Looking for a car to relax me - upto 4k budget

[anonymous-user]

Currently own a FN2 Type R and I have become a combination of bored and up tight with the car. I just can't manage a relaxing drive in it. I also have a motorbike for fun/commuting. Thus I'm looking to change to something more relaxing and ideally cheaper to run.

Basic requirements:

- Petrol
- Cruise control
- A/C
- Comfy seats
- Needs to fit a MTB in

I only do 8k miles max a year and journeys are mixed driving. If I can get something cheaper than 4k which will do the job that would be a mega bonus. I enjoyed running my £500 EP2 Type S because it cost me nothing and did everything I needed, although it wasn't good on NVH.

Any suggestions from yourselves?

[Jamescrs]

I'd probably be looking at a Ford Mondeo with a V6 engine, maybe an ST220? You would get a mint one within your budget.

[ZX10R NIN]

CLK 200 Sport these come with Orthopedic seats & all the other things on your list, the rear seats fold down so if you take the front wheel off you can fit a bike in.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

280 Sport but these do have high road tax

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

The CLC is more practical & still ticks all of your boxes:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

3.2 A3 (you might like a Sportback version) Sport you could go for a 2.0T but with your low miles

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Alfa Brera SV

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

2.0T Mondeo Titanium X Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

2.0T Insignia Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

2.5 Mazda6 Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[C00kie]

Watching this with interest as im after a similar car

I really wanted the 2.0t Mondeo but according to the Internet the auto box will explode and kill everyone you have ever loved....

A colleague has just bought himself a ST220 which sounds lovely and is where I may end up putting my money if i can't find anything else. We currently have a Astra in the family; its crap and seems to be permanently broken which has made me discount the insignia also 🤔

How about something Japanese - Accord, Avensis or a Legacy?

[Harding91]

Saab 9-3 auto!

I had a 2.0 T petrol and it was a fantastic everyday car, auto box is lovely the seats are like being sat in your favourite spot at home, decent sound system and really no faults.

I could fit my 29" hardtail with the front wheel removed and seats down, not perfect but wasn't too annoying, infact we got two bikes in there at one point.

[trombones_for_legs]

Harding91 said:

Saab 9-3 auto!

I had a 2.0 T petrol and it was a fantastic everyday car, auto box is lovely the seats are like being sat in your favourite spot at home, decent sound system and really no faults.

I could fit my 29" hardtail with the front wheel removed and seats down, not perfect but wasn't too annoying, infact we got two bikes in there at one point.

I was looking at 9-3s for my brother over the weekend, I couldn't believe just how much you can get for the money, outstanding value! it seems ever since the brand finished, people have lost confidence but with good maintenance I see no reason they shouldn't last years.

[Chuck21]

Hey, looking at the need for 'relaxation' and to get a bike in the back in depends on how relaxed you want to be and how easily you want to be able to load a bike!

If you want a really relaxing cruiser with acres of space to just slot the bike in then obvious calls to me would be a German estate (5-Series / A6 / E-Class) - all well kitted out, robust, refined, and huge load spaces; or go a wrung down and look at 3-Series / A4 / C-Class).

An Imprezza Wagon would be fun and practical but less on the relaxing side otherwise you're more into the sound suggestions made above, Saab 9-3 estate is certainly a bargain!

[Ryan_T]

Ignore all other comments, if you want ultimate budget, dependable relaxation buy a Lexus LS400/430 or GS300/430.

[ZX10R NIN]

Ryan_T said:

Ignore all other comments, if you want ultimate budget, dependable relaxation buy a Lexus LS400/430 or GS300/430.

Except he want's to put his mountain bike in the car too

[Martyn76]

ZX10R NIN said:

Ryan_T said:

Ignore all other comments, if you want ultimate budget, dependable relaxation buy a Lexus LS400/430 or GS300/430.

Except he want's to put his mountain bike in the car too

Can you get roof bars for a Lexus LS/GS?

[anonymous-user]

Thanks for the responses, it's much appreciated!

I like the idea of a cheap mk4 mondeo/9-3 saab so far. Also looking at mk2 focus as well as a cheap shed.

[anonymous-user]

Rover 75 estate.

You will not find a more relaxing relatively modern car to waft around in, assuming you can stomach the looks.

[JJ55]

Saab or Volvo estate. So much car for the money & will swallow bikes. I owned a 9-5 aero & now have a v70 2.5t.

Enough power in most engines.
Huge load space in the 9-5 & the v70. V50 would be ok too.
Comfiest seats ever. Like sitting in an armchair.
Supreme wafting ability.
Both pretty solid cars & parts easy to get.
No tip run is too much!

Merc/ bmw estate also worth a shout

[Walter Sobchak]

Volvo V70 T5, extremely comfortable,reliable, fairly brisk and doubt it would struggle to fit a mountain bike in.

[aka_kerrly]

ZX10R NIN said:

Ryan_T said:

Ignore all other comments, if you want ultimate budget, dependable relaxation buy a Lexus LS400/430 or GS300/430.

Except he want's to put his mountain bike in the car too

Lucky Lexus thought of that, you can get the IS300 Sportback