-£25k on a used GTE was the bottom line.

So back to the drawing board I thought perhaps a better way to go would be to buy a cheap workhorse for commute/dog walking/tip runs etc and spend the remainder on something really exciting.

Most of the time it would sit on the drive, the odd trip to work perhaps but spending 6 days driving something with a value of sub £1500 would make my days off even more exciting.

I yearn to have a loud/fast/performance car again but if I am honest couldn’t afford to run one everyday. The trappings of a young daughter, house, holidays etc. mean things have to be prioritised. Cars are a massive part of my life so if I can get this right then it should be awesome.

Looking for some advice, that being the case, on what I should be looking at around £1500. It needs to be -

Large hatch/estate
Reliable
Economical (30 miles a day)
£1500(ish)

Any thoughts or opinions on what sort of thing I should be looking for? I don’t want a total s&@t kicker as it will occasionally be used for the odd family day out - needs to be ‘National Trust-able’ lol!!!!!

Si

Andy665

4,031 posts

249 months

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Wednesday 21st February 2018

Saab 9-5 - job done

SiT

Original Poster

1,242 posts

222 months

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Wednesday 21st February 2018

Spooky I was just looking at them, what era is the best for reliability - I am guessing before GM got involved so ‘02 etc.

Much to choose between petrol/diesel?

Si

ZX10R NIN

29,873 posts

146 months

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Wednesday 21st February 2018

SiT

Original Poster

1,242 posts

222 months

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Wednesday 21st February 2018

ZX10R NIN said:

Seriously PH should give you a job!!!! Thanks for the links will have a browse through, any standout leaders from that selection??

I know that most thugs Jap/Swede should be fine how about the French and Vaux contenders at this price point?

Si

SiT

Original Poster

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222 months

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Wednesday 21st February 2018

Ok so had a look through - like the Vectra SRi, Saab Aero, Lexus IS nice but saloon might be prohibitive I am not sure???

Notice all the suggestions are petrol, do we think with my commuting mileage and limited leisure use it doesn’t warrant a diesel??

Si

ZX10R NIN

29,873 posts

146 months

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Wednesday 21st February 2018

Thanks, the reason I've only picked petrols is because you'll be doing under 9k a year with this daily & that doesn't IMO warrant a diesel.

Standouts for me were the Vectra Elite/Saab 9-3 Aero/Accord Tourer