Discussion
Afternoon all,
I'm looking at spending around 25k on a used car around 3-6 years old.
Requirements are:
Back seats suitable for a 2 year old (so basically, just having something resembling a back seat)
Fast. Ideally <5s 0-60
Not FWD
Petrol
Automatic (dodgy left knee)
No enormous known issues (I expect decent running costs on a 25k car)
I think I've narrowed it down to either the Audi TTS or the BMW 240i. I test drove a TT (non-s) the other day and was impressed with the ride, road handling, interior and gearbox, it just felt a little lacking in straight line speed, I'm certain the TTS would fix this issue. I'm coming from a Fiesta ST 1.6, which loves to be chucked around and wrung out and I was hoping to retain some of that in whatever I get next.
The BMW has a stonking engine, of course, but otherwise it looks remarkably similar inside to a 116D, which is a shame IMO. I'm told 340bhp and no LSD can also make for some... interesting... moments on wet roundabouts.
I considered the Golf R/S3 but I think the TT wins out for me compared to either of these. Considered a Mustang Ecoboost too but there's too many V8s near where I live, it'd be embarrassing.
Open to any other suggestions.
Cheers
I'm looking at spending around 25k on a used car around 3-6 years old.
Requirements are:
Back seats suitable for a 2 year old (so basically, just having something resembling a back seat)
Fast. Ideally <5s 0-60
Not FWD
Petrol
Automatic (dodgy left knee)
No enormous known issues (I expect decent running costs on a 25k car)
I think I've narrowed it down to either the Audi TTS or the BMW 240i. I test drove a TT (non-s) the other day and was impressed with the ride, road handling, interior and gearbox, it just felt a little lacking in straight line speed, I'm certain the TTS would fix this issue. I'm coming from a Fiesta ST 1.6, which loves to be chucked around and wrung out and I was hoping to retain some of that in whatever I get next.
The BMW has a stonking engine, of course, but otherwise it looks remarkably similar inside to a 116D, which is a shame IMO. I'm told 340bhp and no LSD can also make for some... interesting... moments on wet roundabouts.
I considered the Golf R/S3 but I think the TT wins out for me compared to either of these. Considered a Mustang Ecoboost too but there's too many V8s near where I live, it'd be embarrassing.
Open to any other suggestions.
Cheers
Your Fiesta ST will be more fun than both the TTS and the M240i.
Here's a 997.1 with the engine issues sorted
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202005169...
Here's a 997.1 with the engine issues sorted
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202005169...
I have to say with your budget the two cars you've picked will still be depreciating at a fair rate so you need to factor that into your running costs at which point I'd be considering these:
RS5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008022...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008052...
TT RS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008142...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006300...
M4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008042...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007281...
C63 Coupe the only real downside is the fuel cost running cost wise these are pretty sensible.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007181...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007181...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
Now I appreciate these are older than what your considering but they'll counter with slow depreciation & desirability.
Now the car I'd be looking for is the Lexus RC-F but there don't seem to be any for sale at your price point at the moment they combine the performance/desirability/slow depreciation & in the case of the Lexus they come with M240i running costs.
There's also the Mustang that's imo is at least worth a test drive:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
RS5
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008022...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008052...
TT RS
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008142...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006300...
M4
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008042...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007281...
C63 Coupe the only real downside is the fuel cost running cost wise these are pretty sensible.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007181...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007181...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
Now I appreciate these are older than what your considering but they'll counter with slow depreciation & desirability.
Now the car I'd be looking for is the Lexus RC-F but there don't seem to be any for sale at your price point at the moment they combine the performance/desirability/slow depreciation & in the case of the Lexus they come with M240i running costs.
There's also the Mustang that's imo is at least worth a test drive:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
Edited by ZX10R NIN on Friday 21st August 23:03
How often does your 2 year old travel in the car?
Obviously you've been okay with the ST so far. I have an ST3 and a 4 year old boy and it's fine getting him in and out. Sometimes I do think rear doors would be nice!
I'm a bit curious, given the way the fiesta drives, what's putting you off fwd? I've recently moved from a rwd E92 and the fiesta is lots more fun.
Lots of great, exotic stuff has been mentioned and that's probably the way to go but I'll throw in a wild card.
Kia stinger V6 GT.
It may be of no interest but it fits your criteria. It'd be a couple of years old so has already taken a big depreciation hit (I think they were 40k but used ones now start at your 25k budget). Should have the 7 year warranty so no issues to worry about, and being later than 2017 the tax is cheap. Back doors for child. Rwd, auto, 60 in 4.7. And you don't see many about.
Obviously you've been okay with the ST so far. I have an ST3 and a 4 year old boy and it's fine getting him in and out. Sometimes I do think rear doors would be nice!
I'm a bit curious, given the way the fiesta drives, what's putting you off fwd? I've recently moved from a rwd E92 and the fiesta is lots more fun.
Lots of great, exotic stuff has been mentioned and that's probably the way to go but I'll throw in a wild card.
Kia stinger V6 GT.
It may be of no interest but it fits your criteria. It'd be a couple of years old so has already taken a big depreciation hit (I think they were 40k but used ones now start at your 25k budget). Should have the 7 year warranty so no issues to worry about, and being later than 2017 the tax is cheap. Back doors for child. Rwd, auto, 60 in 4.7. And you don't see many about.
Some brilliant suggestions that I had forgotten about, so thank you!
With regards to budget, 25k is the max, however that Lexus looks stunning, maybe next time.
Fun is obviously subjective, what I love about the Fiesta is the "chuckability" I'm fortunate to live near some brilliant B roads and I can have fun in the Fiesta without doing silly speed. As I sometimes have to drive these roads for work it'd be nice to not worry when they're wet.
The Fiesta is a great FWD car no doubt, but I feel at 230bhp it's at the limit of what a FWD can handle (sorry to all the Civic/Megane oweners who disagree)
The Audi stood out on the interior TBH.
We have Mrs Randomman's car for family duties, so the rear seats would be rarely used (in fact we've only used them for MOT day in the last 12 months) boot room is probably more important but, again, not a deal breaker.
I'll have a look at the Kia, always had a soft spot for these and didn't realise they had come down so much!
The M4 and RS5 look great but I'd always assumed there was a significant M (or RS) Tax on running costs?
The 911 is certainly a left field choice but not for me I'm afraid.
I'm under the impression that the Mk3 TTS is better, objectively, than the MK2 TTRS (apart from the engine note) in most categories due to the better, chassis, gearbox and weight.
With regards to budget, 25k is the max, however that Lexus looks stunning, maybe next time.
Fun is obviously subjective, what I love about the Fiesta is the "chuckability" I'm fortunate to live near some brilliant B roads and I can have fun in the Fiesta without doing silly speed. As I sometimes have to drive these roads for work it'd be nice to not worry when they're wet.
The Fiesta is a great FWD car no doubt, but I feel at 230bhp it's at the limit of what a FWD can handle (sorry to all the Civic/Megane oweners who disagree)
The Audi stood out on the interior TBH.
We have Mrs Randomman's car for family duties, so the rear seats would be rarely used (in fact we've only used them for MOT day in the last 12 months) boot room is probably more important but, again, not a deal breaker.
I'll have a look at the Kia, always had a soft spot for these and didn't realise they had come down so much!
The M4 and RS5 look great but I'd always assumed there was a significant M (or RS) Tax on running costs?
The 911 is certainly a left field choice but not for me I'm afraid.
I'm under the impression that the Mk3 TTS is better, objectively, than the MK2 TTRS (apart from the engine note) in most categories due to the better, chassis, gearbox and weight.
Edited by randomman on Saturday 22 August 12:33
https://www.auto100.co.uk/showroom/?Make=Kia&M...
Looks very big though so I'm not too sure about b road Chuckability.
Looks very big though so I'm not too sure about b road Chuckability.
ChrisH72 said:
https://www.auto100.co.uk/showroom/?Make=Kia&M...
Looks very big though so I'm not too sure about b road Chuckability.
A lot of (very fast) car for c.£25k. Just about every possible option as standard too. Looks very big though so I'm not too sure about b road Chuckability.
Handles pretty well for its size. As ever, test one to see if it suits.
randomman said:
Some brilliant suggestions that I had forgotten about, so thank you!
With regards to budget, 25k is the max, however that Lexus looks stunning, maybe next time.
Fun is obviously subjective, what I love about the Fiesta is the "chuckability" I'm fortunate to live near some brilliant B roads and I can have fun in the Fiesta without doing silly speed. As I sometimes have to drive these roads for work it'd be nice to not worry when they're wet.
The Fiesta is a great FWD car no doubt, but I feel at 230bhp it's at the limit of what a FWD can handle (sorry to all the Civic/Megane oweners who disagree)
The Audi stood out on the interior TBH.
We have Mrs Randomman's car for family duties, so the rear seats would be rarely used (in fact we've only used them for MOT day in the last 12 months) boot room is probably more important but, again, not a deal breaker.
I'll have a look at the Kia, always had a soft spot for these and didn't realise they had come down so much!
The M4 and RS5 look great but I'd always assumed there was a significant M (or RS) Tax on running costs?
The 911 is certainly a left field choice but not for me I'm afraid.
I'm under the impression that the Mk3 TTS is better, objectively, than the MK2 TTRS (apart from the engine note) in most categories due to the better, chassis, gearbox and weight.
When it comes to the TTS vs the TT RS I think you'll be surprised the RS is a more involving steer if you can find a dealer that has both I'd test drive them back to back.With regards to budget, 25k is the max, however that Lexus looks stunning, maybe next time.
Fun is obviously subjective, what I love about the Fiesta is the "chuckability" I'm fortunate to live near some brilliant B roads and I can have fun in the Fiesta without doing silly speed. As I sometimes have to drive these roads for work it'd be nice to not worry when they're wet.
The Fiesta is a great FWD car no doubt, but I feel at 230bhp it's at the limit of what a FWD can handle (sorry to all the Civic/Megane oweners who disagree)
The Audi stood out on the interior TBH.
We have Mrs Randomman's car for family duties, so the rear seats would be rarely used (in fact we've only used them for MOT day in the last 12 months) boot room is probably more important but, again, not a deal breaker.
I'll have a look at the Kia, always had a soft spot for these and didn't realise they had come down so much!
The M4 and RS5 look great but I'd always assumed there was a significant M (or RS) Tax on running costs?
The 911 is certainly a left field choice but not for me I'm afraid.
I'm under the impression that the Mk3 TTS is better, objectively, than the MK2 TTRS (apart from the engine note) in most categories due to the better, chassis, gearbox and weight.
Edited by randomman on Saturday 22 August 12:33
With regard to the RS/AMG/M cars there are some parts that'll be hit with the tax but the lower depreciation & extra desirability mean that those costs are a good counter to the bigger depreciation that the TTS/M240i will have.
Keep an eye out for the RC-F's because they do come up for around your budget from time to time.
Mustang not for you?
ZX10R NIN said:
When it comes to the TTS vs the TT RS I think you'll be surprised the RS is a more involving steer if you can find a dealer that has both I'd test drive them back to back.
With regard to the RS/AMG/M cars there are some parts that'll be hit with the tax but the lower depreciation & extra desirability mean that those costs are a good counter to the bigger depreciation that the TTS/M240i will have.
Keep an eye out for the RC-F's because they do come up for around your budget from time to time.
Mustang not for you?
Will keep an eye out on the RS, I understand the facelift is the one to go for?With regard to the RS/AMG/M cars there are some parts that'll be hit with the tax but the lower depreciation & extra desirability mean that those costs are a good counter to the bigger depreciation that the TTS/M240i will have.
Keep an eye out for the RC-F's because they do come up for around your budget from time to time.
Mustang not for you?
Do like Mustangs but at this price it would be an Ecoboost and there are at least 2 (possibly 3) V8s within a few miles of my house. My delicate ego would struggle here!
randomman said:
Will keep an eye out on the RS, I understand the facelift is the one to go for?
Do like Mustangs but at this price it would be an Ecoboost and there are at least 2 (possibly 3) V8s within a few miles of my house. My delicate ego would struggle here!
You obviously missed my link to a 5.0 only £250 above budget which I'm sure you can haggle that away:Do like Mustangs but at this price it would be an Ecoboost and there are at least 2 (possibly 3) V8s within a few miles of my house. My delicate ego would struggle here!
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008172...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007241...
DoubleD said:
Make sure that there is enough space in the back seat of a TT for a growing 2 year old
The MK3 comes with isofix in the front seat. So as long as the OP doesn't have another, that could be a nice way to enjoy the car with a little buddy up front. It may, however, be cosy (uncomfortable) for the OP's partner should the whole family want to partake 
ZX10R NIN said:
You obviously missed my link to a 5.0 only £250 above budget which I'm sure you can haggle that away:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008172...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007241...
Thank you for taking the time, however I would be looking at an auto (dodgy left knee) and I think they are a little too out of budget. Although I can manage most running costs I probably do I tad too many city miles for <20mpg.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007141...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008172...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007241...
Amazing shout on the front isofix, that'll make it a much easier sell to Mrs Randomman!
1. Lexus ISF
2. Jag XFR
Lexus more reliable (than anything to be mentioned here), Jag needs to be treated with respect - else you will wrap it around a tree
Modern BMW's are money pits, the last reliable BMW was with the inline 6's - if you are ok with breakdowns and having it in a garage half the time by all means get one however.
This is 8 years old but should suit your needs
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007040...
/ that is all
2. Jag XFR
Lexus more reliable (than anything to be mentioned here), Jag needs to be treated with respect - else you will wrap it around a tree
Modern BMW's are money pits, the last reliable BMW was with the inline 6's - if you are ok with breakdowns and having it in a garage half the time by all means get one however.
This is 8 years old but should suit your needs
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007040...
/ that is all
If you want a good mix of power desirability/spec/slow depreciation & MPG then take a good look at the M3/M4, personally I didn't get on with mine but I've supplied plenty to clients who are over the moon with theirs.
I'd go for the M3 imo it's the better looking car out of the two:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...
I'd go for the M3 imo it's the better looking car out of the two:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008112...
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