Finally able to buy a decent car, but choosing 1 is STRESS!
Discussion
I’m about to hit 25, and have made lots of progress within my career the last 2 years - so I finally have the insurability and salary to buy a decent car (something I’ve been dreaming about for the last 8 years since I first started driving in 2017) - however, I now found myself with a severe case of analysis paralysis.
I am genuinely just tired of scrolling auto-trader, watching youtube reviews, and reading forum posts - ALL DAY.
I did actually already ‘buy’ (finance) a car last year already - a pretty good spec 2016 TTS - but i knew it was a temporary purchase. At the time, I really needed a car but couldn’t get insured on the kinds of cars I was looking at. Luckily, I foresaw this situation coming and I overpaid my monthly finance so that I’m not in any negative equity and can pretty much just hand it back/sell it on and start afresh.
Honestly, the TTS is lovely and despite not being perfect, there are 2 aspects which I have now realised are the major issues preventing further ownership - the 6 speed gearbox which leaves me cruising at 2.9k rpm at 70mph, and the lack of useable rear seats (literally don’t even fit my hobbit 5”2 mother).
But other than that, it’s disappointing in other areas. B&O speakers distorting with high bass (even at 50% volume) and all sorts of interior rattles that make the car not feel as premium as its looks suggest. Then there are just preferences that I have discovered whilst owning it: the fact that I would prefer a softer, more compliant, and slightly more ‘insulated’/quieter ride.
However, I’m now used to the speed, agility, and insane traction of this little rocket - and I’m scared that anything else will feel too heavy, slow, sluggish or frustrating to drive in comparison. Essentially, it’s a brilliant car when driving at 9/10ths and above - but is unimpressive below that - however I live in Birmingham and there’s rarely suitable road conditions that actually allow me to drive it at 9/10ths anyway - and that is equally as frustrating (no matter what car i’m going to be in)!
In the end, I’ve realised that I will be unhappy no matter what I drive. In fact, even thinking about the flaws of the TT, they’re not even deal breakers in and of themselves - it’s the fact that i’m paying £22k over 5 years to have the privilege of living with these flaws!! If the car was cheaper, I could maybe overlook it - but since it isn’t cheap, the issues are all hard to overlook!
Then there’s the fact that I can’t stick to a budget. I tell myself, “Why not just save some money and choose whatever’s most affordable and ‘good enough’?”, and then what do I do? “Oh, a few years newer and the car got a facelift with nicer headlights”, “Oh, £1k more and you can get a better spec”, “Oh, it’s only £2k more for this car and it’s a newer platform with a better engine” etc. and I go from looking at £8k cars to something that is on the absolute limit of what i’m willing to spend at £22k.
In the end, I’m just really struggling to choose my compromise. No car is perfect, but I also want a car that I’m proud and enthusiastic to own. Something that I love and will want to keep for the next 10 years and won’t cost me a fortune to live with.
Some things i am just being extremely petty with too. Apple Carplay isn’t good enough for me now unless it has touchscreen usability - but then I still need a rotary dial/physical control too.
Also, before anyone suggests it, I don’t want 2 cars either. I just want 1 solid car that ‘does it all’. Perhaps this is the entire basis of my frustration and I’m just an idiot.
I’ve been looking at the pre and post LCI F32 440i, 435d, 430d, and 435i. The B8.5 and B9 S5. And then my search gets derailed by a 8V.5 S3, an M140i/M135i or M240i/M235i. To then get further derailed by s
t like an MX5 (NC or ND) - or even fking Fiestas!!
I just don’t know where hell my head is at. I’m a greedy and ungrateful guy who loves cars but struggles to love any particular one.
A TTS is too stiff and crashy, a 440i is too heavy and soft, a Quattro or Xdrive is too stable/not playful enough, but anything RWD will have problems with traction and be frustrating in British weather etc. these are all dumb stuff I tell myself whilst looking at cars that just continue to fuel my persistent indecision!!
Honestly don’t know what to do. I have constant car envy and never appreciate what I have.
I am genuinely just tired of scrolling auto-trader, watching youtube reviews, and reading forum posts - ALL DAY.
I did actually already ‘buy’ (finance) a car last year already - a pretty good spec 2016 TTS - but i knew it was a temporary purchase. At the time, I really needed a car but couldn’t get insured on the kinds of cars I was looking at. Luckily, I foresaw this situation coming and I overpaid my monthly finance so that I’m not in any negative equity and can pretty much just hand it back/sell it on and start afresh.
Honestly, the TTS is lovely and despite not being perfect, there are 2 aspects which I have now realised are the major issues preventing further ownership - the 6 speed gearbox which leaves me cruising at 2.9k rpm at 70mph, and the lack of useable rear seats (literally don’t even fit my hobbit 5”2 mother).
But other than that, it’s disappointing in other areas. B&O speakers distorting with high bass (even at 50% volume) and all sorts of interior rattles that make the car not feel as premium as its looks suggest. Then there are just preferences that I have discovered whilst owning it: the fact that I would prefer a softer, more compliant, and slightly more ‘insulated’/quieter ride.
However, I’m now used to the speed, agility, and insane traction of this little rocket - and I’m scared that anything else will feel too heavy, slow, sluggish or frustrating to drive in comparison. Essentially, it’s a brilliant car when driving at 9/10ths and above - but is unimpressive below that - however I live in Birmingham and there’s rarely suitable road conditions that actually allow me to drive it at 9/10ths anyway - and that is equally as frustrating (no matter what car i’m going to be in)!
In the end, I’ve realised that I will be unhappy no matter what I drive. In fact, even thinking about the flaws of the TT, they’re not even deal breakers in and of themselves - it’s the fact that i’m paying £22k over 5 years to have the privilege of living with these flaws!! If the car was cheaper, I could maybe overlook it - but since it isn’t cheap, the issues are all hard to overlook!
Then there’s the fact that I can’t stick to a budget. I tell myself, “Why not just save some money and choose whatever’s most affordable and ‘good enough’?”, and then what do I do? “Oh, a few years newer and the car got a facelift with nicer headlights”, “Oh, £1k more and you can get a better spec”, “Oh, it’s only £2k more for this car and it’s a newer platform with a better engine” etc. and I go from looking at £8k cars to something that is on the absolute limit of what i’m willing to spend at £22k.
In the end, I’m just really struggling to choose my compromise. No car is perfect, but I also want a car that I’m proud and enthusiastic to own. Something that I love and will want to keep for the next 10 years and won’t cost me a fortune to live with.
Some things i am just being extremely petty with too. Apple Carplay isn’t good enough for me now unless it has touchscreen usability - but then I still need a rotary dial/physical control too.
Also, before anyone suggests it, I don’t want 2 cars either. I just want 1 solid car that ‘does it all’. Perhaps this is the entire basis of my frustration and I’m just an idiot.
I’ve been looking at the pre and post LCI F32 440i, 435d, 430d, and 435i. The B8.5 and B9 S5. And then my search gets derailed by a 8V.5 S3, an M140i/M135i or M240i/M235i. To then get further derailed by s
t like an MX5 (NC or ND) - or even fking Fiestas!! I just don’t know where hell my head is at. I’m a greedy and ungrateful guy who loves cars but struggles to love any particular one.
A TTS is too stiff and crashy, a 440i is too heavy and soft, a Quattro or Xdrive is too stable/not playful enough, but anything RWD will have problems with traction and be frustrating in British weather etc. these are all dumb stuff I tell myself whilst looking at cars that just continue to fuel my persistent indecision!!
Honestly don’t know what to do. I have constant car envy and never appreciate what I have.
Can’t help you here as it seems you don’t even know what type of car you want next. Every car is compromised in its own way so you need to decide what is you want to prioritise on. Also your tastes/need might change in the next 10 years so don’t worry about finding that perfect car. Mostly I would say enjoy this process, it’s half the fun 
Traction really isn't an issue if what you're buying has an LSD & good tyres, unless you have an absolute lead foot you really won't have an issue.
So I'd be looking at full fat M2/3's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
M3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501218...
M4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501117...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410285...
So I'd be looking at full fat M2/3's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
M3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501218...
M4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501117...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410285...
Sounds more like you need a hobby than a new car.
FWIW, I'd probably be going for a rwd 2 series based on what you've said. But you probably need to go and drive some of these cars because trying to buy one based on stats, reviews and logic isn't going to get you something you'll enjoy enough to be worth the money. If you basically like a car, the compromises become trivial quirks, if you don't, they become constant irritations.
FWIW, I'd probably be going for a rwd 2 series based on what you've said. But you probably need to go and drive some of these cars because trying to buy one based on stats, reviews and logic isn't going to get you something you'll enjoy enough to be worth the money. If you basically like a car, the compromises become trivial quirks, if you don't, they become constant irritations.
If i were to try to condense it down in as simple terms as possible, it would be this:
A well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
A well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
ZX10R NIN said:
Traction really isn't an issue if what you're buying has an LSD & good tyres, unless you have an absolute lead foot you really won't have an issue.
So I'd be looking at full fat M2/3's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
M3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501218...
M4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501117...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410285...
Im pretty sure an M2 or M3 would be too stiff and focused for what i’m looking for. Im sure they do fine over smooth surfaces but in the real world where we have speed bumps, pot holes, and imperfections in the road - i can’t imagine them being too pleasant. So I'd be looking at full fat M2/3's:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
M3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501218...
M4:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501117...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202501268...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202410285...
FakeCarGuy said:
If i were to try to condense it down in as simple terms as possible, it would be this:
A well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
You just described the M240/440 lolA well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
I’m loving the b58 right now - Also consider going for the full fat m cars. Lots of threads to read up on for that choice
FakeCarGuy said:
If i were to try to condense it down in as simple terms as possible, it would be this:
A well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
Golf gti or r then a separate toy. That's what I did, one car probably will struggle to do it all. Sorry I know you said no to that. You have written a lot of words can you distill it into must have, nice to have, compromise and don't want. I'm confused what you want and I think you are a bit too!A well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
Edited by White-Noise on Saturday 8th February 16:25
Go try a few, yes, big wheels and thin tyres provide good grip but may damage your spine and teeth if the roads around you are full of potholes or road humps.
But you fail to mention ergonomics. Sit in a few and if possible get a decent drive out. Bought a car around 10 years ago, looked nice, went well, but the seats which were super comfortable over a 15 min drive were absolute back killers after 30 mins.
Personally I have a thing about seat, steering wheel and pedals all lining up so you're not sitting twisted. E30 325 Estate no chance, Boxster you need one arm longer than the other etc.
But you fail to mention ergonomics. Sit in a few and if possible get a decent drive out. Bought a car around 10 years ago, looked nice, went well, but the seats which were super comfortable over a 15 min drive were absolute back killers after 30 mins.
Personally I have a thing about seat, steering wheel and pedals all lining up so you're not sitting twisted. E30 325 Estate no chance, Boxster you need one arm longer than the other etc.
The obvious choice would be the Audi S3, same engine, chassis etc as the TTS but in a more practical hatchback. You also have the option of a saloon shape S3 which might be better suited for your needs.
Get the 7 speed DSG, my Cupra sits around 1800rpm at 70mph.
If you can get passed the looks then the FK8 Type R ticks all your boxes, with incredible handling.
Get the 7 speed DSG, my Cupra sits around 1800rpm at 70mph.
If you can get passed the looks then the FK8 Type R ticks all your boxes, with incredible handling.
FakeCarGuy said:
Im pretty sure an M2 or M3 would be too stiff and focused for what i’m looking for. Im sure they do fine over smooth surfaces but in the real world where we have speed bumps, pot holes, and imperfections in the road - i can’t imagine them being too pleasant.
Try one the M3/4 does have adaptive suspension & having driven a fair few they really work well wet or dry.I'd say test drive one as you may well be surprised.
Half the fun is searching for the next car.
Quite often there's an anti-climax when you've actually got it and that doesn't change just because the car is a lot more expensive.
You really need to nail down what's actually important and how much you're willing to spend per year factoring in depreciation/residuals.
Quite often there's an anti-climax when you've actually got it and that doesn't change just because the car is a lot more expensive.
You really need to nail down what's actually important and how much you're willing to spend per year factoring in depreciation/residuals.
Belle427 said:
A decent FWD hot hatch maybe but these wont overcome the traction issues really, some say a Golf GTi is a lot more fun than a Golf R for instance.
A cheap MX5 will give you more fun than most stuff, you just have to change your thinking really and enjoy the car for what it is.
I have the Leon Cupra which comes with the VAQ diff, a GTI with a performance pack will also have one. They really do help with putting the power down even in the wet (it's not an issue in the dry)A cheap MX5 will give you more fun than most stuff, you just have to change your thinking really and enjoy the car for what it is.
Essentially it will shuffle power and torque to whichever wheel has more traction, and on cornering send more power to the outside wheel.
The reason people claim they are more fun is mainly due to the 100kg saving compared to the 4WD variant, and the fact you can will need to control throttle input in certain situations.
FakeCarGuy said:
If i were to try to condense it down in as simple terms as possible, it would be this:
A well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
I've had quite a few cars, and my last one an M4 (2016) feels closest to your brief. Not sure how this would be insurance wise for you though. I found it to be an excellent all rounder, I used it to commute, for trips on holiday, for sunday cross country blasts with friends. It cost me nothing but services and tryes over 30k miles. A well-engineered and put together car that is comfortable and refined for daily use. Quiet in terms of road and wind noise, but still has a good exhaust note. Something that makes effortless progress and is well-composed when chucked about. Something that is equally satisfying to drive when cruising along in traffic and when pushing it down some B roads. But as much as I want it to perform and drive with finesse, I equally value it to be sensible and not too unkind to my wallet. Something that makes sense and is willing to inspire calmness most of the time, but still ready to go and surprise me with its capabilities at a moment’s notice.
Am i living in lala land? Cause it sounds like I want my cake and to eat it too Lol
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