Hooray for another spec me thread!

Scutter

Scutter

Scutter

Associate
Joined
6 Sep 2006
Posts
33
Greetings all,

I have been driving for 1 year. Started with a reasonably sensible 1.4 astra before moving to an alfa 147. As you can imagine I now wish to get something that doesn't go wrong every 5 minutes!

Budget is 6k, I do 250-300 miles per week. I don't like small cars so they are off the list (corsa, fiesta etc.). No preference to diesel or petrol.

What should be on my list to test drive and what things should I be careful of in this price range?

Mondeo is already on my list, I have noticed that there are a few Lexus IS around, never see them spoken of much, are they worth a look?
 
There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the IS200 although it feels like a posh Toyota rather than an Audi or a BMW. It also has a very thirsty 2 litre 6 cylinder engine which doesn't deliver the level of performance you'd normally expect from a car that thirsty.

It will likely never go wrong.
 
[TW]Fox;14798781 said:
It will likely never go wrong.
Click to expand...

That'd be nice.

Anyway, I'll stick in a recommendation for a BMW, since Fox doesn't want to :p

320d E46 with a bit of spare cash for a savings account for any unexpected expenses.
 
If the 147 suits you in terms of size etc, then a Focus is a good option too.

I was in the same boat as you 18 months ago, although mine was a 156 - I went for the Mondeo in the end. Totally different ownership experience :)
 
I looked into getting an IS when I was after my first car, they are very nice cars and the quality is very good (just below par of a bmw or audi). They hardly ever go wrong and are quite cheap to service and maintain although as previously said they do drink a bit more than other cars of its type, not too much more though. They are pretty good cars, infact the only reason I didn't purchase one was merely because of the reputation associated with them in my area, which is quite a stupid and immature reason now that I look back. I test drove a few and they were quite fun to drive, nice interior and overall a decent car.

The mazda6 is also a good choice, I love driving my friends! I was so suprised as to how good they are, and I haven't heard of many problems occuring with them.

The S60 would be a reliable car as well, although Volvos are not really very interesting to drive, even with the turbo.

It depends on what you want to get out of your car? Enjoyment, security, comfort etc..
 
I had a look at, and a drive of, my friend's new IS200 at the weekend. Well built, comfortable, plenty of kit, refined, and the 6cyl engine sounds glorious. Drives well with sharp handling for what it is. The Sport model has an LSD. It does pull well for a 150bhp 2L too. Obviously if you're looking for serious punch then look elsewhere, and yes they are thirstier than a 4pot, but IMHO it's a worthy alternative to a BMW or Audi. It has an excellent audio system too, if that's of any interest, which I feel is a Lexus trait!
 
E46 of your choice.

If need the space, get the Touring.
If you want economy, get the 330d but remove the swirl flaps and replace them with the alu blanking plugs which you can get from PMW in Chelmsford.
If you're not too fussed about economy, then a 325 or 330.
Personally, I'd avoid the Sport models and any cars with 18" wheels because of the effect on ride quality.

/thread
 
BD10NNF said:
the road tax on that Mazda 6 is huge its £400 a year
Click to expand...

is £400 a lot? :confused:

go somewhere like belgium - 2.2litres = £450 road tax, and that increases with engine size..
a dodge viper, with is 8.2litre is €3500 :D

seriously though, £400 isn't really a lot. what will cars with lower CO2 cost, £200? £200 isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things is it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom