My turn for a what car (2nd car, low mileage, auto)

[RichTT]

So i'm pondering getting a second car to supplement our Golf GTI (technically SWMBO's car).

This would be a car that won't do more than 3-4k miles a year, auto only, petrol, 8 grand budget, small(ish) size wise and fancy a 3 dr coupe. No need for 4/5 door practicality as we have the Golf. Mostly for B-roads and general errands when needed. No commuting or long haul needed. I've spoiled myself by riding bikes most of the time rather than cars to be honest but need something I can use when the weather gets crapper.

If I bang that criteria into Autotrader it spits out some of the following cars for consideration:

MK1 Audi TT 3.2 DSG
MK2 Audi TT 2.0 S-tronic (3.2 V6 squeeks into budget)
Mercedes Benz CLK 3.2
BMW 3 series 325i
BMW 125i/135i
VW Scirocco GT 2.0

I'm actually leaning towards the MK1 TT as I used to have the 1.8T about 8 years ago for a brief spell. I never did try the 3.2 DSG though. But I could see it being a future classic and a bit of a project car with some tasteful upgrades.

[5harp3y]

mk1 tt would be a safe bet and you could get a great one for your budget

[Integroo]

Earlier CLK500? I understand the engines are bulletproof and the car itself is no more expensive to run than its lower engined brethren. Would get you a V8...and you can get a Sport trim with some AMG bits in budget. Post 2003 and pre 2006 is the sweetspot - rust issues resolved in 2003, road tax increases from 325 to 555 in 2006.

[RichTT]

Integroo said:

Earlier CLK500? I understand the engines are bulletproof and the car itself is no more expensive to run than its lower engined brethren. Would get you a V8...and you can get a Sport trim with some AMG bits in budget. Post 2003 and pre 2006 is the sweetspot - rust issues resolved in 2003, road tax increases from 325 to 555 in 2006.

Hmm, not sure I can pull off a CLK500, not even 40 yet. Insurance starts to sting a bit more as well. Worth considering though, thanks.

[idge]

Nice problem to have!

From experience of going from Golf GTI to a Scirocco, it is pretty much a lower, slightly "exhaustier" Golf GTI. Not bad, but it isn't different enough from your other steer.

My vote - V6!!!

[ZX10R NIN]

RichTT said:

Integroo said:

Earlier CLK500? I understand the engines are bulletproof and the car itself is no more expensive to run than its lower engined brethren. Would get you a V8...and you can get a Sport trim with some AMG bits in budget. Post 2003 and pre 2006 is the sweetspot - rust issues resolved in 2003, road tax increases from 325 to 555 in 2006.

Hmm, not sure I can pull off a CLK500, not even 40 yet. Insurance starts to sting a bit more as well. Worth considering though, thanks.

I'm not 40 but I've had a few CLK's & they're good cars & I enjoy driving them I have a CLK63 (but have had 55's which are in budget & I would recommend these) & it's a blast so I'd say test drive one to see if it ticks your boxes also have a look at the 350 as it's not far off the 500 & is a bit lighter on insurance too.

I'd actually say go for the 55 as they're solid price wise & slightly appreciating depending on condition.

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

500 this one is low road tax

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

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

350 but these are high tax

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

Skyline GT350

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nissan-Skyline-Infiniti...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350GT-SKYLINE-INFINITI-...

Infiniti G37

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

S5

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

3.2 A5

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

3.2 A3

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

3.2 Alfa Brera

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

Z4 3.0si Coupe

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

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

[RichTT]

I'll have to see if there's an SLK someplace nearby to go and have a nosy. Z4 is a good shout as well.

Appreciate the replies.

[ZX10R NIN]

I forgot about the SLK's but you can get a low tax 350 within your budget:

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

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

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

Or leftfield go for a high mile SLK55 but check it out thoroughly (mainly the suspension) just to be sure:

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

[RichTT]

I did actually fat finger that reply and meant CLK, but SLK also on the radar.