Last chance to change my mind about a new car.

[raf_gti]

So, I've ordered a new car and expect to pick it up in November when I return to the UK, unfortunately tho I'm having a little change of heart.

Before I do something daft like cancel the order I'd like to see what else I can get for the money and satisfy all my requirments.

First and foremost I need a car which is enjoyable to drive and preferably has a bit of character. Very sensible running costs are also a must so no cars which have 18" wheels as standard and £250 per corner tyres!

I need to be able to fit a road bike into in relatively easy which will rule out MX-5 et al.

I also don't consider a high mileage BWM etc to be good value, especially when I'll be putting 15k PA on to the car over the next 3 years.

Happy to consider any make/model/size so be as creative as you can

[Bungleaio]

What have you ordered and how much are you looking to spend?

[PeteG]

Mk2 Octavia vRS? Corking engine, big enough to live in, handle well...

[Papa Hotel]

Don't change your mind you pussy, you have made an excellent choice!

[FRA53R]

I love second hand cars, but I must admit that's a good choice you've made. I seriously doubt you'll regret it

[raf_gti]

Bungleaio said:

What have you ordered and how much are you looking to spend?

I'll leave out what I've ordered so as not to compromise the suggestions!

Budget is £9k, a rather significant piece of info of which I forgot to mention

[raf_gti]

Papa Hotel said:

Don't change your mind you pussy, you have made an excellent choice!

I know!

I'm just not sure how long I'll be happy with it for.

[Papa Hotel]

raf_gti said:

Papa Hotel said:

Don't change your mind you pussy, you have made an excellent choice!

I know!

I'm just not sure how long I'll be happy with it for.

I'll be honest, it'll keep a smile on your face for a good while, you'll never tire of the chassis... 50 more horses would be great but the car is so light (by modern standards) and the gearbox and engine are so sweet together that it doesn't really need extra grunt.

[Papa Hotel]

Oh, I'll say this too, two of my most memorable and favourite times behind the wheel have been in that car, one the exact model and the other a boggo hire example that still thrilled!

[raf_gti]

Papa Hotel said:

raf_gti said:

Papa Hotel said:

Don't change your mind you pussy, you have made an excellent choice!

I know!

I'm just not sure how long I'll be happy with it for.

I'll be honest, it'll keep a smile on your face for a good while, you'll never tire of the chassis... 50 more horses would be great but the car is so light (by modern standards) and the gearbox and engine are so sweet together that it doesn't really need extra grunt.

A lot of my problem is that what I want and what I can get are somewhat different. I'd love a Mk3 MX-5 (I can't fit in the Mk2) but the decent spec ones aren't quite in budget. I'd also like something with 250bhp but I know the running costs will be too much.

Maybe I should check that lottery ticket I bough in Coventry a couple of weeks ago..