Time to sell the RX8.. advice on new car please!

JonnyGeee · 28 Jan 2013 at 09:14

After getting a new job, I now travel 35miles to and from work down the a5. With the RX8'S well known poor fuel economy, this is unfortunately now becoming expensive.

I would like a car similar to the rx8, good handling, fun to drive, comfortable and reasonably quick. But must deliver at least 30mpg.

My budget is what I sell my rx8, which is hopefully around 2.5-3k.

And before anyone says.. I do not like mondeo's!

paradigm · 28 Jan 2013 at 09:14

You don't like Mondeo's what?

I would suggest a 6-cylinder BMW, but to get similar performance you need a 330, and to get a 330 you'd be better upping that budget by £1.5-2k

LiE · 28 Jan 2013 at 10:02

Saab 9-3?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classif...postcode/ws111bg/page/14/radius/100?logcode=p

233 · 28 Jan 2013 at 10:28

second car tbh.

bangernomics peugeoty diesel of some description for the commute and keep the RX8 for weekends and special occasions.

what you save in fuel by running a diesel barge mon-fri to work and back covers the cost of the extra insurance and servicing etc compared to something that would be a match for the rx8

iaind · 28 Jan 2013 at 11:13

As much as I like the Saab 9-3 (I'm on my second one) - it absolutely doenst fit the bill of someone wanting a fun decent handling car

LiE · 28 Jan 2013 at 11:19

True. I was struggling to think of something that is comfortable and decent handling, which is also quick and decent MPG for 3k...

Brookert · 28 Jan 2013 at 11:42

A Vag 1.8t of some sort? Will easily do over 30mpg. Pokey fun turbo engine, reasonable fuel economy, reliable. Downside is they are getting on a bit now, so lots of shabby ones out there.

paradigm · 28 Jan 2013 at 11:43

Brookert said:
A Vag 1.8t of some sort? Will easily do over 30mpg. Pokey fun turbo engine, reasonable fuel economy, reliable. Downside is they are getting on a bit now, so lots of shabby ones out there.

The downsides are a little more than the fact they "are getting on a bit". Add lifeless chassis/steering feel (regardless of car that they are attached to - even my Leon Cupra R wasn't exactly the most dynamic of drives), the inability to go more than a few months without throwing up EML errors, the fact that they make a pretty terrible noise, and that they like to eat coil packs for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Minstadave · 28 Jan 2013 at 11:44

Brookert · 28 Jan 2013 at 11:46

paradigm said:
The downsides are a little more than the fact they "are getting on a bit". Add lifeless chassis/steering feel (regardless of car that they are attached to - even my Leon Cupra R wasn't exactly the most dynamic of drives), the inability to go more than a few months without throwing up EML errors, the fact that they make a pretty terrible noise, and that they like to eat coil packs for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Can't say my experience has been the same, each to their own.

paradigm · 28 Jan 2013 at 11:54

As an owner of a 1.8T (1M Leon Cupra R) for 8 years, as well as the owner of a 2.0TFSI (C6/4F A6) and 2.0TDI (B8/8K A4) VAG platform cars, I can categorically say that short of getting a VW R model, and Audi RS model (or an R8), or a SEAT R model, they are dull, lifeless and wafty. Great for what they do, but not for someone looking for a sidestep from an RX8.

NathWraith · 28 Jan 2013 at 12:09

paradigm said:
As an owner of a 1.8T (1M Leon Cupra R) for 8 years, as well as the owner of a 2.0TFSI (C6/4F A6) and 2.0TDI (B8/8K A4) VAG platform cars, I can categorically say that short of getting a VW R model, and Audi RS model (or an R8), or a SEAT R model, they are dull, lifeless and wafty. Great for what they do, but not for someone looking for a sidestep from an RX8.

+1 couldn't agree more.

Brookert · 28 Jan 2013 at 12:13

paradigm said:
As an owner of a 1.8T (1M Leon Cupra R) for 8 years, as well as the owner of a 2.0TFSI (C6/4F A6) and 2.0TDI (B8/8K A4) VAG platform cars, I can categorically say that short of getting a VW R model, and Audi RS model (or an R8), or a SEAT R model, they are dull, lifeless and wafty. Great for what they do, but not for someone looking for a sidestep from an RX8.

The problem is, the RX8 is such a great mix of qualities, for such a small amount of money, that a sidestep from it for less than £3000 is a big ask. I can't actually think of anything that can handle as well as it does, provide the same power delivery, and be as modern as it.

S2000 is the closest for me, but 3k is far too low for a good one, and the fuel economy won't go much north of 30.

JonnyGeee · 28 Jan 2013 at 13:22

The saab doesn't look bad for the money but I imagine it's not a fun drive.

I can't get a banger diesel and run both cars as I wouldn't be be able to afford to run these 2 and then buy the project car I have lined up for this summer (mk1 golf 20v turbo)

It seems that I may have to have a slower car or spend more cash judging by the suggestions!