New "Dad duties" mobile?

[KC_TypeR]

Hi all, I'm considering selling my lovely Jag XK 5.0 which I purchased last year for a more practical car to cart me, missus and 2 yr old daughter around. To be honest I knew my time with the Jag would be finite but Missus is pushing me to change as she has very limited legroom when we do travel as a family.

If I was doing more miles regularly, I'd consider a proper shed and keep the Jag for weekends but I really don't drive enough to warrant one nice car, let alone two. The nigh £50 road tax and £200 repayments are a bit of drain for a pretty car that mainly sits on the drive on a CTEK tbh.

So I'm considering a more practical, cheaper (mundane) car. Probs 5 doors, reliable and about 2-3ltr engine. Budget of around £5-6k.

I really quite like the look of this which looks sporty and hatchback boot but no idea how they are to drive:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2020...

Also considering 330Ci E46 BMW or Passat CC.

Anyone have any experiences of these cars or suggest any alternatives?

Missus drives a Lexus IS250 so don't want another of them

Thanks!

[Tall_Blk]

Why no go out as a family in the missus car and keep the jag?

[A500leroy]

Subaru Legacy spec b estate.

[KC_TypeR]

If we did that I'd never actually take my car at all. I hardly drive anywhere other than to the shops which is a huge waste tbh. I guess I thought I'd be driving it a lot more than I do when I first bought the car. A heart over head purchase.

Tall_Blk said:

Why no go out as a family in the missus car and keep the jag?

[StuTheGrouch]

KC_TypeR said:

If we did that I'd never actually take my car at all. I hardly drive anywhere other than to the shops which is a huge waste tbh. I guess I thought I'd be driving it a lot more than I do when I first bought the car. A heart over head purchase.

Tall_Blk said:

Why no go out as a family in the missus car and keep the jag?

Do you even need two cars then?

[LGriffiths88]

Had a friend ho had a Mazda and said were good. Apparently the 6 are a fun drive, based on the Mondeo or Focus platform if I remember correctly

Could look at a E91 330i?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Lots of diesels options, but do you want to stick to petrol?

I am in the same boat and looking for something bigger for kid stuff, and a nice estate is at the top of my list.

[KC_TypeR]

Probably not to be honest, but if its a cheap motor I think I could justify the cost for the convenience
of two cars.

StuTheGrouch said:

Do you even need two cars then?

[KC_TypeR]

Thanks Griffith's, I might go test drive a 6 and hopefully they won't feel too cheap inside. The price is definitely right on them though.

I'm steering clear of diesels due to the low mileage and short drives which might fudge EGR and DPFs on a diesel.

LGriffiths88 said:

Had a friend ho had a Mazda and said were good. Apparently the 6 are a fun drive, based on the Mondeo or Focus platform if I remember correctly

Could look at a E91 330i?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Lots of diesels options, but do you want to stick to petrol?

I am in the same boat and looking for something bigger for kid stuff, and a nice estate is at the top of my list.

[ZX10R NIN]

The best pick for size spec space & pace is the Mondeo in Titanium X Sport spec it's the best FWD steer, finding one is the hardest part.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007020...

Titanium X

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009043...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008062...

The 2.5 Mazda6 Sport is a good choice (it's based on the Mondeo) they drive well

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008222...

2.0T Insignia SRI a good pick but check the seats out as some don't get on with them.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008092...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008132...

Elite

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007291...

2.0T CC GT

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009023...

Octavia VRS

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008232...

Saab 9-3 Aero

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007081...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008272...

[KC_TypeR]

Thanks ZX, those Mazda 6 look good and probably top of the list. Not too keen on Vauxhalls as a bit too sales fleet for me.

A tidy LCI 330Ci are on price range which still look really nice. Any issues with E46 other than rusty subframe which I am aware of.

[StuTheGrouch]

KC_TypeR said:

Any issues with E46 other than rusty subframe which I am aware of.

Rust generally (front wings, rear wheel arches, boot lid etc).

Cooling system is a bit weak, so look for one which has been completely swapped (radiator, water pump, thermostat, pipes, expansion tank). Not a major issue if not, but these things are prone to fail.

Crank ventilation valve (CVV). These are another issue on these cars. It's a 4-6 hour DIY.

The e46 coupes are great cars though. I've had 2x, both manual. The 330 Ci M Sport I had was brilliant (to me). I regret letting it go actually.

[imck]

I have a 2008 Mazda 6 Hatch 2.5 Sport with about 90K
Not quick but quick enough, very smooth and quite nimble. Sounds quite nice for a 4 Pot.

Nothing major has gone wrong with it.
Local Indy diagnosed Head Gasket but turned out just to be the Thermostat.
A new Caliper, All pins and Rear Carriers.
Bose is good but very occasionally I lose all sound. Amp apparently and can be fixed for £150.
Very intermittent Alarm. It was in for Airbag, Boot Strut and Driver Seat Recall recently so I asked for an Alarm Diagnostic. Inconclusive but I am pretty sure it is rear Drivers Door.
TPMS Sensors were in the Glovebox when I got it. I opened them up, soldered in new Batteries and fitted new Valves. All good now.

[KC_TypeR]

Thanks for the info imck. I know it comes with Bluetooth as standard kit, but can it play music from your phone or only answer calls?

imck said:

I have a 2008 Mazda 6 Hatch 2.5 Sport with about 90K
Not quick but quick enough, very smooth and quite nimble. Sounds quite nice for a 4 Pot.

Nothing major has gone wrong with it.
Local Indy diagnosed Head Gasket but turned out just to be the Thermostat.
A new Caliper, All pins and Rear Carriers.
Bose is good but very occasionally I lose all sound. Amp apparently and can be fixed for £150.
Very intermittent Alarm. It was in for Airbag, Boot Strut and Driver Seat Recall recently so I asked for an Alarm Diagnostic. Inconclusive but I am pretty sure it is rear Drivers Door.
TPMS Sensors were in the Glovebox when I got it. I opened them up, soldered in new Batteries and fitted new Valves. All good now.

[imck]

KC_TypeR said:

Thanks for the info imck. I know it comes with Bluetooth as standard kit, but can it play music from your phone or only answer calls?

Does not play Music from the Phone via Bluetooth.
For short Trips I use Radio or CD Changer. Longer Trips, usually plug my Phone or something else into the 3.5 Jack in the Arm Rest Cubby.

Does not integrate Phone Contacts either.
I have a few Key Numbers programmed in that can be voice dialled through the Car but normally use the OK Google Function on my Android Phone.

I have seen some fitted with a Direct Replacement Android Radio.

[KC_TypeR]

Well, went to view the aforementioned Mazda 6 2.5 Sport (https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008122399365) and it was in good nick, only one owner and full Mazda stamps so put a deposit down on it.

Initial impressions are it was OK. Very roomy and huge boot. Obviously quite underwhelming compared to my V8 Jag with over twice the power but seemed OK. I'm sure it will fulfil Daddy duties admirably but I'm definitely going to miss the Jag XK.

Looking back, I don't regret buying the Jag at all, even if I only kept it for a year, mostly parked on the drive. It was my first (hopefully not last) experience of owning a proper meaty V8;the sound and grunt were addictive. Wholeheartedly recommend the Jag XK 5.0 for anyone lucky enough to accommodate one in their lifestyle though!

Pic just because...

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted.

[imck]

The Jag is lovely.
I went from a Ceed Diesel (Brilliant commuter Box but a bit dull) to the Mazda.

You have Alloys from a newer Model by the look of it. The originals corrode badly.
I have the Service Manual for the Mazda if of any use?

[KC_TypeR]

I didn't realise the alloys weren't original. They look quite nice. It's also got a body coloured front lip and I think the steering wheel has been reupholstered from standard. The car is one owner from new so I think they must have lavished it over the years.

I think I'm going to fit a cheap Android head unit once I get it. Possibly paint the wheels anthracite.

imck said:

The Jag is lovely.
I went from a Ceed Diesel (Brilliant commuter Box but a bit dull) to the Mazda.

You have Alloys from a newer Model by the look of it. The originals corrode badly.
I have the Service Manual for the Mazda if of any use?

[imck]

The Wheels do look good. I think they are from a Mazda 3 #AlloyBore
I occasionally look on Ebay for 'Mazda 18 Alloy' to replace my corroded ones.

You will need a Bose compatible Radio. Although I may have read something about bypassing it somewhere.

No parking sensors on mine. An option on the Sport I think.

[KC_TypeR]

Update: Picked her up last week and sorted a few niggles over the weekend just gone: new front pads and discs, painted all 4 rusty calipers at the same time, fitted some spacers on the rear so they are in line with the front wheel and also DIY'd the lacquer peel on the front bumper. Also sanded and polished the headlights too.

Definitely getting there and was a pretty tidy example to begin with so pretty happy. Next to sort out is the head unit, the keyless entry buttons on both door handles and also just noticed the rear nearside electric window has stopped working.