Fun and sensible in the same package?
Discussion
Hi all,
I'm looking for some recommendations, I've been driving a gt86 for the last 2 years, before that, a Leon cupra 290 DSG lease, a street ported rx8 and a clio rs.. I've never been that into sensible cars.
At the moment I have about a 15-mile commute, the gt86 is great when the roads are clear or when I get a chance to go for a drive at the weekend. Unfortunately when I'm tired and in heavy traffic I find it wearing. Perhaps I'm just getting older! I don't think it helps that to accelerate well I have to drive around the very annoying 'flat spot' in the torque curve and there is a lot of cabin noise, neither favours motorway driving.
From August I will be doing about 100miles a day (50miles each way) 4 days a week. This is a not very pleasant M6 and Birmingham city centre commute. The job is fixed-term and only for 12months but will include a lot of nights and driving when fairly tired the joy on an NHS job and being moved around every year.
I'm after recommendations for something that can do duel duties, I don't have a drive or garage and parking is a pain on my road so two cars are not an option.
So far I've looked at everything from hot hatches such as a megane or 308 gti to comfy rep mobiles m240i/340i etc. I see pros and cons to both.
I'm after something that can be driven comfortably when desired, but I can still have some fun in when the mood takes me:
I have a budget of up to 25K but ideally around 20k. The gt86 should be worth about 18.
I'd like it to be able to do about 40mpg, purely because I don't want to be at the petrol station more than once a week.
I think auto would be good having had the DSG leon it was a joy in traffic. It wasn't great fun dynamically though.
I'd prefer a newer car in the hope it will be more reliable, I can't be dealing with frequent trips to the dealers, ideally with a warranty.
I'd like petrol but would consider an oil burner if I could find something that fitted the bill.
I don't have kids/bike to consider at the moment.
My gut feeling is I'm after a comfy cruiser/stop-start traffic car first. Any suggestions that fit the bill but still comes alive a bit when you grab it by the scruff of the neck?
I'm looking for some recommendations, I've been driving a gt86 for the last 2 years, before that, a Leon cupra 290 DSG lease, a street ported rx8 and a clio rs.. I've never been that into sensible cars.
At the moment I have about a 15-mile commute, the gt86 is great when the roads are clear or when I get a chance to go for a drive at the weekend. Unfortunately when I'm tired and in heavy traffic I find it wearing. Perhaps I'm just getting older! I don't think it helps that to accelerate well I have to drive around the very annoying 'flat spot' in the torque curve and there is a lot of cabin noise, neither favours motorway driving.
From August I will be doing about 100miles a day (50miles each way) 4 days a week. This is a not very pleasant M6 and Birmingham city centre commute. The job is fixed-term and only for 12months but will include a lot of nights and driving when fairly tired the joy on an NHS job and being moved around every year.
I'm after recommendations for something that can do duel duties, I don't have a drive or garage and parking is a pain on my road so two cars are not an option.
So far I've looked at everything from hot hatches such as a megane or 308 gti to comfy rep mobiles m240i/340i etc. I see pros and cons to both.
I'm after something that can be driven comfortably when desired, but I can still have some fun in when the mood takes me:
I have a budget of up to 25K but ideally around 20k. The gt86 should be worth about 18.
I'd like it to be able to do about 40mpg, purely because I don't want to be at the petrol station more than once a week.
I think auto would be good having had the DSG leon it was a joy in traffic. It wasn't great fun dynamically though.
I'd prefer a newer car in the hope it will be more reliable, I can't be dealing with frequent trips to the dealers, ideally with a warranty.
I'd like petrol but would consider an oil burner if I could find something that fitted the bill.
I don't have kids/bike to consider at the moment.
My gut feeling is I'm after a comfy cruiser/stop-start traffic car first. Any suggestions that fit the bill but still comes alive a bit when you grab it by the scruff of the neck?
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
You are describing Golf R. (Except the fuel, where you'll probably get about 36 on the runs you are talking of)
Sadly that is pretty much the conclusion that I came to! I'm just not mad keen on it as it feels like getting another leon. I wanted a Gr4 yaris before this job move came up but I think for this year an auto is more important to me.I can understand being put off by something very VAG orientated.
In your budget though are several contenders.
First off. For the mpg. The 440i is actually better than the 240i. Can be had in auto as you prefer and quite a capable car.
For your budget you'd be in the 2017/18 car with minimal mileage
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Next and sticking with German non VAG theme. The Mercedes A45 AMG. Numbers for extra urbsn cruising mpg are over 40mpg. The dct transmission is good in my opinion and its a great looking hatch with lovely interior. Just another level to VAG and BMW i think.
Again. You could get into 2015 - 2017 car with negligible mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Now by all means the figures on mpg are going to be tough to meet but they'll do well for the performance on tap.
Another car who's figures on paper aren't up to the cut just is the Infiniti q60 s. Extra urban touches 40mpg but again in real world terms, I'm not sure how likely that will be.
You'll certainly not see many and it's very different car. It looks lovely in my opinion and are more a comfy gt car. Even compared to the 4series.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Staying very much in leftfield is the Kia Stinger. Praised for its handing and power plant. Whilst not up to the scratch of the likes of the M3 they are rarer. Likely more reliable. And just that bit different wth great performance to boot. Your budget would see you in a 2018 model. Almost no miles at all.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Just a few options that weren't VAG and were a bit different but mostly met your brief.
In your budget though are several contenders.
First off. For the mpg. The 440i is actually better than the 240i. Can be had in auto as you prefer and quite a capable car.
For your budget you'd be in the 2017/18 car with minimal mileage
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Next and sticking with German non VAG theme. The Mercedes A45 AMG. Numbers for extra urbsn cruising mpg are over 40mpg. The dct transmission is good in my opinion and its a great looking hatch with lovely interior. Just another level to VAG and BMW i think.
Again. You could get into 2015 - 2017 car with negligible mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Now by all means the figures on mpg are going to be tough to meet but they'll do well for the performance on tap.
Another car who's figures on paper aren't up to the cut just is the Infiniti q60 s. Extra urban touches 40mpg but again in real world terms, I'm not sure how likely that will be.
You'll certainly not see many and it's very different car. It looks lovely in my opinion and are more a comfy gt car. Even compared to the 4series.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Staying very much in leftfield is the Kia Stinger. Praised for its handing and power plant. Whilst not up to the scratch of the likes of the M3 they are rarer. Likely more reliable. And just that bit different wth great performance to boot. Your budget would see you in a 2018 model. Almost no miles at all.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Just a few options that weren't VAG and were a bit different but mostly met your brief.
I can understand being put off by something very VAG orientated.
In your budget though are several contenders.
First off. For the mpg. The 440i is actually better than the 240i. Can be had in auto as you prefer and quite a capable car.
For your budget you'd be in the 2017/18 car with minimal mileage
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Next and sticking with German non VAG theme. The Mercedes A45 AMG. Numbers for extra urbsn cruising mpg are over 40mpg. The dct transmission is good in my opinion and its a great looking hatch with lovely interior. Just another level to VAG and BMW i think.
Again. You could get into 2015 - 2017 car with negligible mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Now by all means the figures on mpg are going to be tough to meet but they'll do well for the performance on tap.
Another car who's figures on paper aren't up to the cut just is the Infiniti q60 s. Extra urban touches 40mpg but again in real world terms, I'm not sure how likely that is. You'll certainly not see many and it's very different car. It looks lovely in my opinion and are more a comfy gt car. Even compared to the 4series.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Staying very much in leftfield is the Kia Stinger. Praised for its handing and power plant. Whilst not up to the scratch of the likes of the M3 they are rarer. Likely more reliable. And just that bit different wth great performance to boot. Your budget would see you in a 2018 model. Almost no miles at all.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Just a few options that weren't VAG and were a bit different but mostly met your brief.
In your budget though are several contenders.
First off. For the mpg. The 440i is actually better than the 240i. Can be had in auto as you prefer and quite a capable car.
For your budget you'd be in the 2017/18 car with minimal mileage
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Next and sticking with German non VAG theme. The Mercedes A45 AMG. Numbers for extra urbsn cruising mpg are over 40mpg. The dct transmission is good in my opinion and its a great looking hatch with lovely interior. Just another level to VAG and BMW i think.
Again. You could get into 2015 - 2017 car with negligible mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Now by all means the figures on mpg are going to be tough to meet but they'll do well for the performance on tap.
Another car who's figures on paper aren't up to the cut just is the Infiniti q60 s. Extra urban touches 40mpg but again in real world terms, I'm not sure how likely that is. You'll certainly not see many and it's very different car. It looks lovely in my opinion and are more a comfy gt car. Even compared to the 4series.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Staying very much in leftfield is the Kia Stinger. Praised for its handing and power plant. Whilst not up to the scratch of the likes of the M3 they are rarer. Likely more reliable. And just that bit different wth great performance to boot. Your budget would see you in a 2018 model. Almost no miles at all.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Just a few options that weren't VAG and were a bit different but mostly met your brief.
Edited by stevekoz on Saturday 6th June 14:53
Althalus said:
I'd like it to be able to do about 40mpg, purely because I don't want to be at the petrol station more than once a week.
I'd test drive an R before it was dismissed, I think you'll be surprised.I had a TVR as my main car, 30,000 miles per annum. I had to go to the petrol station every other day
2 sMoKiN bArReLs said:
I'd test drive an R before it was dismissed, I think you'll be surprised.
I had a TVR as my main car, 30,000 miles per annum. I had to go to the petrol station every other day
I will absolutely go and test drive one, I have a couple of months (and I enjoy test drives!)I had a TVR as my main car, 30,000 miles per annum. I had to go to the petrol station every other day
The TVR sounds like my time with the RX-8 (just with less power) but petrol was cheaper back then, I also didn't have a mortgage! I would still love a tvr, the 350c has always been a dream.
Edited by Althalus on Saturday 6th June 16:52
LasseV said:
Hyundai i30 Fastback N?
I love the i30n if the auto was out I'd be off to try it!I actually prefer a manual, the test drive of an i30n was a lot of fun, but given the joy of the commute that will have to wait until I can afford two cars and a new house in about 18months time! (first world problems)
Edited by Althalus on Saturday 6th June 16:58
stevekoz said:
I can understand being put off by something very VAG orientated.
In your budget though are several contenders.
First off. For the mpg. The 440i is actually better than the 240i. Can be had in auto as you prefer and quite a capable car.
For your budget you'd be in the 2017/18 car with minimal mileage
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Next and sticking with German non VAG theme. The Mercedes A45 AMG. Numbers for extra urbsn cruising mpg are over 40mpg. The dct transmission is good in my opinion and its a great looking hatch with lovely interior. Just another level to VAG and BMW i think.
Again. You could get into 2015 - 2017 car with negligible mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Now by all means the figures on mpg are going to be tough to meet but they'll do well for the performance on tap.
Another car who's figures on paper aren't up to the cut just is the Infiniti q60 s. Extra urban touches 40mpg but again in real world terms, I'm not sure how likely that will be.
You'll certainly not see many and it's very different car. It looks lovely in my opinion and are more a comfy gt car. Even compared to the 4series.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Staying very much in leftfield is the Kia Stinger. Praised for its handing and power plant. Whilst not up to the scratch of the likes of the M3 they are rarer. Likely more reliable. And just that bit different wth great performance to boot. Your budget would see you in a 2018 model. Almost no miles at all.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Just a few options that weren't VAG and were a bit different but mostly met your brief.
Thank-you there are some great options there! I can compromise the 40mpg a bit if needed, nothing ever ticks every option.In your budget though are several contenders.
First off. For the mpg. The 440i is actually better than the 240i. Can be had in auto as you prefer and quite a capable car.
For your budget you'd be in the 2017/18 car with minimal mileage
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Next and sticking with German non VAG theme. The Mercedes A45 AMG. Numbers for extra urbsn cruising mpg are over 40mpg. The dct transmission is good in my opinion and its a great looking hatch with lovely interior. Just another level to VAG and BMW i think.
Again. You could get into 2015 - 2017 car with negligible mileage.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Now by all means the figures on mpg are going to be tough to meet but they'll do well for the performance on tap.
Another car who's figures on paper aren't up to the cut just is the Infiniti q60 s. Extra urban touches 40mpg but again in real world terms, I'm not sure how likely that will be.
You'll certainly not see many and it's very different car. It looks lovely in my opinion and are more a comfy gt car. Even compared to the 4series.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Staying very much in leftfield is the Kia Stinger. Praised for its handing and power plant. Whilst not up to the scratch of the likes of the M3 they are rarer. Likely more reliable. And just that bit different wth great performance to boot. Your budget would see you in a 2018 model. Almost no miles at all.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...
Just a few options that weren't VAG and were a bit different but mostly met your brief.
I hadn't considered a 440i. I guess I just assumed one that was new enough would be out of budget. The idea of 6 cylinders is very appealing I'm not going to lie.
An amg 45 needs to be on my test drive list and looks like it could be quite fun on a back road when the situation arose.
I've always liked left field cars.
The Infiniti is very very smart looking. How is servicing and support being handled now that they've quit the UK?
The Kia is also a nice looking thing.
I'm off to read some reviews! I'm also quite excited about some test drives of these!
440i combined mpg 41.5
M240i combined mpg 39.5
Taken from a
source online. Won't categorically say its correct.
Honestly. I pay no attention to mpg figures. Real world driving youd be unlikely to hit the quoted figures.
However the mpg difference could be down to the way the car tuned. Tech. Etc.
Both are too close to argue a difference really. But I'd have a 440 over a 240 i think. M Car the other way around. Not that it's pertinent really.
Just my opinion.
M240i combined mpg 39.5
Taken from a
source online. Won't categorically say its correct.
Honestly. I pay no attention to mpg figures. Real world driving youd be unlikely to hit the quoted figures.
However the mpg difference could be down to the way the car tuned. Tech. Etc.
Both are too close to argue a difference really. But I'd have a 440 over a 240 i think. M Car the other way around. Not that it's pertinent really.
Just my opinion.
Althalus said:
Thank-you there are some great options there! I can compromise the 40mpg a bit if needed, nothing ever ticks every option.
I hadn't considered a 440i. I guess I just assumed one that was new enough would be out of budget. The idea of 6 cylinders is very appealing I'm not going to lie.
An amg 45 needs to be on my test drive list and looks like it could be quite fun on a back road when the situation arose.
I've always liked left field cars.
The Infiniti is very very smart looking. How is servicing and support being handled now that they've quit the UK?
The Kia is also a nice looking thing.
I'm off to read some reviews! I'm also quite excited about some test drives of these!
Make sure you have a very long test drive in the A45 encompassing all types of driving you will do. For a 20 minute drive on roads that suit it, it’s a great car. The novelty wares off.I hadn't considered a 440i. I guess I just assumed one that was new enough would be out of budget. The idea of 6 cylinders is very appealing I'm not going to lie.
An amg 45 needs to be on my test drive list and looks like it could be quite fun on a back road when the situation arose.
I've always liked left field cars.
The Infiniti is very very smart looking. How is servicing and support being handled now that they've quit the UK?
The Kia is also a nice looking thing.
I'm off to read some reviews! I'm also quite excited about some test drives of these!
They are great cars for driving like you are 19... they are not great cars for day to day life. If you drive a lot in city stop start traffic they are awful. The auto box is epically bad.
I had a CLA45 and replaced it with an M140i. IMHO the M140 is by far the nicer car to drive normally everyday
Hawmaws said:
I had forgotten Alpina, they look to tick every box, they are rare unfortunately so it appears it's hard to find something reasonably new in budget that hasn't been written off, unless I'm missing something.Following the recommendation of the m440i above I was also looking at the 335i xdrive, it would appear with a remap and some springs and non runflats it becomes a far more potent car. It's been a while since I have driven an oil burner but I feel it is worth a look at least having never tried the BMW 6 diesel.
colin79666 said:
Getting older, comfy, cruiser, reliable, petrol, auto, good mpg. Time for a Lexus IS 300h? Not the most amazing dynamics but still has a bit of poke about it and feels reasonable off the line due to the electrical side plus rwd.
I was looking at the Lexus, reviews don't seem favourable? Though the reliability, dealer service and the fact they already look after the gt86 (shared Toyota workshop) may make life easy. I'd like to go and test drive some, but this has only just become an option.I also had a look at some Volvo polestars (which I never though id say!)
nikaiyo2 said:
Make sure you have a very long test drive in the A45 encompassing all types of driving you will do. For a 20 minute drive on roads that suit it, it’s a great car. The novelty wares off.
They are great cars for driving like you are 19... they are not great cars for day to day life. If you drive a lot in city stop start traffic they are awful. The auto box is epically bad.
I had a CLA45 and replaced it with an M140i. IMHO the M140 is by far the nicer car to drive normally everyday
That's great to know and is exactly the kind of feedback I need. I'm not looking for an out and out hooligan car anymore, I really want something that can comfortably cruise early in the morning/late at night when i'm tired or get up and go and tackle a back road at the weekend when I'm in the mood, it doesn't need to be at 9/10ths I'll settle for something that behaves a 7/10th if it gives me the other bits I'm after.They are great cars for driving like you are 19... they are not great cars for day to day life. If you drive a lot in city stop start traffic they are awful. The auto box is epically bad.
I had a CLA45 and replaced it with an M140i. IMHO the M140 is by far the nicer car to drive normally everyday
The Q60S is a good car handling is along the lines of an S5, the engine is a peach & will be in the new 400Z servicing on these is taken up by Nissan service centres there are very few out there & I'd say test drive one & they're worth seeking out imo.
Q60S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Another leftfield option is the RC300h with the Premium pack not quite as good as the Q60 above but you can get a hustle on & it's a nice place to be.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Another car worth a look is the XE S you'll see low 40's on a run & you'll have a great drivers car for when you want to get a hustle on
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Giulia Veloce you'll see 40mpg on a run they're a nice place to be & a sweet steer too
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 V60 Polestar you'll probably see real world 36mpg I haven't driven the 2.0 but if it's anything like the 3.0 then you'll have yourself an enjoyable steer.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
440i M Sport Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
340i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Q60S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Another leftfield option is the RC300h with the Premium pack not quite as good as the Q60 above but you can get a hustle on & it's a nice place to be.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Another car worth a look is the XE S you'll see low 40's on a run & you'll have a great drivers car for when you want to get a hustle on
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Giulia Veloce you'll see 40mpg on a run they're a nice place to be & a sweet steer too
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 V60 Polestar you'll probably see real world 36mpg I haven't driven the 2.0 but if it's anything like the 3.0 then you'll have yourself an enjoyable steer.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
440i M Sport Plus
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
340i M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
stevekoz said:
440i combined mpg 41.5
M240i combined mpg 39.5
Taken from a
source online. Won't categorically say its correct.
Honestly. I pay no attention to mpg figures. Real world driving youd be unlikely to hit the quoted figures.
However the mpg difference could be down to the way the car tuned. Tech. Etc.
Both are too close to argue a difference really. But I'd have a 440 over a 240 i think. M Car the other way around. Not that it's pertinent really.
Just my opinion.
Fair enough, but I just can’t see that being right. As far as I know, it’s the exact same B58 engine with the same power and torque figures mated to the same ZF8 gearbox (or the same manual ‘box). I don’t think there’s any difference in engine calibration either.M240i combined mpg 39.5
Taken from a
source online. Won't categorically say its correct.
Honestly. I pay no attention to mpg figures. Real world driving youd be unlikely to hit the quoted figures.
However the mpg difference could be down to the way the car tuned. Tech. Etc.
Both are too close to argue a difference really. But I'd have a 440 over a 240 i think. M Car the other way around. Not that it's pertinent really.
Just my opinion.
The only difference I’m aware of is the body shape, size and weight of the two cars. So, the smaller and lighter 2-Series should give better MPG.
Anyway, I’d agree, I’d go with either one of these. My preference would be with the M240i over the 4-Series, but that’s down to me liking the smaller dimensions and I don’t personally need anything bigger.
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