Comfortable, Fun & Cheap(ish) to run (£5k).

Scottland

Scottland

Scottland

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2002
Posts
15,713
Location
North Wales
As some may have gathered from previous posts, I'm weighing up several options regarding my car situation.

First option is a straight mile eater, for which I'm almost decided (the front runner being a Passat).
Secondly, is a cheap mile eater (Mondeo, Xantia, 406 etc) and an MX-5 as a "weekend" car.

Finally, the last option is the "compromise" car.

The criteria for which would be: 4 Doors, Comfortable on the motorway, nimble in the backroads, fun, reasonable insurance, quite cheap to run (35mpg+ on a run really). Oh, and the budget is a measly £5000(!)
I figure that the compromise would be cheaper than the 2nd option, and more fun than the first (albeit dearer).

So, what car's would fit that criteria?

A Clio 172 is too small, a Mondeo ST24 isn't really what I'm looking for.
I've considered the 406 Coupé, but I'm dubious about how it would stack up to the mileage (20k/year).
Something VAG 1.8T based might fit the bill?

Any ideas? I personally think I'm asking too much for the budget, but I have to ask to settle my own curiosity.

I'm open minded, so fire away with your ideas...
 
Shame really becuase a Mondeo ST pretty much fits the bill perfectly - a great cruiser but also nimbler than other cruisers in B roads etc. You'd also get a great ST200 for about £5k.

Can't think of anything with the VAG 1.8T engine that's going to handle noticeably better.
 
[TW]Fox said:
Shame really becuase a Mondeo ST pretty much fits the bill perfectly - a great cruiser but also nimbler than other cruisers in B roads etc. You'd also get a great ST200 for about £5k.

Can't think of anything with the VAG 1.8T engine that's going to handle noticeably better.
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I'm not so sure, I've driven a MK2; and whilst I didn't not like it, it's not really what I'm after. If it was, I'd get just get a 2.0 Ghia X and have done with it, and save myself a wad in the process.

I'm not looking for speed, and a big engine. I'm just looking for something to put a smile on my face.

I've never driven an e46 - and whilst I don't know if this would fit the bill, I don't think I'd get what I'm after for the ££? Also auto trader is full of 316's :p
 
I might have a nosey at the Accord Type R in this situation, although the do seem to come in mostly above budget. But with the used car market at this time of year you will be able to wangle yourself a good deal hopefully :)
 
If the Mondeo doesn't do it for you, I'd suggest the Alfa 156 V6. Guaranteed to put a smile on your face... until it breaks down ;).

Personally I'd buy an ST200 with your criteria. Fast, good looking, fantastic seats. Only available in bl00.
 
I've been totally happy eating motorway miles in my mrk2 2l sport mx-5 but if you need the extra space i would be tempted by something like the galant vr4 (although the running costs are pretty horrible)

end of the day a larger 4 door saloon is never going to be as engageing to drive as a light weight two seater, you kinda need to decide which you want. Stuff like the ATR, beemers, st range etc are very very good fast saloons thou
 
Siliconslave said:
I've been totally happy eating motorway miles in my mrk2 2l sport mx-5 but if you need the extra space i would be tempted by something like the galant vr4 (although the running costs are pretty horrible)

end of the day a larger 4 door saloon is never going to be as engageing to drive as a light weight two seater, you kinda need to decide which you want. Stuff like the ATR, beemers, st range etc are very very good fast saloons thou
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Very true, as I said in the original post I'm not really sure if what I want exists. But Thursday & Friday are my own, so I may well TD some things locally.

Whilst I would love the idea of 2 seater roadster as my sole car - it just doesn't add up. And as much as option 2 appeals to me, the idea of forking out for a car just to use on weekends etc isn't. Which is why I'm trying to find some middle ground.
 
I was in a similar position but looking for something about 3K, and bought a older P11 Primera GT. Nippy rather than quick (150bhp) (8.8/0-60) and boring to look at, but boy does it handle. Lowered, stiffened and braced as standard. Great brakes, very comfortable and grippy half leather seats, loads of room, reliable as hell and cheap too. Bit thirsty unless you are on a long run. Put all that money saved towards something else like Mrk1 MR2 or Mx5. The other alternative I considered was a A4 1.8T. But couldn't get a clean one at the same price.
 
If a Mondeo isnt the sort of car he's after he's not going to want a Primera or a 156 either becuase they are exactly the same type of cars..

I think he's after a nice Coupe.
 
How much are Seat Leon TDi's?

If you can get one for your budget then seriously have a look. They are like go-karts, everything is really responsive and can be very rewarding when driving it properly.
 
[TW]Fox said:
If a Mondeo isnt the sort of car he's after he's not going to want a Primera or a 156 either becuase they are exactly the same type of cars..

I think he's after a nice Coupe.
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4 doors narrows that one down though. Plus I dont know of too many 35mpg+ coupe's.

How about something like a Honda Accord Type R
 
After thinking about it, I'm willing to forgo the 4 doors as it might open up a few options. But as my sole car I'd still need back seets and a reasonable boot.

Maybe slightly out of budget, what about the new Celicas? There seems to be some knocking about for £5500+
 
I hate to drum a single theme, but the Fiat Coupe in its standard setup is an incredibly comfy ride. I use it as a motorway cruiser most the time and its a very good suspension setup. A lot of the owners stiffen the suspension and lower it, which obviously makes it hard, but as standard its very good cruiser.

Beleive it or not, it also has enough room for 4 adults, and a big boot. When I first went to view one I couldn't beleive the space inside. I've actually had 5 adults in the car before, although that was a bit tight. From the shape you would never beleive there is so much space.

Plus if you want 35mpg you can get a 1.8 16v or a 2.0 20v Fiat Coupe which are cheaper to maintain, insure and run.
 
A quick glance on auto trader shows off 2 good points for them: Ready supply of them, quite cheap. However there are 2 drawbacks - Insurance and reliability.
 
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