Another £5k Commuting Query
Discussion
Long time lurker, first time poster. Thanks for looking!
Due to ULEZ, I need to replace my 2010 1 Series 120d. Commute is about 8 miles each way and ideally I'd get something that has similar economy/insurance/acceleration as the 1 Series. Our mortgage is up for renewal in April, so dreading the increase and having to be a bit more frugal with replacing the 1 Series.
The 1 Series isn't the most exhilarating car out there but is enjoyable to drive and has enough poke for my sensibilities. Other than committing, the replacement will be used for taking the kids to sporting fixtures (maximum 30 miles away). We have a Kia Sorrento which my OH uses for work and when we want to get away, so this car doesn't need to be large. Eldest is about to learn to drive, so might be useful to have something that they could practice in - this is not essential.
Got £5,000 to spend and was thinking of a Mini (possibly a convertible), a Citroen DS3, a Scirocco or an MX-5. The MX-5 would obviously restrict how the car would be used, being a 2 seater. Thinking some Sciroccos may well have been ragged and need to check owners/fsh. As for Minis and DS3s, not really sure what model would be best.
The place I bought my 1 Series from (South Croydon Motor Centre), years back, have a Mini up for sale but think it looks a bit over-priced, probably adding on a ULEZ surplus? Can't post a link as I've only just signed up to the forum but it's on their website and Autotrader. MINI Hatch 1.6 Cooper Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr, 2013(62), 74k miles.
Happily consider any other options that folks might suggest. Going back to work on Friday, so ideally need to sort in the next few days. Why the sudden rush? Well, in my infinite wisdom I'd already decided I'd cycle to work for a few months. My OH was very much against this, reminding me that the last time I did that an Audi A3 driver decided to collapse the rear wheel of my bike, before heading off into the sunset.
Thanks in advance for any help and I'm sure a lot of what I'm considering is fairly illogical so happy to be corrected.
Due to ULEZ, I need to replace my 2010 1 Series 120d. Commute is about 8 miles each way and ideally I'd get something that has similar economy/insurance/acceleration as the 1 Series. Our mortgage is up for renewal in April, so dreading the increase and having to be a bit more frugal with replacing the 1 Series.
The 1 Series isn't the most exhilarating car out there but is enjoyable to drive and has enough poke for my sensibilities. Other than committing, the replacement will be used for taking the kids to sporting fixtures (maximum 30 miles away). We have a Kia Sorrento which my OH uses for work and when we want to get away, so this car doesn't need to be large. Eldest is about to learn to drive, so might be useful to have something that they could practice in - this is not essential.
Got £5,000 to spend and was thinking of a Mini (possibly a convertible), a Citroen DS3, a Scirocco or an MX-5. The MX-5 would obviously restrict how the car would be used, being a 2 seater. Thinking some Sciroccos may well have been ragged and need to check owners/fsh. As for Minis and DS3s, not really sure what model would be best.
The place I bought my 1 Series from (South Croydon Motor Centre), years back, have a Mini up for sale but think it looks a bit over-priced, probably adding on a ULEZ surplus? Can't post a link as I've only just signed up to the forum but it's on their website and Autotrader. MINI Hatch 1.6 Cooper Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr, 2013(62), 74k miles.
Happily consider any other options that folks might suggest. Going back to work on Friday, so ideally need to sort in the next few days. Why the sudden rush? Well, in my infinite wisdom I'd already decided I'd cycle to work for a few months. My OH was very much against this, reminding me that the last time I did that an Audi A3 driver decided to collapse the rear wheel of my bike, before heading off into the sunset.
Thanks in advance for any help and I'm sure a lot of what I'm considering is fairly illogical so happy to be corrected.
Stopha said:
Long time lurker, first time poster. Thanks for looking!
Due to ULEZ, I need to replace my 2010 1 Series 120d. Commute is about 8 miles each way and ideally I'd get something that has similar economy/insurance/acceleration as the 1 Series. Our mortgage is up for renewal in April, so dreading the increase and having to be a bit more frugal with replacing the 1 Series.
The 1 Series isn't the most exhilarating car out there but is enjoyable to drive and has enough poke for my sensibilities. Other than committing, the replacement will be used for taking the kids to sporting fixtures (maximum 30 miles away). We have a Kia Sorrento which my OH uses for work and when we want to get away, so this car doesn't need to be large. Eldest is about to learn to drive, so might be useful to have something that they could practice in - this is not essential.
Got £5,000 to spend and was thinking of a Mini (possibly a convertible), a Citroen DS3, a Scirocco or an MX-5. The MX-5 would obviously restrict how the car would be used, being a 2 seater. Thinking some Sciroccos may well have been ragged and need to check owners/fsh. As for Minis and DS3s, not really sure what model would be best.
The place I bought my 1 Series from (South Croydon Motor Centre), years back, have a Mini up for sale but think it looks a bit over-priced, probably adding on a ULEZ surplus? Can't post a link as I've only just signed up to the forum but it's on their website and Autotrader. MINI Hatch 1.6 Cooper Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr, 2013(62), 74k miles.
Happily consider any other options that folks might suggest. Going back to work on Friday, so ideally need to sort in the next few days. Why the sudden rush? Well, in my infinite wisdom I'd already decided I'd cycle to work for a few months. My OH was very much against this, reminding me that the last time I did that an Audi A3 driver decided to collapse the rear wheel of my bike, before heading off into the sunset.
Thanks in advance for any help and I'm sure a lot of what I'm considering is fairly illogical so happy to be corrected.
I'd suggest taking a look at these options, they're not the hottest drives but they'll be on par or above your 120d in terms of performance.Due to ULEZ, I need to replace my 2010 1 Series 120d. Commute is about 8 miles each way and ideally I'd get something that has similar economy/insurance/acceleration as the 1 Series. Our mortgage is up for renewal in April, so dreading the increase and having to be a bit more frugal with replacing the 1 Series.
The 1 Series isn't the most exhilarating car out there but is enjoyable to drive and has enough poke for my sensibilities. Other than committing, the replacement will be used for taking the kids to sporting fixtures (maximum 30 miles away). We have a Kia Sorrento which my OH uses for work and when we want to get away, so this car doesn't need to be large. Eldest is about to learn to drive, so might be useful to have something that they could practice in - this is not essential.
Got £5,000 to spend and was thinking of a Mini (possibly a convertible), a Citroen DS3, a Scirocco or an MX-5. The MX-5 would obviously restrict how the car would be used, being a 2 seater. Thinking some Sciroccos may well have been ragged and need to check owners/fsh. As for Minis and DS3s, not really sure what model would be best.
The place I bought my 1 Series from (South Croydon Motor Centre), years back, have a Mini up for sale but think it looks a bit over-priced, probably adding on a ULEZ surplus? Can't post a link as I've only just signed up to the forum but it's on their website and Autotrader. MINI Hatch 1.6 Cooper Euro 5 (s/s) 3dr, 2013(62), 74k miles.
Happily consider any other options that folks might suggest. Going back to work on Friday, so ideally need to sort in the next few days. Why the sudden rush? Well, in my infinite wisdom I'd already decided I'd cycle to work for a few months. My OH was very much against this, reminding me that the last time I did that an Audi A3 driver decided to collapse the rear wheel of my bike, before heading off into the sunset.
Thanks in advance for any help and I'm sure a lot of what I'm considering is fairly illogical so happy to be corrected.
Vauxhall Astra GTC SRI 180, the 180's are a better steer to the regular 140 models:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202305057...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308291...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202306128...
Focus Titanium X 180:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308180...
Zetec S:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308231...
Alfa Giulietta Veloce 170:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307310...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308070...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308050...
Now if you don't mind paying a little more on insurance then the 208 GTI is a cracking option:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307219...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308190...
Not serious answer : I'd go for a something like a Lexus LS460. Purely to stick 2 fingers up to the ridiculous ULEZ rules.
Serious answer : Having had a look through Autotrader with the criteria required, the MX-5 sticks out as being the most interesting/fun option, if the lack of practicality isn't a problem.
Serious answer : Having had a look through Autotrader with the criteria required, the MX-5 sticks out as being the most interesting/fun option, if the lack of practicality isn't a problem.
ZX10R NIN said:
I'd suggest taking a look at these options, they're not the hottest drives but they'll be on par or above your 120d in terms of performance.
Thanks for all those options, having a good look through them now. My OH is trying to get me to plump for a Mini Convertible and I've found an interesting one on eBay - "Mini Cooper "S" Sidewalk Convertible - Very Low Miles - 72k - VGCondition" (Can't post the link as I'm too new) - only £3k and I figure I could then have money spare for any fixes in the future.Do you think the Citroen DS3 are worth looking at? Or a 2012 Scirocco?
@jackjarvis - Like the idea of the MX5 but my OH is saying a Mini Convertible would be more practical and I'm doing a poor job of convincing her otherwise..
The Astra GTC's I linked to above are a better car than the Scirocco, as for the Mini only you can decide if it works for you but personally I'd rather buy an Abarth than the Mini & it'll be more reliable too:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308261...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307139...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308261...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202307139...
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