What daily + weekend combo?
Discussion
Edit: If you find this opening post too long, skip to the 8th post bellow.
I‘m in my early 40s and have 2 children under 6. We used to have a single car for the family. A 4x4 SUV. Now my wife has finally bought the type of car she wanted and I didn't, a minivan. So we have 2 cars now and the SUV is now basically my car. But I don‘t really need it anymore. With the minivan now doing school duties etc.
So I would like to buy me something. But being a hardcore petrolhead, I‘m very specific and am not rich. So I‘m finding it challenging.
I think the best way to cover all bases would be having 2 cars. A daily and a weekend one. Although I can‘t afford something like a Ferrari and the like for a weekend car.
I also feel like the weekend car should be more special than the daily. But don‘t want a boring daily. I don‘t like motorcycles and am not interested in things like a 7 and the like for the weekend vehicle. I would like the weekend car to be special, fast but also have some refinement and be a great driver‘s car. It should be RWD and have a manual gearbox.
As for the daily, I have given it some thought and I decided I don‘t want something boring. Because this is the car I will spend the most time driving. I want it to be fun too. Life is too short for having fun driving only a couple hours a single day a week.
So I would like the daily to also be RWD with a manual gearbox. But it should not be as special as the weekend car, obviously. Or I will just not make time to drive the weekend car. So the daily doesn‘t have to be fast or anything. I would like something I like the looks, that it is nice to drive and hopefully a driver‘s car and has some practicality. Because this would be what we would drive as a family when we all together. Or I have to drive the minivan.
. So probably 4 doors or a coupe with real back seats. Reliable is very important. The weekend car not so much. Affordable to run, same.
I have thought of several possibilities. Such as one of the cars being a hardtop convertible, so I could have an open top in the mix. But couldn‘t think of much outside a 488 spider that would be a proper weekend car, and that is neither affordable or a manual. So the hardtop convertible would probably have to be for the daily. But then means probably limited back seats space or none.
Thought of maybe a coupe for daily and a rear mid engine for weekend. But not sure wife would be happy going out as a family in a coupe. So we would probably end up in the minivan a lot. Unless I would then have 3 cars. Coupe for daily, mid engine for weekend and a 4 door saloon as family car. Just too much. But at the same time driving a 4 door saloon as my daily seems overkill as I‘m alone most of the time. Not to mention something larger cutting through the city is not as practical. So I guess you can see I have been giving this some thought. But am kind of stuck.
Budget is always the hard thing. At the moment with the current situation earnings are not the best. So my idea was to get a base pair or combo now and upgrade as things get better. Meaning start as affordable as possible now with the 2 cars, then upgrade to better or more expensive options in a year or two or whenever, and maybe keep upgrading.
As I said, I'm in my 40s. So if the cars look grown up it would be nice.
Last, I don‘t want any BMWs. Our SUV before the one we have now was a X5. Horrible, never again. Besides they are looking too desperate these days. Just don‘t care at all for the styling.
Any suggestions for the combo?
I‘m in my early 40s and have 2 children under 6. We used to have a single car for the family. A 4x4 SUV. Now my wife has finally bought the type of car she wanted and I didn't, a minivan. So we have 2 cars now and the SUV is now basically my car. But I don‘t really need it anymore. With the minivan now doing school duties etc.
So I would like to buy me something. But being a hardcore petrolhead, I‘m very specific and am not rich. So I‘m finding it challenging.
I think the best way to cover all bases would be having 2 cars. A daily and a weekend one. Although I can‘t afford something like a Ferrari and the like for a weekend car.
I also feel like the weekend car should be more special than the daily. But don‘t want a boring daily. I don‘t like motorcycles and am not interested in things like a 7 and the like for the weekend vehicle. I would like the weekend car to be special, fast but also have some refinement and be a great driver‘s car. It should be RWD and have a manual gearbox.
As for the daily, I have given it some thought and I decided I don‘t want something boring. Because this is the car I will spend the most time driving. I want it to be fun too. Life is too short for having fun driving only a couple hours a single day a week.
So I would like the daily to also be RWD with a manual gearbox. But it should not be as special as the weekend car, obviously. Or I will just not make time to drive the weekend car. So the daily doesn‘t have to be fast or anything. I would like something I like the looks, that it is nice to drive and hopefully a driver‘s car and has some practicality. Because this would be what we would drive as a family when we all together. Or I have to drive the minivan.
. So probably 4 doors or a coupe with real back seats. Reliable is very important. The weekend car not so much. Affordable to run, same.I have thought of several possibilities. Such as one of the cars being a hardtop convertible, so I could have an open top in the mix. But couldn‘t think of much outside a 488 spider that would be a proper weekend car, and that is neither affordable or a manual. So the hardtop convertible would probably have to be for the daily. But then means probably limited back seats space or none.
Thought of maybe a coupe for daily and a rear mid engine for weekend. But not sure wife would be happy going out as a family in a coupe. So we would probably end up in the minivan a lot. Unless I would then have 3 cars. Coupe for daily, mid engine for weekend and a 4 door saloon as family car. Just too much. But at the same time driving a 4 door saloon as my daily seems overkill as I‘m alone most of the time. Not to mention something larger cutting through the city is not as practical. So I guess you can see I have been giving this some thought. But am kind of stuck.
Budget is always the hard thing. At the moment with the current situation earnings are not the best. So my idea was to get a base pair or combo now and upgrade as things get better. Meaning start as affordable as possible now with the 2 cars, then upgrade to better or more expensive options in a year or two or whenever, and maybe keep upgrading.
As I said, I'm in my 40s. So if the cars look grown up it would be nice.
Last, I don‘t want any BMWs. Our SUV before the one we have now was a X5. Horrible, never again. Besides they are looking too desperate these days. Just don‘t care at all for the styling.
Any suggestions for the combo?
Edited by Mickeym on Thursday 24th September 13:26
Really depends on your budget? I'm in a similar position and have a manual BMW e91 330i which is fun enough to drive, pretty good looking, dependable, practical and so far (touch wood) has been economical to run.
I also have a couple of classics to keep me busy - a classic mini that I just restored and now needs nothing doing. I pretty much use that just to get out the house and have some me time when I need it, and a 50 year old Volvo I've just purchased to restore.
From what you describe a nice mk5 golf gti for your daily and a Toyota MR2 turbo for fun would suit your needs.
I also have a couple of classics to keep me busy - a classic mini that I just restored and now needs nothing doing. I pretty much use that just to get out the house and have some me time when I need it, and a 50 year old Volvo I've just purchased to restore.
From what you describe a nice mk5 golf gti for your daily and a Toyota MR2 turbo for fun would suit your needs.
I know you've said no BMW's, but I'm in a similar position (although only the one child, and he is 3) and recently decided that the wife should keep her beloved Skoda Yeti and I'll get something that we all fit in, but is still interesting. I ended up with a BMW 440i convertible after looking at various other options up to ~£35k (911 997.2 Targa or Convertible, Maserati GranCabrio, Mercedes E400 Cab, etc) and decided that spending £10k less than my budget would have allowed was more than ample for a nice LCI 440i. Great looks, lovely sound, plush cabin (mine has extended leather) and a decent turn of pace.
Still undecided on whether or not I now need a "weekend" car in addition (though I do still own my mk1 TT 3.2 V6), as the 4-series is just such a nice all-rounder when conjoined with another more practical car in the household.
Still undecided on whether or not I now need a "weekend" car in addition (though I do still own my mk1 TT 3.2 V6), as the 4-series is just such a nice all-rounder when conjoined with another more practical car in the household.
croissant said:
Really depends on your budget? I'm in a similar position and have a manual BMW e91 330i which is fun enough to drive, pretty good looking, dependable, practical and so far (touch wood) has been economical to run.
I also have a couple of classics to keep me busy - a classic mini that I just restored and now needs nothing doing. I pretty much use that just to get out the house and have some me time when I need it, and a 50 year old Volvo I've just purchased to restore.
From what you describe a nice mk5 golf gti for your daily and a Toyota MR2 turbo for fun would suit your needs.
I have thought of a MK3 MR2 as the entry level weekend car. Although it's not any fast. The Golf I have no interest in as I would like a RWD.I also have a couple of classics to keep me busy - a classic mini that I just restored and now needs nothing doing. I pretty much use that just to get out the house and have some me time when I need it, and a 50 year old Volvo I've just purchased to restore.
From what you describe a nice mk5 golf gti for your daily and a Toyota MR2 turbo for fun would suit your needs.
Budget as I wrote would need to start low and then upgrade. MK3 MR2 as the entry level gives an idea of the budget for the first 2.
paradigital said:
I know you've said no BMW's, but I'm in a similar position (although only the one child, and he is 3) and recently decided that the wife should keep her beloved Skoda Yeti and I'll get something that we all fit in, but is still interesting. I ended up with a BMW 440i convertible after looking at various other options up to ~£35k (911 997.2 Targa or Convertible, Maserati GranCabrio, Mercedes E400 Cab, etc) and decided that spending £10k less than my budget would have allowed was more than ample for a nice LCI 440i. Great looks, lovely sound, plush cabin (mine has extended leather) and a decent turn of pace.
Still undecided on whether or not I now need a "weekend" car in addition (though I do still own my mk1 TT 3.2 V6), as the 4-series is just such a nice all-rounder when conjoined with another more practical car in the household.
I have thought of the Nissan or Lexus counterparts to the 440 convertible. That would need to be for the daily as for a weekend car they don't offer much. Neither does the 440. And for the daily, I'm not sure it would do family duties and then I'm probably left to drive the minivan.Still undecided on whether or not I now need a "weekend" car in addition (though I do still own my mk1 TT 3.2 V6), as the 4-series is just such a nice all-rounder when conjoined with another more practical car in the household.
Magnum 475 said:
Daily: Mercedes C-Class if you want RWD and not a BMW. Pick your engine from 1.8 to 6.2 litres 
Weekend: 996 3.4, early flavour with cable throttle. Will accommodate two adults, two kids (squish!) and still be fun. later 3.6 is also an option, but more prone to engine borkage.
The C-Class is probably a good suggestion as I think they can be had for good money? So they could fit in the entry level option. I'm not sure but are the manual gearbox ones only the diesels? Weekend: 996 3.4, early flavour with cable throttle. Will accommodate two adults, two kids (squish!) and still be fun. later 3.6 is also an option, but more prone to engine borkage.
For the entry level I'm thinking it would need to be a w203. I fear the rust. But in general, it could be a good option. At least they are not too large of a saloon.
The Porsche would never happen in the entry level.
Maybe if I give an example of a prefect case scenario would help people to give suggestions?
I think to be perfectly happy I would probably need 3 cars.
A TVR T350C type of car. Love the looks. clean pretty lines. Not as flashy or angry as a Sagaris. Small enough to be a good daily when I'm alone. Fun! Would be a perfect choice, if it wasn't glassfiber and basically no refinement or tech. But the concept is perfect otherwise. A 4 banger is probably too mundane. But I don't need a V8 in a daily.
Then for the weekend car, a 488 spider, if it could be had with a 3-pedal.
Then some reliable 4-door saloon like a Lexus for full family duties, when we are all together..
Now I need to distill that into something I can actually get and fit that into possibly only 2 cars.
Budget, again now it needs to be as low as possible. Then I will replace both down the road with better options. So let's call the entry level A (under 5K), mid level B (under 15K) and higher level C (under 30k).
Feel free to suggest combos for all levels. Example, for level A (entry level): C-Class+MR2 MK3 and so on.
But I'm now more interested in suggestions on level A, as this is what I can afford now during this crisis.
I think to be perfectly happy I would probably need 3 cars.
A TVR T350C type of car. Love the looks. clean pretty lines. Not as flashy or angry as a Sagaris. Small enough to be a good daily when I'm alone. Fun! Would be a perfect choice, if it wasn't glassfiber and basically no refinement or tech. But the concept is perfect otherwise. A 4 banger is probably too mundane. But I don't need a V8 in a daily.
Then for the weekend car, a 488 spider, if it could be had with a 3-pedal.
Then some reliable 4-door saloon like a Lexus for full family duties, when we are all together..
Now I need to distill that into something I can actually get and fit that into possibly only 2 cars.
Budget, again now it needs to be as low as possible. Then I will replace both down the road with better options. So let's call the entry level A (under 5K), mid level B (under 15K) and higher level C (under 30k).
Feel free to suggest combos for all levels. Example, for level A (entry level): C-Class+MR2 MK3 and so on.
But I'm now more interested in suggestions on level A, as this is what I can afford now during this crisis.
Edited by Mickeym on Thursday 24th September 13:33
The manual gearbox RWD family saloon that isn't a BMW is the difficult part. Mercs are usually automatic - a manual shift C or E class is very rare. That said, my FiL drives a manual C Class, so they can be found if you're willing to go looking for them.
BUT!!! For a daily, how important is manual really when modern auto boxes are so good? I drive an E-Class as my family car and the auto is fine - manual wouldn't suit it at all. If you've only ever driven ancient 3-speed autos it's well worth trying a more modern version as they really are vastly better.
BUT!!! For a daily, how important is manual really when modern auto boxes are so good? I drive an E-Class as my family car and the auto is fine - manual wouldn't suit it at all. If you've only ever driven ancient 3-speed autos it's well worth trying a more modern version as they really are vastly better.
A Mazda RX-8 could potentially cover all the bases with one car for under £5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009153...
(not suitable for v short trips or for big annual mileages tho)
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009153...
(not suitable for v short trips or for big annual mileages tho)
Magnum 475 said:
The manual gearbox RWD family saloon that isn't a BMW is the difficult part. Mercs are usually automatic - a manual shift C or E class is very rare. That said, my FiL drives a manual C Class, so they can be found if you're willing to go looking for them.
BUT!!! For a daily, how important is manual really when modern auto boxes are so good? I drive an E-Class as my family car and the auto is fine - manual wouldn't suit it at all. If you've only ever driven ancient 3-speed autos it's well worth trying a more modern version as they really are vastly better.
Very important to be a manual. As I mentioned before, you spent most of your driving time in your daily. I want it to be fun and they way of my commute is a nice drive.BUT!!! For a daily, how important is manual really when modern auto boxes are so good? I drive an E-Class as my family car and the auto is fine - manual wouldn't suit it at all. If you've only ever driven ancient 3-speed autos it's well worth trying a more modern version as they really are vastly better.
But it doesn't necessarily has to be a family saloon. I would actually prefer a coupe with real back seats. While the kids are small it could work. If a 4 door saloon I would rather it be smaller. Like a 3-series or C-class size max.. Not larger. Or it would be too large for a daily for me. I can then just keep the SUV. But not something as small as a Jetta.
samoht said:
A Mazda RX-8 could potentially cover all the bases with one car for under £5k
(not suitable for v short trips or for big annual mileages tho)
Indeed it could. If it was not so unreliable and expensive to run. I see them being given away all week long. Probably for a reason. If it had a V6 I think it could be perfect indeed. Coupe with real rear seats and even rear doors. (not suitable for v short trips or for big annual mileages tho)
The reason I asked about mileage was to recommend a RX8 if your mileage is low. 
They're not unreliable, you just have do some research about the engine and what keeps them reliable (e.g. coil packs must be in good condition). While fuel consumption is high, your mileage is low and you wouldn't be paying tax, insurance and maintenance/MOT on 2 vehicles.
They are a lot lighter, less nose heavy and more focused than a 3-series coupe, but with a similar amount of interior space. The price for that is the higher fuel cost of a (very compact) rotary engine.
Definitely worth doing the sums to compare against your C-class+MR2 option. They are just about the only 4-seat option that isn't a BMW too!
They're not unreliable, you just have do some research about the engine and what keeps them reliable (e.g. coil packs must be in good condition). While fuel consumption is high, your mileage is low and you wouldn't be paying tax, insurance and maintenance/MOT on 2 vehicles.
They are a lot lighter, less nose heavy and more focused than a 3-series coupe, but with a similar amount of interior space. The price for that is the higher fuel cost of a (very compact) rotary engine.
Definitely worth doing the sums to compare against your C-class+MR2 option. They are just about the only 4-seat option that isn't a BMW too!
braddo said:
The reason I asked about mileage was to recommend a RX8 if your mileage is low.
They're not unreliable, you just have do some research about the engine and what keeps them reliable (e.g. coil packs must be in good condition). While fuel consumption is high, your mileage is low and you wouldn't be paying tax, insurance and maintenance/MOT on 2 vehicles.
They are a lot lighter, less nose heavy and more focused than a 3-series coupe, but with a similar amount of interior space. The price for that is the higher fuel cost of a (very compact) rotary engine.
Definitely worth doing the sums to compare against your C-class+MR2 option. They are just about the only 4-seat option that isn't a BMW too!
Ok, but regardless a RX8 would be just the daily. I would still want a more exciting weekend car.They're not unreliable, you just have do some research about the engine and what keeps them reliable (e.g. coil packs must be in good condition). While fuel consumption is high, your mileage is low and you wouldn't be paying tax, insurance and maintenance/MOT on 2 vehicles.
They are a lot lighter, less nose heavy and more focused than a 3-series coupe, but with a similar amount of interior space. The price for that is the higher fuel cost of a (very compact) rotary engine.
Definitely worth doing the sums to compare against your C-class+MR2 option. They are just about the only 4-seat option that isn't a BMW too!
I just took a look locally and see at least three RX8 with the low compression problem being given away. Is it worth buying cheap to repair?
A nice daily would be a Maserati coupe. The rear seats are actually usable. But of course the price and maintenance kill that idea. Or a XKR X150, if they were not only autos, had a larger rear seat and weren't divas.
For the family daily:
Lexus IS200, 18k miles, £4.5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009203...
or 46k miles for £2300
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009093...
or Turbo'd Altezza RS200, £8900
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007101...
Skyline 350GT, £4k
https://www.motors.co.uk/car-54087586/
Lexus IS200, 18k miles, £4.5k
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009203...
or 46k miles for £2300
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009093...
or Turbo'd Altezza RS200, £8900
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202007101...
Skyline 350GT, £4k
https://www.motors.co.uk/car-54087586/
Monaro
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Vauxhall-Monaro-5-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Vauxhall-Monaro-5-...
RX8 R3
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-Mazda-RX-8-R3-39k-...
GYAAOSwcyxfY3uB
Both at the opposite end of the Coupe scale but both are good cars.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Vauxhall-Monaro-5-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Vauxhall-Monaro-5-...
RX8 R3
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2009-Mazda-RX-8-R3-39k-...
GYAAOSwcyxfY3uBBoth at the opposite end of the Coupe scale but both are good cars.
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