Best car for 25k
Author
Discussion

stedaley

Original Poster:

659 posts

146 months

Friday 12th December 2025
quotequote all
Having just sold a few cars I now have someone looking for a 25k car to enjoy.

Would be used often, but not everyday.

25mpg+ average

Any engine size

Any size car

Live rurally so something to enjoy the b roads / road trips to Europe.

Any age,

Have had large powerful barge cars and 3.5L v6 estates most recently so after something more sporty.

Could fit at least 1 dog in the boot/rear seats.

They have a Tesla that’s used for daily duties.

Preferably not BMW - Lexus V8 have been mentioned and GR Yaris. Any other options?

Thanks

Pistom

6,139 posts

181 months

Friday 12th December 2025
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Dacia Duster ticks most of that.

Jamescrs

5,786 posts

87 months

Friday 12th December 2025
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Renault Megane RS
Hyundai i30N
Mini Cooper S JCW.
Peugeot 208 GTI

Stuart70

4,112 posts

205 months

Friday 12th December 2025
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Ford Focus ST with track pack

loskie

6,670 posts

142 months

Friday 12th December 2025
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JDM Subaru Forester

WhiskyDisco

1,195 posts

96 months

Friday 12th December 2025
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Porsche Panamera - Hybrid
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202512098...

Or the full blown 4.4 V8 GTS and save £2k for fuel
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511057...

HazzaT

622 posts

67 months

Friday 12th December 2025
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What about a C43? I think this small sports saloon segment is a bit of a sweet spot, nicer than a hot hatch but not so big they feel like a boat and very strong performance. From what I've heard the C43 is a good bit sharper than the 340i and S4 as well.

I'd also suggest a Jag XE S for sub 20k, but mine has had head gaskets fail after 6 weeks of ownership (fortunately the dealer paid!). Lovely car to drive and I'm keeping it but I probably couldn't recommend one in good faith after going through that. Only just got it back, took nearly 2 months!

GR_TVR

781 posts

106 months

Friday 12th December 2025
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Was going to say M2 until the penultimate line of your post.

Erm, maybe a Civic Type R, Mini JCW or Megane Renaultsport RS Trophy.

stedaley

Original Poster:

659 posts

146 months

Sunday 14th December 2025
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M2 is the only one I’d consider. Just as it’s a special car!

stedaley

Original Poster:

659 posts

146 months

Sunday 14th December 2025
quotequote all
Pistom said:
Dacia Duster ticks most of that.
We have a Land Cruiser that does all the duties. More after something fun to drive, rather than having to sail like the LC

stedaley

Original Poster:

659 posts

146 months

Sunday 14th December 2025
quotequote all
HazzaT said:
What about a C43? I think this small sports saloon segment is a bit of a sweet spot, nicer than a hot hatch but not so big they feel like a boat and very strong performance. From what I've heard the C43 is a good bit sharper than the 340i and S4 as well.

I'd also suggest a Jag XE S for sub 20k, but mine has had head gaskets fail after 6 weeks of ownership (fortunately the dealer paid!). Lovely car to drive and I'm keeping it but I probably couldn't recommend one in good faith after going through that. Only just got it back, took nearly 2 months!
A few I’ve spoken to mentioned the xfr and things like that just put me off any jlr products.

I hadn’t thought of the c43, a few slk 55 amgs had just gone through some auctions I was following! Let me investigate

fflump

2,906 posts

60 months

Sunday 14th December 2025
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I think you really need to declare your attitude to age and running costs. Ideal could be a Focus ST or a DB9