Interesting family saloon...spec me

UltimateBadger

UltimateBadger

UltimateBadger

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Joined
10 Nov 2008
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986
Location
Badgersford
Hi Guys. Everyone loves spec me threads don't they? :p

So currently I have a very nice UK Integra Type R. But the missus is expecting our first mini-me in a couple of months time. So the ITR needs to go to make way for something more practical...

This is my list of requirements:

Reasonable fun to drive - no dullards. (I'm not expecting ITR levels here!)
Possess a bit of power (circa 200bhp?)
Decent motorway cruiser.
Seat four adults in reasonable comfort for the commute.
Decent sized boot - for baby stuff and a couple of weekend cases etc.
Must have isofix points for child seat.
Preferably not be in the £400 road tax band.
Petrol/Diesel costs aren't too important but 30mpg average would be nice.
Doesn't make me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon.

Budget: up to £6k.

My list so far:

BMW 330i Sport
Saab 9-3 HOT Aero
Ford Mondeo ST220

What say you oh wise forumites?
 
I'd go for the ST220. The 330is will be 7-10 years old and have 100k+ on the clock and it could be quite difficult to get a relatively clean one.

I wouldn't go for the Saab. Because it's a Saab.
 
Honda Accord Type-S (A lot more refined to what you're used to but still a Honduh

Late as Possible Accord Type-R, the guy who runs MCR VTEC made the same move from ITR to ATR for the same reasons and he still has it, they made them up to an 02 plate and good ones are in you budget

Audi A4 quattro 1.8 20VT Sport, I had an older model, was expensive to run compared to the Honda's i've owned but the grip and comfort levels were a nice change
 
All good options that tick the boxes in different ways. The BMW will be the most fun and precise with the best interior but will probably cost the most to run and you'll get the least car for your money although residuals should be good

The Saab is the less conventional choice and you'll easily get the most car for your money, but it handles like the steering wheel isn't connected to anything and the interior will be a bit rattly. It's probably the only one that will do 30mpg combined though.

The mondeo sits nicely between the 2, with the good bits from each but without the downsides, so that would be my reccomendation
 
If it's like other mondeos (no reason why it wouldn't be) then they were introduced at facelift but you need to cut a hole in the seat to use them...
 
If I had to buy a family car it would be an Octavia Estate in Red. I just think they wouuld be the best all round motor for a family.
 
4.2 V8 Jag XJ? - Get some good ones for £5k+ ... or a more sensible 3.2


ST220 appears to be the best option. They seem to hold their value quite well aswell. My cousin bought a grey one (which is rare I think) drove it for six months and then sold it at a profit.
 
peterattheboro said:
I have no idea if my ST220 has isofix points?

I do however have two kids and manage fine.
Click to expand...

iaind said:
If it's like other mondeos (no reason why it wouldn't be) then they were introduced at facelift but you need to cut a hole in the seat to use them...
Click to expand...

That isn't quite true.

My pre-facelift (51) has iso fix points, but you do need to cut the seat to access them.

That said, the cut is made way underneath the back of the seat so you'd never see it - I plan on doing a few loops with some thread at each end of the cut to stop it accidentally tearing any more, although I don't suspect that is much of an issue anyway.
 
Thanks for the replies guys - appreciated. I must admit that I am leaning towards the ST220 as it seems to tick all the right boxes. The 330's in my budget are getting on a bit and I am a little worried about the overall quality of the SAAB (although you certainly get bang for your buck here)

mjt - nice suggestion! I didn't think the legacy would be in my budget but I might definitely consider one of those. I used to have an Impreza and it was a great car.

I did also think about the Octavia but I'm not really sold on the looks in all honesty - although I appreciate they are rated quite highly.

If anyone else has any other suggestions I'd be happy to hear them. Easy on the 4/5 litre V8's though lads eh? :p
 
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