Fun but practical car for upto 20k?

celliott

celliott

celliott

Soldato
Joined
21 Jun 2004
Posts
2,790
Location
Berkshire
At the moment I have a MK5 Golf GT TDI. It's a great car, handles really well, is practical, has a reasonable amount of power...but it's a diesel. It's rubbish from a standstill and is pretty rough especially when cold, as its a PD TDI.

I only do about 5000 miles a year at the moment so a Diesel makes no sense.

Any suggestions? I've thought about swapping for a MK5 Gti but it wouldnt be a huge upgrade, and MK6's are still going for 22k-26k which seems a bit much.

Doesnt have to be a hatch, quite like the idea of a BMW Z4 Coupe but they are so dull inside.

Cheers
 
Z4 - practical?
Sweet - I'll get one for the family run around.
Cant wait.

I think you hit the nail on the head though when you said Mk5 GTI.
Everything you like about your current car, and without the bits you dont like.
 
corvette-c5-z06.jpg





Facts & Figures:
Power output: 405BHP at 6000RPM
Rev limit: 6500RPM
Torque: 400ft.lb at 4800RPM
Top speed: 186MPH
0-60MPH: 3.9 seconds
0-100MPH: 9.2 seconds
0-100-0: 13.56 seconds
Skid pad G: 1.03G
Standing ¼ mile: 12.4 seconds
MPG: 20/30MPG (city/highway, UK MPG – EPA official measurements)
Length: 4564mm
Width: 1869mm
Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time: 7 minutes 56 seconds

As is typical of the top end models, the Z06 also features exclusive suspension with unique shock calibration, a larger anti roll bar at the front, a stiffer rear leaf spring and improved camber settings which work to improve control during high speed cornering. These improvements, combined with the already capable handling of the standard model, allow the Z06 to complete the Nürburgring in less than 8 minutes – beating the BMW M3 CSL, the Ferrari F430, Honda NSX-R, Porsche 911 Turbo and more. Without doubt it is an extremely competent, capable car.

The car is also replete with a high level of equipment – including leather seats, cruise control, air conditioning, traction control, ABS, active handling, a limited slip differential, electric mirrors, a CD player, intermittent wipers, various additional instrumentation, trip computers, remote central locking, alarm, an immobiliser and more.

It also has an adjustable steering wheel and electric sports seats, making it an extremely comfortable place to be. This car includes the heads-up-display which displays revs, speed, indicators and a choice of either oil, temperature or fuel information. This is then projected onto the windscreen, preventing you from having to glance down at the instruments while driving. It also has a fairly expansive storage area, accessible through the rear hatch, ideal for carrying luggage.
Click to expand...

The Z4 Coupe has 285 litres of boot space. The Z06 has 376 litres. Ergo it's more practical :D
 
Last edited:
You say practical but then say Z4.
What do you need to use the car for, as a Z4 isn't exactly 'practical' :p

porsche cayman?
 
celliott said:
...is practical....
Click to expand...

celliot said:
Doesnt have to be a hatch, quite like the idea of a BMW Z4 Coupe
Click to expand...

:confused: So the Z4 isn't terribly practical and the coupe is technically a hatch.

Where do running costs come on your list of priorities? The big American engined cars mentioned like the Corvette and VXR8 would be tremendous fun but thirsty. Do you care about residuals, warranty, age, mileage etc. etc.

We coule recommend anything from DM's Ferrari engined Maserati 4200 to a brand new Renault clio 200.
 
demon8991 said:
BMW Z4M COUPE (plus has a surprisingly generous boot)
Click to expand...

Corvette has a much larger luggage area, although admittedly being LHD is probably an issue for a handful.

Lifetime average of the one I drove was 26 UK mpg, and it wasn't driven with much in the way of consideration for being 'economical' (regular triple-figure cruiser).

I think the most you can eek out of them is about 34mpg.

The Corvette's much faster around the 'ring too, if that's your thing :D

Probably a little less expensive to look after as well - although you will have to find a decent independant/specialist or performance garage :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom