As someone who commutes, I am bound by the MPG
Discussion
Anyone else stuck in that dilemma?
I’ve always loved cars, fast cars. I’m now 30 and the most exciting car I have owned is a Mk7 Golf 2.0TDI with 150hp. Now I have a Mazda6 with the same HP and while it’s nice as a daily driver it’s pretty dull honestly.
I’m now getting a bit of pressure about having a child so I’m worried I won’t get to have fun out of a car very soon and I’ve almost missed my chance.
Luckily, my commute to work is not on a motorway, it’s on winding A roads and I also car share at the moment, so driving to work in the summer is a good time for me to enjoy driving.
Currently debating just getting rid of it and getting something that combines MPG with a bit more power and handling capability for around £10k-£13k – I prefer Smaller Saloon size (A4, C Class etc) but I’d go Golf size hatchback too.
Mercedes C Class seems fairly quick, handling not bad on the sport version but not as good as say, a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 Series (320d) seems like a great option on paper, but I’ve forever given s
t to BMW cars being unreliable and feel I would have to become a hypocrite to own one now lol.
Audi A4 (187hp version) bit more expensive, and not quite as fast but the 2016 versions I do like the interior design the best out of all the options.
VW Passat (187hp version) similar numbers to the A4 obviously, cheaper but I suspect it will not fulfil what I want in terms of handling etc
VW Golf GTD, already owned a Golf before, granted it was not a GTD, I would tend to prefer to try something new although it’s probably a pretty good option in reality.
Audi A3 TDI, same engine + power as the GTD but at least it’s not another golf.
Seat Leon, same engine however I’ve test driven a Leon before and I didn’t like the seats
Jag XE, reliability worries me
Skoda Octavia VRS, not a huge fan of the interior worried if it’s not quite as comfy to drive as the others.
I know these options aren’t exactly super car numbers in terms of power+speed, but I have to somewhat balance it between MPG, future child and fun ☹ Otherwise I would be in for a 911.
I’ve always loved cars, fast cars. I’m now 30 and the most exciting car I have owned is a Mk7 Golf 2.0TDI with 150hp. Now I have a Mazda6 with the same HP and while it’s nice as a daily driver it’s pretty dull honestly.
I’m now getting a bit of pressure about having a child so I’m worried I won’t get to have fun out of a car very soon and I’ve almost missed my chance.
Luckily, my commute to work is not on a motorway, it’s on winding A roads and I also car share at the moment, so driving to work in the summer is a good time for me to enjoy driving.
Currently debating just getting rid of it and getting something that combines MPG with a bit more power and handling capability for around £10k-£13k – I prefer Smaller Saloon size (A4, C Class etc) but I’d go Golf size hatchback too.
Mercedes C Class seems fairly quick, handling not bad on the sport version but not as good as say, a BMW 3 Series?
BMW 3 Series (320d) seems like a great option on paper, but I’ve forever given s
t to BMW cars being unreliable and feel I would have to become a hypocrite to own one now lol.Audi A4 (187hp version) bit more expensive, and not quite as fast but the 2016 versions I do like the interior design the best out of all the options.
VW Passat (187hp version) similar numbers to the A4 obviously, cheaper but I suspect it will not fulfil what I want in terms of handling etc
VW Golf GTD, already owned a Golf before, granted it was not a GTD, I would tend to prefer to try something new although it’s probably a pretty good option in reality.
Audi A3 TDI, same engine + power as the GTD but at least it’s not another golf.
Seat Leon, same engine however I’ve test driven a Leon before and I didn’t like the seats
Jag XE, reliability worries me
Skoda Octavia VRS, not a huge fan of the interior worried if it’s not quite as comfy to drive as the others.
I know these options aren’t exactly super car numbers in terms of power+speed, but I have to somewhat balance it between MPG, future child and fun ☹ Otherwise I would be in for a 911.
Of those I'd choose the VRS or 320d since I don't think an Audi or Golf is going to be where you find that missing driving enjoyment. Does it have to be diesel?
If so, I'd have this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-Alfa-Romeo-Giulia-...
If so, I'd have this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-Alfa-Romeo-Giulia-...
montecarlos said:
Two cars is something I considered but space + money constraints 
I don't want to buy a £3000 Boxster and have it break down costing me £000s
Doesn't have to be a Boxster. An MX-5 or MR2 would both be great fun and cheap to run and give you a very different experience to a turbo diesel Golf. I don't want to buy a £3000 Boxster and have it break down costing me £000sW00DY said:
Of those I'd choose the VRS or 320d since I don't think an Audi or Golf is going to be where you find that missing driving enjoyment. Does it have to be diesel?
If so, I'd have this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-Alfa-Romeo-Giulia-...
Sexy car, How are Alfa Romeo's now for reliability? If so, I'd have this.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2017-Alfa-Romeo-Giulia-...
montecarlos said:
I’ve always loved cars, fast cars. I’m now 30 and the most exciting car I have owned is a Mk7 Golf 2.0TDI with 150hp.
I know these options aren’t exactly super car numbers in terms of power+speed, but I have to somewhat balance it between MPG, future child and fun ? Otherwise I would be in for a 911.
I know it's not an exciting car, but you have to go a long way to beat the Golf you had.I know these options aren’t exactly super car numbers in terms of power+speed, but I have to somewhat balance it between MPG, future child and fun ? Otherwise I would be in for a 911.
Looking at your list I'd be sticking with a Golf GTD
Or a Golf Gti, but you may miss the low down torque of the diesel, and the economy that you're looking for.
I have a 66 plate A4 150 TDI S-Line, it's not as fun as a 3 series but the interior comfort and quality wipes the floor of its Bavarian rival in my opinion. It's decent to hustle along though and so comfortable. I've done a couple of 200 mile days in it and never felt remotely tired or uncomfortable.
My commute is 50% twisty B road and 50% dual carriageway and it copes with both incredibly well. I do 35 miles a day round trip and my average is around 48mpg.
If you want something a little more taut though, do check out the A3 Saloon as it is a noticeably more fun car to drive. For everything else though the A4 is an incredible all rounder, it looks fantastic too in my opinion (mine's Matador Red which is a sort of burgundy colour, it's a superb shade).
My commute is 50% twisty B road and 50% dual carriageway and it copes with both incredibly well. I do 35 miles a day round trip and my average is around 48mpg.
If you want something a little more taut though, do check out the A3 Saloon as it is a noticeably more fun car to drive. For everything else though the A4 is an incredible all rounder, it looks fantastic too in my opinion (mine's Matador Red which is a sort of burgundy colour, it's a superb shade).
How long is your commute and how often do you car share?
It doesn't sound like you actually need a diesel and going from 50 mpg to 35 ish won't necessarily cost you that much.
Go for a GTI for £9k ish and you're saving on your budget so the minimal additional fuel cost won't sting as much.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
It doesn't sound like you actually need a diesel and going from 50 mpg to 35 ish won't necessarily cost you that much.
Go for a GTI for £9k ish and you're saving on your budget so the minimal additional fuel cost won't sting as much.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
GreatGranny said:
How long is your commute and how often do you car share?
It doesn't sound like you actually need a diesel and going from 50 mpg to 35 ish won't necessarily cost you that much.
Go for a GTI for £9k ish and you're saving on your budget so the minimal additional fuel cost won't sting as much.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
good adviceIt doesn't sound like you actually need a diesel and going from 50 mpg to 35 ish won't necessarily cost you that much.
Go for a GTI for £9k ish and you're saving on your budget so the minimal additional fuel cost won't sting as much.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
or wait 5 years for a model 3 performance to get in your price range
Commute is 33 miles each way, so 66 miles a day.
Car share day on day off so I'm essentially halving my mileage.
Although obviously in theory my car share could end if the other guy leaves the company I work for!
Thanks for the replies,
Couple of things I am looking at
https://www.marshall.co.uk/audi/used-cars/10811490...
https://www.bristolstreet.co.uk/used-car/2347319/a...
These are too far from me so not these exact ones, but something along the lines of.
Car share day on day off so I'm essentially halving my mileage.
Although obviously in theory my car share could end if the other guy leaves the company I work for!
Thanks for the replies,
Couple of things I am looking at
https://www.marshall.co.uk/audi/used-cars/10811490...
https://www.bristolstreet.co.uk/used-car/2347319/a...
These are too far from me so not these exact ones, but something along the lines of.
So you want a fun car before you lose the chance but everything you're looking at is dull as dishwater, just with better badges than what you're used to.
The two car route is probably your best option, however with the added expense that brings I get that you want to do it all with one car.
I know you want a small exec sized car but you're never going to have loads of fun in a saloon unless you go down the AMG/RS/M route. You also DO NOT want Diesel. Whilst they can be fast and capable, they're not going to give you the fun you're looking for. Might be faster than what you drive now - but once the novelty of accelerating wears off after a few weeks you'll be just as bored.
Something like an MX-5 would be a great choice, fun, engaging, cheap to run and maintain and not too bad on fuel.
It could also be worth looking at a Toyota GT86, for reference my girlfriend does 60 miles a day in hers and she averages 36mpg with mixed driving.
And if you need the practicality, a Fiesta ST is going to be a good middle ground.
The two car route is probably your best option, however with the added expense that brings I get that you want to do it all with one car.
I know you want a small exec sized car but you're never going to have loads of fun in a saloon unless you go down the AMG/RS/M route. You also DO NOT want Diesel. Whilst they can be fast and capable, they're not going to give you the fun you're looking for. Might be faster than what you drive now - but once the novelty of accelerating wears off after a few weeks you'll be just as bored.
Something like an MX-5 would be a great choice, fun, engaging, cheap to run and maintain and not too bad on fuel.
It could also be worth looking at a Toyota GT86, for reference my girlfriend does 60 miles a day in hers and she averages 36mpg with mixed driving.
And if you need the practicality, a Fiesta ST is going to be a good middle ground.
At the risk of sounding like a typical PH response the cars you're looking at are pretty standard white goods diesel rep mobiles. They're very competent, and I have nothing against diesel either but I think they're lacking a bit in the fun department.
Key question- does your other half drive, and if so will you share a car or have one each?
This will depend massively on whether you need to stick to practicality or fun.
I spent many years trying to justify a Golf R as a do everything car, practical, fast, fun etc. Ended up changing jobs and not needing the car as much so gave my existing Honda Civic diesel to the Mrs as her daily. I now have a 17yo MX5 that I use for fun. I pay £200 for a classic car policy (even cheaper if I bothered to sign up to the MX5 OC). I find it a bit scary to drive at speed due to how low it is and the small wheels, therefore hugely rewarding and fun every time I get in it. It cost peanuts to buy and I'd certainly sell it for at least what I bought it for. If I need to go further afield, or when we have kids I've got the practicality and MPG of the civic.
For me a 2 car garage is the ideal solution, dedicated car for each job without trying to compromise.
Key question- does your other half drive, and if so will you share a car or have one each?
This will depend massively on whether you need to stick to practicality or fun.
I spent many years trying to justify a Golf R as a do everything car, practical, fast, fun etc. Ended up changing jobs and not needing the car as much so gave my existing Honda Civic diesel to the Mrs as her daily. I now have a 17yo MX5 that I use for fun. I pay £200 for a classic car policy (even cheaper if I bothered to sign up to the MX5 OC). I find it a bit scary to drive at speed due to how low it is and the small wheels, therefore hugely rewarding and fun every time I get in it. It cost peanuts to buy and I'd certainly sell it for at least what I bought it for. If I need to go further afield, or when we have kids I've got the practicality and MPG of the civic.
For me a 2 car garage is the ideal solution, dedicated car for each job without trying to compromise.
A baby doesn't mean you can't have your toys but it does mean you have to get a bit cute with your money, I say a two car garage is the way to go but to begin with I'd go for the lowest mileage/good spec/high powered family car you can find, that way you have something you don't have to replace for a fair while then get yourself something fun.
You'll use it more than you think (baby not sleeping then you take him for a drive ) people think it all stops with a little one but that's far from the case.
All modern cars drive well these days so you won't be disappointed in a steering one down an a road plus when you feel like a change you can jump in your second car to commute with.
If you just want one family car & then save for a fun second car then these are my picks all with less than 50k on the clock with good spec & 170+ power outputs.
In terms of handling they're all very close the 3 Series is the best of the RWD's & the Mondeo the best of the FWD's but you'll really have to be pressing on to really notice the difference & if you have a second car it'll be less of an issue.
Q70 Sport with less than 20k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Q50 Sport Tech (these & the Q70 qbove use the same drivetrain as the E/C220)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Q50 Sport ULEZ (if that matters to you) compliant
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mondeo Vignale 210
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Titanium 180 with X Pack
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
508 GT 180 with 11k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
DS5 180 Prestige
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Octavia VRS 185
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
New shape Insignia Elite Nav 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
320d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mercedes C220 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Now if you're willing to go down the two car route then you can still get a low mileage daily but you can have two good cars, in reality it'll probably mean an increase in your budget of 1k but if you get a car you can carry the baby (when he or she arrives) in then you'll use it more.
Civic Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Clio 182
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
197 Cup
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Focus ST-2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
After buying something like the above you can still get a low mileage daily with less than 60k high spec for under 11k
Insignia BiTurbo SRI 195
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mondeo Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
320d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C250 Sport Edition
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Q50 Sport the first one is ULEZ compliant & you can get both cars for your 13k budget the Q50's come with everything you'll want in a commuter at the moment these represent the best VFM right now.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
508 GT 180
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Now a good family wagon could be one of these which will have you covered if baby number two arrives & you can pass onto the OH & you get your fun set of wheels:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the older one so you can get the second one straight away & it's ULEZ compliant so you can keep it for a while:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
You'll use it more than you think (baby not sleeping then you take him for a drive
) people think it all stops with a little one but that's far from the case.All modern cars drive well these days so you won't be disappointed in a steering one down an a road plus when you feel like a change you can jump in your second car to commute with.
If you just want one family car & then save for a fun second car then these are my picks all with less than 50k on the clock with good spec & 170+ power outputs.
In terms of handling they're all very close the 3 Series is the best of the RWD's & the Mondeo the best of the FWD's but you'll really have to be pressing on to really notice the difference & if you have a second car it'll be less of an issue.
Q70 Sport with less than 20k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Q50 Sport Tech (these & the Q70 qbove use the same drivetrain as the E/C220)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Q50 Sport ULEZ (if that matters to you) compliant
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mondeo Vignale 210
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Titanium 180 with X Pack
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
508 GT 180 with 11k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
DS5 180 Prestige
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Octavia VRS 185
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
New shape Insignia Elite Nav 170
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
320d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Mercedes C220 Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Now if you're willing to go down the two car route then you can still get a low mileage daily but you can have two good cars, in reality it'll probably mean an increase in your budget of 1k but if you get a car you can carry the baby (when he or she arrives) in then you'll use it more.
Civic Type R
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Clio 182
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
197 Cup
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Focus ST-2
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
After buying something like the above you can still get a low mileage daily with less than 60k high spec for under 11k
Insignia BiTurbo SRI 195
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Mondeo Titanium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
320d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
C250 Sport Edition
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Q50 Sport the first one is ULEZ compliant & you can get both cars for your 13k budget the Q50's come with everything you'll want in a commuter at the moment these represent the best VFM right now.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
508 GT 180
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Now a good family wagon could be one of these which will have you covered if baby number two arrives & you can pass onto the OH & you get your fun set of wheels:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Or the older one so you can get the second one straight away & it's ULEZ compliant so you can keep it for a while:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Wednesday 15th January 12:20
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