Which car? - Upto £7k and 'interesting'

[MagicalTrevor]

Sorry, another what car.

I was previously considering something more expensive but have re-evaluated things and have lowered the budget... I'm not stuck for ideas.

• I'm after spending between £5k and £7k
• Should be at least mildly practical, as much as I'd like an Elise S1, it's not going to happen
• Good performance
• Not crippling fuel economy and really I'd like that to be >30mpg
• Don't mind which wheels drive it
• Must appeal to the Mrs
• Can be diesel or Petrol
• No more than 10 years old

Currently on the list:

• Audi A4 - Mrs' suggestion, I think our budget only means boring ones
• BMW E46 3 series - Mrs would insist on the Touring (which is fine) but I would probably want a 325/330 Sport
• Mondeo ST220 or ST TDCI - V6 good but pushing it with regards fuel economy. TDCI, maybe a little slow?
• Passat - Mrs' suggestion... boring
• Renault Clio 197 - Both like them but maybe a bit small, we like Clios (got a 172)
• Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
• Volvo V50 - maybe a bit boring unless a T5/D5

Any more suggestions?

[Chris71]

Do you need the estate version of the vRS? It's a pretty huge boot with folding seats in the rear, so if you can possibly live with a Clio 917, you should be well away with a vRS saloon.

Erm, on a related note, can you get a mk5 Golf GTi for that sort of money maybe?

[MagicalTrevor]

Chris71 said:

Do you need the estate version of the vRS? It's a pretty huge boot with folding seats in the rear, so if you can possibly live with a Clio 917, you should be well away with a vRS saloon.

Erm, on a related note, can you get a mk5 Golf GTi for that sort of money maybe?

That's not a bad shout, might be a bit too expensive but I'll take a look. That would pretty much tick all the boxes.

My Mrs doesn't like the look of the saloon Octavia ...

Edited by MagicalTrevor on Thursday 17th February 15:40

[mxspyder]

This....

[MagicalTrevor]

mxspyder said:

This....

It'll be a cold day in hell when my Mrs says yes to that! Thanks though

[alfa pint]

Alfa 159s must be creeping into that sort of money. Much much much improved reliablity over the 156 (head of engineering or something is ex BMW). 2.4l, 5 cyl diesel is a decent unit and doesn't even sound that diesely. Lovely interiors and sharp handling.

[FraserLFA]

I'd just replace the Mrs...

[robsco]

I'd echo Alfa Pint's suggestion resoundingly.

[300bhp/ton]

MagicalTrevor said:

Which car? - Upto £7k and 'interesting'

Somehow I just knew that when I clicked on this link I'd be faced with a list of rather mundane cars

MagicalTrevor said:

Currently on the list:

• Audi A4
• BMW E46 3 series
• Mondeo ST220 or ST TDCI -
• Passat
• Renault Clio 197
• Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
• Volvo V50

MagicalTrevor said:

Any more suggestions?

Depends what you really want.

If you just want something a little different, yet 100% ordinary, how about something like a smart Brabus ForFour.

It's pracitcal and good on fuel, yet fairly quick in standard trim (will see over 200hp with a remap) and has quite a striking individual flare abouts its styling and appearance.

It's also rather trendy, cool and rare too.


For far less money I'd also be tempted to look at a very tidy e36 328i. Fast and good on fuel with fun handling, while retaining 4 door practicality too. Horrid interior though.


Honda Accord Type R's might be worth a look too for a fast 4 door car.


However if you want really interesting, then there is a host, nay, a wealth of more extragavent options out there.

e.g. Lexus or Jag V8's with LPG kits. Lexus/Toyota Soarer for instance or XJ8's.

Chevy Camaro's or Ford Mustang's.

There are some rather interesting kit cars as this money too which should be usable daily.

There is of course the MX-5, although I think a Porsche 944 turbo would be more appealing for this money and more practical too.

[Chris71]

I feel your pain. My OH is a very timid driver and refuses to drive anything overtly sporting.

After taking that into account for my past couple of daily driver purchases I've now resolved to get something interesting next time round and relegate her to the passenger seat.

[MagicalTrevor]

The Crack Fox said:

robsco said:

I'd echo Alfa Pint's suggestion resoundingly.

+1. I suspect her definition of 'interesting' differs to many of us...

I like that suggestion, and I'll take a look

[RDRR]

Some of the SEAT FR models could fit the bill - either the Leon 2.0TFSi/TDi or if you want more space (and comfort!) an Altea FR 2.0TFSi/TDi - The 170 TDi is quite rapid and surprisingly good steer considering it's VW based chassis. It's alot more interesting than a VW too!

[Fox-]

RDRR said:

Some of the SEAT FR models could fit the bill - either the Leon 2.0TFSi/TDi or if you want more space (and comfort!) an Altea FR 2.0TFSi/TDi - The 170 TDi is quite rapid and surprisingly good steer considering it's VW based chassis. It's alot more interesting than a VW too!

The only 'interesting' thing about a diesel Seat is making a little calender to count off the days until you can hand it back to the hire firm.

Seriously, an Altea 2 litre diesel? Interesting? It's motoring tedium personified!!

[RDRR]

Fox- said:

RDRR said:

Some of the SEAT FR models could fit the bill - either the Leon 2.0TFSi/TDi or if you want more space (and comfort!) an Altea FR 2.0TFSi/TDi - The 170 TDi is quite rapid and surprisingly good steer considering it's VW based chassis. It's alot more interesting than a VW too!

The only 'interesting' thing about a diesel Seat is making a little calender to count off the days until you can hand it back to the hire firm.

Seriously, an Altea 2 litre diesel? Interesting? It's motoring tedium personified!!

Perhaps! More the design interesting than the engine. It would be my pick of the VAG compared to OP's suggestion of an A4 and Octavia!

[edo]

MagicalTrevor said:

Sorry, another what car.

I was previously considering something more expensive but have re-evaluated things and have lowered the budget... I'm not stuck for ideas.

• I'm after spending between £5k and £7k
• Should be at least mildly practical, as much as I'd like an Elise S1, it's not going to happen
• Good performance
• Not crippling fuel economy and really I'd like that to be >30mpg
• Don't mind which wheels drive it
• Must appeal to the Mrs
• Can be diesel or Petrol
• No more than 10 years old

Currently on the list:

• Audi A4 - Mrs' suggestion, I think our budget only means boring ones
• BMW E46 3 series - Mrs would insist on the Touring (which is fine) but I would probably want a 325/330 Sport
• Mondeo ST220 or ST TDCI - V6 good but pushing it with regards fuel economy. TDCI, maybe a little slow?
• Passat - Mrs' suggestion... boring
• Renault Clio 197 - Both like them but maybe a bit small, we like Clios (got a 172)
• Skoda Octavia VRS Estate
• Volvo V50 - maybe a bit boring unless a T5/D5

Any more suggestions?

As posted in another what car thread today - cracking condition, one owner, and amazingly low mileage. 9 Audi stamps in the book.

2000 AUDI S3 Quattro
Trade Seller: Sigma Motors

3 Doors, Manual, Hatchback, Petrol, 34,000 miles, Metallic Blue, MOT-09-2012, 1 Owner. *** 34,000 Miles *** 1 OWNER **** FULL AUDI SERVICE HISTORY WITH 9 AUDI STAMP'S & ALL PREVIOUS MOT'S SERVICED EVERY 2,000 MILES *** BOSE *** FULL RECARO LEATHER **** FULLY LOADED - JUST CARRIED OUT SERVICE *** IMMACULATE CONDITION *** Finished In Unmarked Metallic Midnight Blue With FULL SPORTS CREAM LEATHER RECARO SEATS, Manual 6 Speed, Air Conditioning, Climate Control, Traction Control, BOSE Radio/CD Multichanger, Alloys Wheels, Xenon Headlamps, Electrically Heated Memory Adjustable seats, Heated Seats,Electric Windows, Electric Heated Folding Mirrors,Headlamp Washers, Remote Locking, Front armrest,Trip Computer,Immo/Alarm,ABS,Multi function steering wheel, Steering wheel rake adjustment, Power Steering,Lumbar support, Isofix child seat anchor points, Drivers Passenger Side Airbags,Front head restraints,Body coloured bumpers, MUST BE SEEN! 1 OWNER FULL AUDI HISTORY - IMMACULATE CONDITION IN THE BEST POSSIBLE COLOUR COMBINATION! OUR CARS COME WITH A WARRANTY,HPI CHECK AND AN INSPECTION REPORT (subject to conditions). £6,695 p/x considered

[MagicalTrevor]

MagicalTrevor said:

Chris71 said:

Do you need the estate version of the vRS? It's a pretty huge boot with folding seats in the rear, so if you can possibly live with a Clio 917, you should be well away with a vRS saloon.

Erm, on a related note, can you get a mk5 Golf GTi for that sort of money maybe?

That's not a bad shout, might be a bit too expensive but I'll take a look. That would pretty much tick all the boxes.

My Mrs doesn't like the look of the saloon Octavia ...

Edited by MagicalTrevor on Thursday 17th February 15:40

How about this?
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2473898.htm

[RDRR]

Can i change my suggestion to the Jag S-Type?!

[MagicalTrevor]

doogz said:

I haven't looked at Golf prices, well, ever, but is that a good price for a 6 year old car on 95k, that's been modified?

Well, when you put it like that...

[aka_kerrly]

: Honda Integra DC5
: Renault megane R26
: Saab 93 Aero
: Leon Cupra R - rather one to a passat/A4

[angusc43]

C32 AMG http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

S Type R http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Edited by angusc43 on Thursday 17th February 17:53

Edited by angusc43 on Thursday 17th February 17:54