Fun, 45mpg+ petrol under £3.5k?!
Discussion
Just sold my lovely '05 R53 Cooper S. Will be sorely missed but 30mpg was a bit painful and was pricey to repair even minor things.
New job means a mix of short journeys and motorway miles (less than 9,000 miles/yr) so I'm thinking a petrol, need something able to fit a bike in the back or a roofrack. Worried about DPF issues with a diesel - been going back and forth and can't decide!
Looking for something fairly fast (0-60 under 10sec) but really want to avoid big garage bills.
Current thoughts:
Some sort of VAG TSI i.e. 2013 Seat Ibiza FR 1.2 (£4k+ but fun and economical) or an older 1.4 TSI (Golf GT Sport, Fabia VRS) but worried about reliability of these.
BMW E46 325/330i (high repair costs?)
Volvo V50 2.0 Sport/R-Design (solid sensible choice?)
Yaris 1.8 SR for cheap, seems reliable, a bit slow
Something tiny like a VW Up! and put a roof rack on it (but crap for the motorway?)
Tempted by a Panda 100HP going for cheap near me, but not especially fast or economical
Any suggestions for something Japanese?
If you don't think diesel is a bad idea at <9,000 miles/yr please do suggest! I was thinking a pre 2007 BMW 120d, VAG 2.0TDI, Kia 2.0 CRDI...
Thanks everyone
New job means a mix of short journeys and motorway miles (less than 9,000 miles/yr) so I'm thinking a petrol, need something able to fit a bike in the back or a roofrack. Worried about DPF issues with a diesel - been going back and forth and can't decide!
Looking for something fairly fast (0-60 under 10sec) but really want to avoid big garage bills.
Current thoughts:
Some sort of VAG TSI i.e. 2013 Seat Ibiza FR 1.2 (£4k+ but fun and economical) or an older 1.4 TSI (Golf GT Sport, Fabia VRS) but worried about reliability of these.
BMW E46 325/330i (high repair costs?)
Volvo V50 2.0 Sport/R-Design (solid sensible choice?)
Yaris 1.8 SR for cheap, seems reliable, a bit slow
Something tiny like a VW Up! and put a roof rack on it (but crap for the motorway?)
Tempted by a Panda 100HP going for cheap near me, but not especially fast or economical
Any suggestions for something Japanese?
If you don't think diesel is a bad idea at <9,000 miles/yr please do suggest! I was thinking a pre 2007 BMW 120d, VAG 2.0TDI, Kia 2.0 CRDI...
Thanks everyone
My Citigo is a hoot to drive, has a real classic mini feel to it.
It's a bit slow though, you have to work the gearbox rather than relying on torque like you would in most of the alternatives, but that just makes it an engaging drive. It comfortably exceeds the speed limit so that works for me.
50mpg, fine on motorways and long drives, it doesn't feel small particularly. For your budget I had to go for one that had been messed with, the standard ones are closer to 5k at the moment for a good one. Fortunately the messing about included coil overs and a daft exhaust, which I quite like.
It's a bit slow though, you have to work the gearbox rather than relying on torque like you would in most of the alternatives, but that just makes it an engaging drive. It comfortably exceeds the speed limit so that works for me.
50mpg, fine on motorways and long drives, it doesn't feel small particularly. For your budget I had to go for one that had been messed with, the standard ones are closer to 5k at the moment for a good one. Fortunately the messing about included coil overs and a daft exhaust, which I quite like.
grgkn said:
Just sold my lovely '05 R53 Cooper S. Will be sorely missed but 30mpg was a bit painful and was pricey to repair even minor things.
New job means a mix of short journeys and motorway miles (less than 9,000 miles/yr) so I'm thinking a petrol, need something able to fit a bike in the back or a roofrack. Worried about DPF issues with a diesel - been going back and forth and can't decide!
Looking for something fairly fast (0-60 under 10sec) but really want to avoid big garage bills.
Current thoughts:
Some sort of VAG TSI i.e. 2013 Seat Ibiza FR 1.2 (£4k+ but fun and economical) or an older 1.4 TSI (Golf GT Sport, Fabia VRS) but worried about reliability of these.
BMW E46 325/330i (high repair costs?)
Volvo V50 2.0 Sport/R-Design (solid sensible choice?)
Yaris 1.8 SR for cheap, seems reliable, a bit slow
Something tiny like a VW Up! and put a roof rack on it (but crap for the motorway?)
Tempted by a Panda 100HP going for cheap near me, but not especially fast or economical
Any suggestions for something Japanese?
If you don't think diesel is a bad idea at <9,000 miles/yr please do suggest! I was thinking a pre 2007 BMW 120d, VAG 2.0TDI, Kia 2.0 CRDI...
Thanks everyone
If you're doing a decent mix of driving then a diesel will be fine (you won't have DPF issues as they won't have one) & with you're need for a real 45mpg.New job means a mix of short journeys and motorway miles (less than 9,000 miles/yr) so I'm thinking a petrol, need something able to fit a bike in the back or a roofrack. Worried about DPF issues with a diesel - been going back and forth and can't decide!
Looking for something fairly fast (0-60 under 10sec) but really want to avoid big garage bills.
Current thoughts:
Some sort of VAG TSI i.e. 2013 Seat Ibiza FR 1.2 (£4k+ but fun and economical) or an older 1.4 TSI (Golf GT Sport, Fabia VRS) but worried about reliability of these.
BMW E46 325/330i (high repair costs?)
Volvo V50 2.0 Sport/R-Design (solid sensible choice?)
Yaris 1.8 SR for cheap, seems reliable, a bit slow
Something tiny like a VW Up! and put a roof rack on it (but crap for the motorway?)
Tempted by a Panda 100HP going for cheap near me, but not especially fast or economical
Any suggestions for something Japanese?
If you don't think diesel is a bad idea at <9,000 miles/yr please do suggest! I was thinking a pre 2007 BMW 120d, VAG 2.0TDI, Kia 2.0 CRDI...
Thanks everyone
Giulietta Veloce
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110238...
CLC220cdi Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107245...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110198...
Megane GT Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110288...
BMW E46s are prone to rust, and are all getting on a bit now so prone to some issues. I had a 325ti Compact for a few years and it needed a complete cooling system refresh at 12 years old and 80K miles, then a £200 PAS pipe split but other than that it only needed routine stuff like oil and filters.
But it averaged low 30s mpg so nowhere near 45! Although it was fun to rag around.
The early 120ds you mention have the M47 engine which has no DPF so could be an option. Easiest way to tell is the power output and tax band. Many years ago I had an E46 320td Compact with the M54 and that averaged high 40s. Never had any issues with it, but then I sold it at 4 years old on 45K miles! To be fair the 325ti was far more fun to drive though!
I ought to be looking for a more sensible daily than a 330i so this thread is quite interesting.
I've read good things about the Suzuki Swift Sport or maybe a mid 2000s Fiesta ST?
If I was considering anything VAG I'd probably concentrate on Skoda and Seat as you tend to get more for your money than with VW.
Good luck anyway.
But it averaged low 30s mpg so nowhere near 45! Although it was fun to rag around.
The early 120ds you mention have the M47 engine which has no DPF so could be an option. Easiest way to tell is the power output and tax band. Many years ago I had an E46 320td Compact with the M54 and that averaged high 40s. Never had any issues with it, but then I sold it at 4 years old on 45K miles! To be fair the 325ti was far more fun to drive though!
I ought to be looking for a more sensible daily than a 330i so this thread is quite interesting.
I've read good things about the Suzuki Swift Sport or maybe a mid 2000s Fiesta ST?
If I was considering anything VAG I'd probably concentrate on Skoda and Seat as you tend to get more for your money than with VW.
Good luck anyway.
I think the E46 shout isn’t a bad one. We use one as a daily (6 pot petrol Coupe) and I’m always surprised at just how well they drive.
Arches can rust but simple enough to nip in the bud before they get too bad, cooling systems can need overhauling but it’s a one-off type job, cam covers and oil filter housing can leak oil (one-off ish), and they burn a touch of oil. Our auto will do late 30’s to the gallon on a run and always averages over 30. Given the 9-K mileage that’s hardly a bank breaker.
They come in lots of different flavours too so likely to be one that suits your lifestyle.
IMO they are fun when you want them to be, sturdy, dependable, comfortable on a run and easy to live with - pretty good mix for the money (oh, and depreciation proof now too).
Arches can rust but simple enough to nip in the bud before they get too bad, cooling systems can need overhauling but it’s a one-off type job, cam covers and oil filter housing can leak oil (one-off ish), and they burn a touch of oil. Our auto will do late 30’s to the gallon on a run and always averages over 30. Given the 9-K mileage that’s hardly a bank breaker.
They come in lots of different flavours too so likely to be one that suits your lifestyle.
IMO they are fun when you want them to be, sturdy, dependable, comfortable on a run and easy to live with - pretty good mix for the money (oh, and depreciation proof now too).
Civic 2.2 diesel.
No DPF and chain driven. They can rack up huge miles so if you only do 9k a year you could safely buy one with 100k on it already.
Plenty of poke with sub 9 sec to 60. Easy 45mpg.
If you regularly carry a bike then the 5dr civic is great. Flip the magic rear seats up and you can put the bike straight in without even using the boot.
Only downside could be that it's not really as much fun as other options but you may need to compromise somewhere.
No DPF and chain driven. They can rack up huge miles so if you only do 9k a year you could safely buy one with 100k on it already.
Plenty of poke with sub 9 sec to 60. Easy 45mpg.
If you regularly carry a bike then the 5dr civic is great. Flip the magic rear seats up and you can put the bike straight in without even using the boot.
Only downside could be that it's not really as much fun as other options but you may need to compromise somewhere.
Ignoring the 45mpg thing because I think that might end up comprising fun for what is only a relatively small cost per annum other potential options could be:
Golf GTi
Volvo 850 T5
Subaru WRX
Mondeo ST24/200/220 Estate
Mazda MPS
Honda Civic Type R
BMW 330d Touring
MK1 Focus Zetec (chassis on a fit one of those is sublime!!)
Just a thought but a decent sized petrol engine car will provide the fun, and a n LPG kit will drag the equivalent mpg back up - best of both worlds? That would open things up…
Golf GTi
Volvo 850 T5
Subaru WRX
Mondeo ST24/200/220 Estate
Mazda MPS
Honda Civic Type R
BMW 330d Touring
MK1 Focus Zetec (chassis on a fit one of those is sublime!!)
Just a thought but a decent sized petrol engine car will provide the fun, and a n LPG kit will drag the equivalent mpg back up - best of both worlds? That would open things up…
I'd be looking for a 2.0 Diesel. they have the best blend of performance/economy.
A well maintained BMW 320D [E90] would be perfect but you'd have to stretch your budget a little for a decent one, and have some money set aside
just in case.
The 2 litre in the VW Golf is good. I Wouldn't particularly describe it as "fun" but it moves very nicely for a 2 litre and they get 45+mpg pretty easily.
Same story with the 2.0TDCI Mondeo, handles really well for a big car and there's fun to be had if you push it. Great motorway cruiser too. (just avoid the auto's as I hear they can be troublesome)
Someone mentioned the Civic 2.2 it's the sensible choice and probably the one id go for on a tight budget. It's not as fun to drive as the other's but its quick enough and you'll similar MPG with much less chance of something going wrong. Plenty of used and abused examples out there, so take your time and find a good one.
A well maintained BMW 320D [E90] would be perfect but you'd have to stretch your budget a little for a decent one, and have some money set aside
just in case.
The 2 litre in the VW Golf is good. I Wouldn't particularly describe it as "fun" but it moves very nicely for a 2 litre and they get 45+mpg pretty easily.
Same story with the 2.0TDCI Mondeo, handles really well for a big car and there's fun to be had if you push it. Great motorway cruiser too. (just avoid the auto's as I hear they can be troublesome)
Someone mentioned the Civic 2.2 it's the sensible choice and probably the one id go for on a tight budget. It's not as fun to drive as the other's but its quick enough and you'll similar MPG with much less chance of something going wrong. Plenty of used and abused examples out there, so take your time and find a good one.
Mini Clubman Cooper SD? Slight haggle required though 
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111059...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111059...
Edited by Canon_Fodder on Saturday 6th November 19:49
eleveneleven said:
I'd be looking for a 2.0 Diesel. they have the best blend of performance/economy.
A well maintained BMW 320D [E90] would be perfect but you'd have to stretch your budget a little for a decent one, and have some money set aside
just in case.
They may have a reasonable performance/economy blend but don't include any fun, which was the other factor in the search! A well maintained BMW 320D [E90] would be perfect but you'd have to stretch your budget a little for a decent one, and have some money set aside
just in case.
In 2005 I had a 2004 BMW 320td Compact for 3 years. In 2014 I had a 2002 325ti Compact and realised I should have bought the 325ti the first time around as it just drove so much better.
For any budget there are economy options and fun options, but they don't often align!
My current daily is an E90 330i bought within that budget - much more fun than a 320d although not as ceonomical.
Horsey McHorseface said:
Why are so many suggesting diesels? Read the title.
Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost. 46mpg 9.1 0-60
9.1 to 60 is not fun in anybodies book.Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost. 46mpg 9.1 0-60
As others have said, I would remove the 45mpg requirement as the difference in cost per year is not going to be huge.
Also, book figures for MPG vary hugely to real world figures for most cars.
A 325i/330i in E46 or E90 form is not going to get you 45mpg combined on any planet, you would struggle to get that in a 320i to be honest. My old 325Ci E46 did 30-35mpg and most of that was motorway.
If you wan't fun for your requirements, you are better off looking at a hatchback. A 3 series saloon is not going to be 'fun' regardless of the engine and most diesel owners would rarely say their car is 'fun'. Our 430D F36 is fairly quick 0-60 and the noise is decent from the 6 pot engine when you floor it but its not fun, not even close. The previous Cooper S we had was nearly 100bhp less but far more fun to drive, plus it averaged similar economy despite being petrol. Only changed as we needed more space.
Edited by Wagonwheel555 on Monday 8th November 08:05
These are all good suggestions to be honest.
I’ve decided to go with a Skoda Citigo in sport trim. Seems like the most flexible and sensible option. For just over budget (and a bit of haggling), I can get a 2013 with the added comforts of sat nav, Bluetooth and the exterior styling which I think looks great.
It’s slow, and small. But high MPG, cheap insurance, decent reliability and the fun of it being tiny and fun to chuck around a B road sells it for me. The sport trim makes it a bit more fun. Will probably get a roof rack and box for it but from what I’ve read, the boxy shape of these cars actually makes them decent for IKEA trips etc.
In a couple of years I’ll upgrade to something with a bit more oomph! I work as a freelancer at the moment so I’d be a bit worried that a 15 year old 320d would blow up on me, especially as there’s a possibility that I’d only be on a motorway once every fortnight.
Appreciate the help.
I’ve decided to go with a Skoda Citigo in sport trim. Seems like the most flexible and sensible option. For just over budget (and a bit of haggling), I can get a 2013 with the added comforts of sat nav, Bluetooth and the exterior styling which I think looks great.
It’s slow, and small. But high MPG, cheap insurance, decent reliability and the fun of it being tiny and fun to chuck around a B road sells it for me. The sport trim makes it a bit more fun. Will probably get a roof rack and box for it but from what I’ve read, the boxy shape of these cars actually makes them decent for IKEA trips etc.
In a couple of years I’ll upgrade to something with a bit more oomph! I work as a freelancer at the moment so I’d be a bit worried that a 15 year old 320d would blow up on me, especially as there’s a possibility that I’d only be on a motorway once every fortnight.
Appreciate the help.
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