What practical, fun, non-hatchback?

[tallpaul26]

So...

I'm in the market for a new/used car. It is to replace a 5 door Ford Fiesta which is used as follows:

- Commuting (no passengers): Either 3 miles or 10 miles each way, 5 days per week
- Occasional longer journeys (no passengers)
- Very occasional short journeys up to 30 minutes with 2 adults and two small children

Now, the Fiesta is the perfect car for this. It is practical, economical, reliable and the running costs are tiny. Obviously, I should just keep it. However, I want something a fraction more interesting. Keeping the Fiesta and buying another car is ruled out due to lack of space to park 3 cars.

The kicker in my decision making process is the requirement for 4 usable seats. If 2 seats were an option, I'd have bought a Z4 Coupe a long time ago.

The obvious answer is a hot hatch. However, been there, done that, can't get excited about them anymore.

So, options I've been mulling over:

- M235i
- GT86

If the GT86 had a fraction more room in the back, I think it would be the winner. As accomplished as an M235i is, I'm not sold on the looks.

I'd prefer max. 3 or 4 years old and preferably with an existing manufacturers warranty or one that can be extended.

Is there anything else, non-hatchback to consider? I'm stumped.

[ZX10R NIN]

RS5 might be too big & the running costs aren't small & it's more of a mini GT but to me the M235 is in a similar bracket.

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

2.0t Q60

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

3.0t

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

Lexus RC200

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

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

300

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

RC-F

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

CLA45 AMG

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

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

E400

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

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 30th January 13:19

[browna]

i have a similar requirement for my car, its not the "family" car, mostly just me on a small commute across town, the odd (very odd) fun/sunday drive, and rear seats needed maybe once a month in case I need to transport the nippers.

i have concluded a 911would be my ideal car, feelsome, fast and 4 seats. however pending a lottery win i think a GT86 is the next most realistic proposition, essentially an mx5 with back seats in my mind. similar to my old rx8, which i loved, but they are just too risky for everyday reliability.

While im saving up for a GT86 im kind of stuck with hot/warm hatches at the sub £5k price, currently have a swift sport which does nicely but i miss the agile rwd feeling of a proper sports car. speaking of which i haven't tried any modern beemers but i always feel they are a bit too capable, electronic, lardy for proper feedback when having fun when you the chance arises.

keep us informed of your choice tho!

[300bhp/ton]

I suspect the reality is, there are only going to be very few 3-4 year old cars that are fun, under £10k and not a hatchback.

There is also a distinct lack of coupes these days, 2+2 or otherwise. Which means you more than likely left with saloons or estates.

You mileage looks low, is mpg really going to be an issue?


Your requirements scream RX-8, but it fails on age. Plus there are other "big" coupes, but all likely to be older. Such as 6 Series, XK8's etc.

Maybe an Impreza would be one to look for, but sadly is probably the hatches in budget, the saloons are newer. But I've not checked prices.

[kieranblenk]

Would a small fast convertible not work? Thinking S3 cabrio, Mini Cooper S Cabriolet, even an Abarth 595C isn't technically a hatchback! An Audi TT would be worth a look but does have a hatchback boot.

A late Peugeot RCZ R would be around 3 years old I would think and don't forget about the Subaru BRZ - yes it's just a GT86 but it does have exclusivity on its side.

[tallpaul26]

Thanks so far. S5 et al are just too much car and the bork factor is a concern.

TT has been considered. My Wife likes them, I'm on the fence so they should really go on the list.

MINI is another contender. I had an R53 Cooper S many moons ago and it was brilliant.

[300bhp/ton]

tallpaul26 said:

What practical, fun, non-hatchback?

tallpaul26 said:

MINI is another contender. I had an R53 Cooper S many moons ago and it was brilliant.

?

[nunpuncher]

I think he was replying to the suggestion of a mini cabriolet which technically isn't a hatchback.

I don't see a mention of a budget so not sure where this £10k restriction has come from as it strikes me the budget is higher given there are no M235i's anywhere near that price. If the budget allowed I'd take a mk2 TTRS over an M235i.

[tallpaul26]

Sorry, should have added budget.

Used = £20k. Budget would be higher for a new car if the manufacturer are offering big enough discount/v. Low rate finance.