New Daily - Fun, Practical, Partner proof...

[tom-26]

Hi,

In the next coming months i will be looking to replace my current daily (Mk1 TT 225) for something more family friendly.

Budget is around 4K and must be cable of the below -

Reliable (NA??)
Suitable for 6 mile daily commute (constant short distances good for a turbo engine?)
Manual
Easy to drive (partner proof)
Rear seats (childrens)

And very importantly fun for early morning b roads for driving trips.

Any input would be great as i've be unable to decide for months......

Cars i have considered are Golf Mk5 GTI,FN2 Type R,Clio 197/200,Seat Leon Cupra....

[Canon_Fodder]

They all seem to fit the bill OP

The real trick at that price is being able to find/spot a decent one in amongst all the one-wheel-in-the-grave thrashed and threadbare rubbish.

Are you handy with the spanners?

[tom-26]

Canon_Fodder said:

They all seem to fit the bill OP

The real trick at that price is being able to find/spot a decent one in amongst all the one-wheel-in-the-grave thrashed and threadbare rubbish.

Are you handy with the spanners?

I work at a VAG main dealer which swayed the MK5 Gti idea but with the FN2 being the last N/A Type R and "mega reliability".....

Also handy ish with the spanners but with small children the time isnt really there so something which will only need servicing etc...

[RichFN2]

Had my FN2 nearly 9 years now, been very reliable but it's approaching 15 years old and the suspension is starting to fail. It basically needs a complete refresh but that probably applies to all the cars on your list.

It's easy to drive but the turning circle is awful, and the whole drivechain is very notchy when cold but a delight once warmed up.

Seats fold flat so it's like a van. If I had the room I would probably never sell it however something turbocharged and more comfortable is tempting

[ZX10R NIN]

If you can live with a warm rather than hot hatch, you'll get something more modern that's still a good drive & partner proof.

Astra GTC SRI 180:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306299...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306309...

Focus Titanium X 180:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306218...

Hot hatch wise it would be the Focus ST-3:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306258...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305107...

[georgeyboy12345]

tom-26 said:

Hi,

In the next coming months i will be looking to replace my current daily (Mk1 TT 225) for something more family friendly.

Budget is around 4K and must be cable of the below -

Reliable (NA??)
Suitable for 6 mile daily commute (constant short distances good for a turbo engine?)
Manual
Easy to drive (partner proof)
Rear seats (childrens)

And very importantly fun for early morning b roads for driving trips.

Any input would be great as i've be unable to decide for months......

Cars i have considered are Golf Mk5 GTI,FN2 Type R,Clio 197/200,Seat Leon Cupra....

All your ideas are great ones. Out of all those you listed I think I'd pick the Civic Type R as it'll be the most reliable.

I'd also consider an Alfa Romeo Giulietta TBi if you want something slightly left field. They are reliable as long as they have their oil changed on time - this one has FSH and appears to have been well looked after. They are also practical, easy to drive slowly, fun to drive quickly with their fast steering and reasonably pratical. Power is listed as 235 bhp, but most dyno around 260 bhp stock and will also remap to 295 bhp for around £400.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306038...

[Ankh87]

Rule out the Clio as it won't be big enough for the crap you will bring with you during young children time.

Otherwise your list if good.

I'd add:

Toyota Corolla T Sport / Celica T Sport/GT
Octavia VRS
Focus ST

[tom-26]

Thanks for all the advice so far the Alfa is one i hadn't thought of!

Another option i have been looking at but can only find high mileage ones for the budget is a BMW 130i.

Do any members have experience with higher miles ones?