£30k - Long(ish) weekend drives to go hiking, ideally fun
Discussion
I really really need to replace my car but have been avoiding doing so due to obvious reasons. I'm considering replacing it now though.
Current car: 2011 VW Scirocco GT
Usage:
- Only used at weekends for going hiking. 50-100 mile journeys are common. 300 miles is not unusual. Rarely ever used for sub 20 mile drives.
- Car gets parked on rough ground occasionally and will get taken down narrow lanes often.
- Normally only me in the car
- I'm tall
Wants:
- Auto
- CarPlay
- 200bhp+ ideally 250bhp+
- Not diesel
- Reliable
- 2019+
- Ideally better MPG than my Scirocco (this is really not hard. I probably average low to mid 30s)
- Sub 25,000 miles
Budget: ~£30k
My thoughts are:
- Audi A4 Avant 40/45 Quattro (2019+)
- BMW M140i (2019)
- BMW M135i (2020+)
- BMW 330i Touring (2019+)
Others I've thought about:
- Volvo XC40 T5
- VW Golf GTI (mk8 looks ok, previous gen has a bad interior)
- VW Golf R (ugly interior. probably worse than my 10yr old Scirocco)
I will probably keep it a long time (eg. 5-10yrs). Running costs are a concern. VW/Audi/Skoda are potentially cheaper for me to maintain.
Am I missing any obvious options? or are there reasons to choose/not choose any in my list?
Current car: 2011 VW Scirocco GT
Usage:
- Only used at weekends for going hiking. 50-100 mile journeys are common. 300 miles is not unusual. Rarely ever used for sub 20 mile drives.
- Car gets parked on rough ground occasionally and will get taken down narrow lanes often.
- Normally only me in the car
- I'm tall
Wants:
- Auto
- CarPlay
- 200bhp+ ideally 250bhp+
- Not diesel
- Reliable
- 2019+
- Ideally better MPG than my Scirocco (this is really not hard. I probably average low to mid 30s)
- Sub 25,000 miles
Budget: ~£30k
My thoughts are:
- Audi A4 Avant 40/45 Quattro (2019+)
- BMW M140i (2019)
- BMW M135i (2020+)
- BMW 330i Touring (2019+)
Others I've thought about:
- Volvo XC40 T5
- VW Golf GTI (mk8 looks ok, previous gen has a bad interior)
- VW Golf R (ugly interior. probably worse than my 10yr old Scirocco)
I will probably keep it a long time (eg. 5-10yrs). Running costs are a concern. VW/Audi/Skoda are potentially cheaper for me to maintain.
Am I missing any obvious options? or are there reasons to choose/not choose any in my list?
The XC40 is a sensationally comfortable car for long drives. We've done two trips to Northern Scotland in one hit since we've had the car, and it was very cosseting. While it's obviously not an off-road car, the extra clearance was definitely appreciated.
Not sure you're going to massively improve on your economy though.
Not sure you're going to massively improve on your economy though.
C70R said:
The XC40 is a sensationally comfortable car for long drives. We've done two trips to Northern Scotland in one hit since we've had the car, and it was very cosseting. While it's obviously not an off-road car, the extra clearance was definitely appreciated.
Not sure you're going to massively improve on your economy though.
I do like the XC40, but it’s not fun, and I’m sub 40 (just!) with no family. I should have some fun! This is perhaps my main reason to exclude it from my main list. It’s perhaps a wildcard option. Not sure you're going to massively improve on your economy though.
I don’t really need an off-road car. Just one that isn’t ridiculously low so I can park it off-road and not worry. Also I need a car I can take down less than perfect roads.
Matt.. said:
I really really need to replace my car but have been avoiding doing so due to obvious reasons. I'm considering replacing it now though.
Current car: 2011 VW Scirocco GT
Usage:
- Only used at weekends for going hiking. 50-100 mile journeys are common. 300 miles is not unusual. Rarely ever used for sub 20 mile drives.
- Car gets parked on rough ground occasionally and will get taken down narrow lanes often.
- Normally only me in the car
- I'm tall
Wants:
- Auto
- CarPlay
- 200bhp+ ideally 250bhp+
- Not diesel
- Reliable
- 2019+
- Ideally better MPG than my Scirocco (this is really not hard. I probably average low to mid 30s)
- Sub 25,000 miles
Budget: ~£30k
My thoughts are:
- Audi A4 Avant 40/45 Quattro (2019+)
- BMW M140i (2019)
- BMW M135i (2020+)
- BMW 330i Touring (2019+)
Others I've thought about:
- Volvo XC40 T5
- VW Golf GTI (mk8 looks ok, previous gen has a bad interior)
- VW Golf R (ugly interior. probably worse than my 10yr old Scirocco)
I will probably keep it a long time (eg. 5-10yrs). Running costs are a concern. VW/Audi/Skoda are potentially cheaper for me to maintain.
Am I missing any obvious options? or are there reasons to choose/not choose any in my list?
I'm going to be honest & say that if you want a 250+bhp car then mid thirties is what you should be expecting, if you can live with (if you drive like a BRAKE member you may see 40's) this then the world is your oyster.Current car: 2011 VW Scirocco GT
Usage:
- Only used at weekends for going hiking. 50-100 mile journeys are common. 300 miles is not unusual. Rarely ever used for sub 20 mile drives.
- Car gets parked on rough ground occasionally and will get taken down narrow lanes often.
- Normally only me in the car
- I'm tall
Wants:
- Auto
- CarPlay
- 200bhp+ ideally 250bhp+
- Not diesel
- Reliable
- 2019+
- Ideally better MPG than my Scirocco (this is really not hard. I probably average low to mid 30s)
- Sub 25,000 miles
Budget: ~£30k
My thoughts are:
- Audi A4 Avant 40/45 Quattro (2019+)
- BMW M140i (2019)
- BMW M135i (2020+)
- BMW 330i Touring (2019+)
Others I've thought about:
- Volvo XC40 T5
- VW Golf GTI (mk8 looks ok, previous gen has a bad interior)
- VW Golf R (ugly interior. probably worse than my 10yr old Scirocco)
I will probably keep it a long time (eg. 5-10yrs). Running costs are a concern. VW/Audi/Skoda are potentially cheaper for me to maintain.
Am I missing any obvious options? or are there reasons to choose/not choose any in my list?
I'll go leftfield first & there are two that stand out & they'll still have a fair balance of the Manufacturers Warranty left too:
Kia Stinger, if the 340i etc are in the mix then I'd seriously put one of these on the test drive list:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206086...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206166...
Next is the Giulia in either Veloce Ti:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208269...
Or Veloce spec & you'll still have 2/3/4 years warranty too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208259...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209159...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202232...
The sensible option is the Kia ProCeed
Kia ProCeed GT this will be closer to your brief mpg wise, it's more of a warm hatch but a good one & will be in warranty until 2028/2029:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209029...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209220...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209089...
Other alternates are these.
i30N these are a peach of a steer & your budget allows you to get the auto:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209230...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209089...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209179...
Megane RS300 a better alternative to the VAG options:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209099...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209209...
Another worthy pick is the Focus ST:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207207...
2.0T XE S 300:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204134...
If it has to be VAG the the Cupra Leon 245 in VZ2 spec is the standout for me:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208068...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208018...
Matt.. said:
C70R said:
The XC40 is a sensationally comfortable car for long drives. We've done two trips to Northern Scotland in one hit since we've had the car, and it was very cosseting. While it's obviously not an off-road car, the extra clearance was definitely appreciated.
Not sure you're going to massively improve on your economy though.
I do like the XC40, but it’s not fun, and I’m sub 40 (just!) with no family. I should have some fun! This is perhaps my main reason to exclude it from my main list. It’s perhaps a wildcard option. Not sure you're going to massively improve on your economy though.
I don’t really need an off-road car. Just one that isn’t ridiculously low so I can park it off-road and not worry. Also I need a car I can take down less than perfect roads.
I'd say that the Volvo is slightly more interesting (I chose it over German alternatives, and paid a premium), with a less powerful engine.
Stinger or the Alfa for me
Stinger only gets 28-34mpg and services every 6 thousand miles but is rocket ship fast and pretty bulletproof with a long warranty
Alfa in the right colour combo is a great looking car
Both cars looks a cut above anything else on your list and satisfy the fun brief.
What about a BMW X3 of some description? That would deal with the potentially awful roads you mention a bit better than the above. I don't think I'd want to own one for 5-10 years though.
If I was thinking my next car was going to last 5-10 years I'd be looking at hybrids/electric too
Stinger only gets 28-34mpg and services every 6 thousand miles but is rocket ship fast and pretty bulletproof with a long warranty
Alfa in the right colour combo is a great looking car
Both cars looks a cut above anything else on your list and satisfy the fun brief.
What about a BMW X3 of some description? That would deal with the potentially awful roads you mention a bit better than the above. I don't think I'd want to own one for 5-10 years though.
If I was thinking my next car was going to last 5-10 years I'd be looking at hybrids/electric too
I use an M4 convertible for much the same type of mileage. Very comfortable, you can drop the roof on sunny days on nice roads whether it's warm or cold weather as the heating is so good and it generally does 32ish MPG. Equally an M4 coupe would be good if a drop top isn't your thing. I'd say it'll be more interesting than some of the other stuff you list and won't cost much more. Mines a 2016, no issues with it so far. I wouldn't worry about a few MPG, depreciation will be a bigger variable over time.
I do a lot of long(ish) driving around the north of England to remote spots for hiking/fell races and I have to say I wouldn't consider any of the cars you've shortlisted barring maybe the XC40. Decent ground clearance comes in handy so often, and tbh though I understand why you might not want diesel it does seem like it would make sense here. With something like an X3 30d you'd get your decent mpg plus a very respectable turn of pace from the 260hp/460ft-lb. Volvo V60CC (available with petrol) might be worth a look too, but as ZX said above I think you'd be disappointed with the fuel consumption.
Edit: like this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209139...
Edit: like this: https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209139...
Thanks for all the input, it gives me more ideas to explore.
The Alfa concerns me for reliability. They do look good though, but reliability is a real concern and there do seem to be a lot of reports of issues.
Diesel for me is an immediate no. For me I just see it as a bad time to buy a diesel car, especially for a car I will likely keep for 5-10yrs.
MPG I'm not hugely concerned by, but it being higher than my Scirocco would be a welcome change, though it's definitely not a major requirement.
Electric cars for me are just too expensive right now. They don't fit my budget (as far as I can see), and I have no off-road parking (though that's not really a deal breaker). Hybrid I'm not knowledgable enough to know whether it really fits my use but I do wonder whether they're just more expensive to maintain?
The Alfa concerns me for reliability. They do look good though, but reliability is a real concern and there do seem to be a lot of reports of issues.
Diesel for me is an immediate no. For me I just see it as a bad time to buy a diesel car, especially for a car I will likely keep for 5-10yrs.
MPG I'm not hugely concerned by, but it being higher than my Scirocco would be a welcome change, though it's definitely not a major requirement.
Electric cars for me are just too expensive right now. They don't fit my budget (as far as I can see), and I have no off-road parking (though that's not really a deal breaker). Hybrid I'm not knowledgable enough to know whether it really fits my use but I do wonder whether they're just more expensive to maintain?
I wouldn’t be looking to ditch the Scirocco GT unless it’s got any serious issues? I take it you have the 2.0TSI? I had one of these and it was a great car especially with the dynamic chassis control. I do photography trips on the kind of roads you mention and it was fine especially in Comfort mode and could easily average over 35mpg over a full tank and mixed driving, the car would be doing over 45 on a motorway run according to the trip computer. The only downside of it was slightly limited space but for a fairly rare car it’s worth putting up with that. Really wish I’d kept mine
LightningBlue said:
I wouldn’t be looking to ditch the Scirocco GT unless it’s got any serious issues? I take it you have the 2.0TSI? I had one of these and it was a great car especially with the dynamic chassis control. I do photography trips on the kind of roads you mention and it was fine especially in Comfort mode and could easily average over 35mpg over a full tank and mixed driving, the car would be doing over 45 on a motorway run according to the trip computer. The only downside of it was slightly limited space but for a fairly rare car it’s worth putting up with that. Really wish I’d kept mine
I like it. It is small for someone my height though. It has been a really good car and is cheap to run.It had some issues last year with the engine eating itself and needing lots of work (VW offered me £250 for the car...). It's fine now though (theoretically).
It's also on 100k and I do worry about it now as I do drive lots of miles to places without phone signal and breaking down would be less than ideal.
How about a Cupra Ateca? 300PS, DSG, All Wheel Drive,with more ground clearance than a typical hatchback. I've had a 2022 Facelift model for a few months now and i've been impressed with it. Great on long journeys and entertaining on a good road. Some of the early examples from around 2019/2020 can be had for less than £30,000. Being a Crossover it has the benefit of a raised ride height and taller seating position, even if it's slightly compromised compared to the Golf R it's based on. Bit of a left field choice too, hardly see them out and about
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208058...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207087...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209229...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208058...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202207087...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209229...
Matt.. said:
Thanks for all the input, it gives me more ideas to explore.
The Alfa concerns me for reliability. They do look good though, but reliability is a real concern and there do seem to be a lot of reports of issues.
Diesel for me is an immediate no. For me I just see it as a bad time to buy a diesel car, especially for a car I will likely keep for 5-10yrs.
MPG I'm not hugely concerned by, but it being higher than my Scirocco would be a welcome change, though it's definitely not a major requirement.
Electric cars for me are just too expensive right now. They don't fit my budget (as far as I can see), and I have no off-road parking (though that's not really a deal breaker). Hybrid I'm not knowledgable enough to know whether it really fits my use but I do wonder whether they're just more expensive to maintain?
They're actually a reliable car & as I said the cars I linked to had 2-3 years of the Manufacturer's warranty left for added peace of mind.The Alfa concerns me for reliability. They do look good though, but reliability is a real concern and there do seem to be a lot of reports of issues.
Diesel for me is an immediate no. For me I just see it as a bad time to buy a diesel car, especially for a car I will likely keep for 5-10yrs.
MPG I'm not hugely concerned by, but it being higher than my Scirocco would be a welcome change, though it's definitely not a major requirement.
Electric cars for me are just too expensive right now. They don't fit my budget (as far as I can see), and I have no off-road parking (though that's not really a deal breaker). Hybrid I'm not knowledgable enough to know whether it really fits my use but I do wonder whether they're just more expensive to maintain?
Leftfield
Infiniti Q50 S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206267...
How about a VW Transport Kombi/ Caravelle tsi?
They tick all of your boxes and for weekendy outdoorsy outings they can't be beaten and offer a lot more than just a normal saloon/ estate. They can be used as a mobile beach hut/ forest cabin coffee stop with room to sleep if you fancy it.
Wants:
- Auto - most are DSG
- Car Play - a quick head unit upgrade if its not fitted as standard
- 200bhp+ ideally 250bhp+ - they have a Golf GTI engine so remap to 300bhp (in a van...)
- Not diesel - buy the tsi
- Reliable - it's a van and they have a massive aftermarket following so if something breaks its fixable/ easy to upgrade
- 2019+ - no worries
- Ideally better MPG than my Scirocco (this is really not hard. I probably average low to mid 30s) - will probably do 30ish mpg maybe
- Sub 25,000 miles
You might struggle at the moment for a Caravelle around the 30k mark but next year when everyone's selling up to be able to pay their mortgages/ bills you will get a bargain
Probably.....
They tick all of your boxes and for weekendy outdoorsy outings they can't be beaten and offer a lot more than just a normal saloon/ estate. They can be used as a mobile beach hut/ forest cabin coffee stop with room to sleep if you fancy it.
Wants:
- Auto - most are DSG
- Car Play - a quick head unit upgrade if its not fitted as standard
- 200bhp+ ideally 250bhp+ - they have a Golf GTI engine so remap to 300bhp (in a van...)
- Not diesel - buy the tsi
- Reliable - it's a van and they have a massive aftermarket following so if something breaks its fixable/ easy to upgrade
- 2019+ - no worries
- Ideally better MPG than my Scirocco (this is really not hard. I probably average low to mid 30s) - will probably do 30ish mpg maybe
- Sub 25,000 miles
You might struggle at the moment for a Caravelle around the 30k mark but next year when everyone's selling up to be able to pay their mortgages/ bills you will get a bargain
Probably.....
I'm not totally against a Transporter, but surely it will get expensive quickly for fuel on weekly long trips?
Petrol Transporters are also very rare, and I really wouldn't want a diesel one. Most seem to be a max of 150bhp as well.
It also wouldn't surprise me if more come up for sale next year when mortgages get expensive, but that's perhaps wishful thinking!
Petrol Transporters are also very rare, and I really wouldn't want a diesel one. Most seem to be a max of 150bhp as well.
It also wouldn't surprise me if more come up for sale next year when mortgages get expensive, but that's perhaps wishful thinking!
GLC 43AMG....?
360hp, High clearanace, lovely interior, bags of space and 0-60 in 4.9s.
£32k will get you 5 year old with 50k on the clock.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206186...
Apologies - only just seen target <25k miles....
360hp, High clearanace, lovely interior, bags of space and 0-60 in 4.9s.
£32k will get you 5 year old with 50k on the clock.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206186...
Apologies - only just seen target <25k miles....
Alfa Romeo Stelvio
2.0T Milano Edizione Auto Q4 AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209069...
Jaguar XF
2.0i Chequered Flag Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208239...
2.0T Milano Edizione Auto Q4 AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209069...
Jaguar XF
2.0i Chequered Flag Auto AWD Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208239...
Matt.. said:
Thanks for all the input, it gives me more ideas to explore.
The Alfa concerns me for reliability. They do look good though, but reliability is a real concern and there do seem to be a lot of reports of issues.
Diesel for me is an immediate no. For me I just see it as a bad time to buy a diesel car, especially for a car I will likely keep for 5-10yrs.
MPG I'm not hugely concerned by, but it being higher than my Scirocco would be a welcome change, though it's definitely not a major requirement.
Electric cars for me are just too expensive right now. They don't fit my budget (as far as I can see), and I have no off-road parking (though that's not really a deal breaker). Hybrid I'm not knowledgable enough to know whether it really fits my use but I do wonder whether they're just more expensive to maintain?
Alfas are no less reliable than any other make, the alfa ownership forums seem to rate them highly. My vote would be for the Alfa Stelvio.The Alfa concerns me for reliability. They do look good though, but reliability is a real concern and there do seem to be a lot of reports of issues.
Diesel for me is an immediate no. For me I just see it as a bad time to buy a diesel car, especially for a car I will likely keep for 5-10yrs.
MPG I'm not hugely concerned by, but it being higher than my Scirocco would be a welcome change, though it's definitely not a major requirement.
Electric cars for me are just too expensive right now. They don't fit my budget (as far as I can see), and I have no off-road parking (though that's not really a deal breaker). Hybrid I'm not knowledgable enough to know whether it really fits my use but I do wonder whether they're just more expensive to maintain?
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