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I've got a 55 plate mk5 Golf GTI at present, but I'll be getting a car allowance at work shortly.
Whatever I get has to be less than 5 years old at the point I buy it. Can spend upto 350pm so I was thinking of a 3 year PCP deal to make the best use of the car allowance (cant go longer than 3 as car will be too old for the work rules. Should see me looking for cars in the 17-22k area, less is obviously better, will spend for the right car if needs be.
Looking for something interesting that wont depreciate too hard, which would be easy if it didn't have to be reasonable on fuel. (300 miles a week just getting to work, before social use). Doesn't need to be brilliant on fuel, the emphasis is more on the interesting car, than the fuel efficient. Over 30mpg average, 35+ on a run will be fine.
The other thing is it needs to be capable of carrying a bike, and a pushchair (not at the same time), wether that in the car, on the roof or with a stealth towbar. The Mrs has the big baby wagon, I just need to drop him off with his pram occasionally. Don't need more than 2 seats, I don't think the rear seats on my golf have been up ever in the last 6 months.
Only 1 bike as if i'm going with friends it goes in their cars. I generally only drive 4-5 miles to meet with them.
I'd love a cayman S or an M3, but both too heavy on fuel I fear. Jag XF 3.0 S diesel interest me, lovely inside and drive well, but way bigger than I need (not really an issue, but seems a waste when I want something fun-ish.
I suppose one interesting idea is getting something so good at depreciation, it makes it worth using up extra fuel...
Suggestions welcome!
Skoda Octavia TDi? 50-65mpg? Does the TfD support fine 🙂
Baby & Missus whats the need for something childish 🙂
Whirlpool 1200...sorry something German probably, with good aircon, a dab radio and nice cup holders other than that what does it matter?
not really after a 140bhp octavia to replace my 250bhp Golf GTI to be honest......
yeah, I'm sure but why do you actually want a hot hatch to put a bike in and move a baby round in?
Just joking buy what you want but once you get into 50+mpg then 30 feels like tossing twenties out the window. Especially as much of the UK is traffic bound.
Audi TT? Dunno what the latest one is like, but the original one had a surprisingly large boot?
VW SScirocco?
BMW 1 series, although you'd need to check the pram in the boot requirement. Boot is pretty meagre.
Leon FR?
How about that new Toyota/Subaru coupe that they've done together? No idea on boot space, but easy enough to check out.
Dunno how they drive, but the Astra GTC looks nice.
Mk6 Golf GTI? May even get a mk7 GTD which will score very highly for fuel consumption.
Octavia VRS Estate.
Moon - on - Stick. I want something that goes really really fast and does 60mpg, not going to happen .
Been in a couple of VRS Octavias . Both would do 50 - 55mpg whilst being driven within the posted speed limits, and not alot less whilst being driven progressively.
I never said 50 or 60mpg.... her car does that quite nicely if We're going a long way, and carries the baby and the bike 80% of the time as we just swap.
Mine just needs to be capable of carrying bike or baby separately on the odd occasion its necessary. I said fast interesting and over 30mpg!! As in not a v8 lol.
impreza wrx estate?
Just joking buy what you want but once you get into 50+mpg then 30 feels like tossing twenties out the window. Especially as much of the UK is traffic bound.
Without wishing to sound like the fun police, I couldn't agree more! If I was driving more than 300 miles per week, just to get to work, a car that does 30mpg is likely to cost £40 a week more in fuel than one that does 50mpg! Buy what you want for sure, but I'd rather save that money and spend it on something else...
There's plenty of "fun enough" cars out there that will do 50mpg+ and meet all your other criteria. A diesel, even on with miles on the clock, is more depreciation proof than any modern petrol car anyway, short of something made in very small numbers with a 7 figure price tag!
Octavia VRS diesel isn't a bad shout, though plenty of others out there too. BMW 320D Touring would fit the bill too I expect, or if you managed to find one somehow, an Alpina D3.
Mercedes estate or Bmw estate. If not Discovery Diesel.
250 bhp? Standard?
RaveyDavey - Member
250 bhp? Standard?
That's exactly what I was thinking... 200 at a push standard ain't they?
BMW M135i, or lesser model in budget.
Toyota GT 86, should be fun to drive.
Golf R32, something a bit more special than your gti.
Mitsubishi Evo X?
MX5, sorted.
there's a 2012 BMW 328i on Parkers for 21k.
no not standared, just a remap. 246bhp 318ft lbs torque.
Its not an easy car to replace as it ticks most boxes (I'd prefer RWD), just isnt new enough for me to keep it with works car rules...
Mk5 GTI is 200bhp standard. Stage 1/2 will see 250 mind.
130i/135i 1 series are supposed to be fun. Might fall short of your MPG criteria though.
The new Focus ST (2T ecoboost) could fit the bill. Possibly will depreciate more so than the German brands but to me it fulfils your criteria, estate versions could also be had.
Audi do a cracking 3.0tdi engine which can be had in the A4/5 etc. 240bhp 40+ mpg.. but it will not be as good as the Focus/your Golf.
ps. if you golf has sensible miles and is in good nick, let me know 😉
YGM Jonny!
I'm thinking something with a big diesel engine to be honest. anything else will feel like a downgrade, or not upgrade from the golf I already have!
Get in quick for a late 2009 Golf R32
Toyota GT 86 +1
An R32 or 130i won't feel quick after your GTI. Plus neither are particularly fuel efficient.
Toyota GT86 -1
Never have I been more underwhelmed by a car. The interior is like some awful mid-90's poverty-spec Beemer, and needs its neck wringing to extract any fun out of it. It's not even that quick. You might struggle with the bike/pram duties too.
Diss credentials: my sister has the BRZ variant and after a thoroughly average test drive it took all my composure not to tell her she'd made a huge mistake.
Something like an Audi S3? Surprisingly quick and lots more power to be released with exhaust and remap, if that's your thing.
What town do you live in?
Just so's I can make sure I don't go near it, whilst you 'make progress'.
What town do you live in?
Just so's I can make sure I don't go near it, whilst you 'make progress'.
Not sure how relevant this is, or who your supposed to be getting at. Are you suggesting brisk cars aren't allowed? Or judging my driving from your keyboard?
Go clog up someone else's thread.
S3 is a decent suggestion, similar idea to the golf I'm happy with but more so... worth a look.
Agree with GT86's being gutless, shame there is the basis of a good car there. 200bhp would be fine if it had any torque at all!
Not sure how relevant this is, or who your supposed to be getting at. Are you suggesting brisk cars aren't allowed? Or judging my driving from your keyboard?
Well, you're talking about fast driving, you're talking about 250+bhp cars, you're talking about exciting driving...
As an everyday cyclist, I'd say it's pretty relevant.
Obviously if you live in the north, I don't care, you can do what you want.
335i/d wagon. 300+ bhp and RWD. Probs get a late facelift e91 (12 plate) with lowish milee for that money. Finding a manual one may prove difficult tho
Nearly new Alfa guilietta cloverleaf?
New Audi s3 is meant to be bonkers quick but probably beyond your budget.
OP - Make sure you post whatever you decide here prior to purchasing, just so aP can approve/disapprove accordingly.
Well, you're talking about fast driving, you're talking about 250+bhp cars, you're talking about exciting driving...
As an everyday cyclist, I'd say it's pretty relevant.
Obviously if you live in the north, I don't care, you can do what you want.
I haven't spoken about driving in any way shape or form. Go and womble somewhere else!
I'm not entirely sure what is wrong with wanting a bit of power in my car, or what its got to do with you!
I'm sure I'll meet you in the middle lane of a southern motorway at 65mph, with a clear inside lane one day. Get out of the thread, its obviously not for you!
335i/d wagon. 300+ bhp and RWD. Probs get a late facelift e91 (12 plate) with lowish milee for that money. Finding a manual one may prove difficult tho
Probably the best shout so far. If I could find a alpina B3 I'd be happy, but there isn't many about!
I really like the GT-86/BRZ, however it's going to feel gutless after your golf. I am considering one to replace my Celica which has similar power to the GT 86. I don't know if your children need child seats but getting them in/out is a ball ache, the boot is reasonably wide but is very shallow however it can take a pram but once in notch else. I found the interior nice enough looking but the plastics are as Ox said poor. However after all that I like the way it drives and think they are good value overall (not the TRD kit though) it really does need more power but I don't rag around like I used too. I like RWD and the flat four, skinny wheels. I was tempted by a BRZ a few months back at a bargain price, a guy had gone from an impreza to buying it new and was disappointed with its lack of power after his impreza, so he traded it in for another imp losing £5k in the process.
Octavia seems to have become a default answer, I'm sure they are very nice but they are a but when the OP wants an interesting car after a 250bhp golf it's hardly going to excite. S3 however is a good shout.
I get 43mpg from my vivaro. Carries several tandems easily. As for fun, maybe it's a different sort of fun than you are aiming for 🙂
@oasksey - Cayman S 25mpg, inc city driving (where it's quite heavy on fuel). Not sure you'll get much better out of an S3. Not so bike friendly although it will take a roof rack.
Just a thought but do you know how strict your firm are with the rules? My firm has similar rules but they are routinely ignored. I know guys driving astra vans over 10 years old who have been trousering the cash for years.
Is the £350pm to spend calculated after tax and NI?
I know guys driving astra vans over 10 years old who have been trousering the cash for years.
Guilty as charged. Bought my main barge for £1600 @ 7 years old. Put ~120k on it over three years during which time it cost me, including tax and insurance, a further £2000. I only upgraded to newer cars once my motorway pounding days were well behind me. If I ever have to go back to consultancy I'll be straight on to ebay, looking for a banger to drive into the ground.
Focus ST Estate would feature highly on my list especially since a FL is due and apparently thats having a knock-on effect to their current new prices.
Octavia looks good and will be massive and reasonably well built but in no means an 'interesting' (ie, quick and fun) car to drive. My old mk2 was on coilovers which transformed the handling and made it feel a load better.
335 estate either in petrol or diesel format would feature probably just above the Focus ST estate in my list but I'm not even sure you can get manual versions. To me that wouldn't be a downside though - devastatingly quick, very well built, plenty of room (despite what the internet hearsay says) and should have a good selection in your budget. Its what I plan on replacing my 330I M-Sport with when the time comes...
A 335D estate will do 36mpg average driving with the occasional fun or around 30-32 'flat out'.
Room for kids, bike and kit? Check.
Nippy and drinks fuel? Check.
Loud cans? Check.
Torque steer? Check.
Holds its value? Ah...
But otherwise - I can't see that there's any other options out there. 😉
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davosaurusrex - Member
Just a thought but do you know how strict your firm are with the rules? My firm has similar rules but they are routinely ignored. I know guys driving astra vans over 10 years old who have been trousering the cash for years.
I'm looking into this quietly, as I'd be happy to keep the golf, it won't loose much more money for a start and will do 35ish with the run type driving I'm doing.
@Pimpmaster: Bro-in-law has a Meriva VXR with a 220brake Thorney map (it's a 1.6 corsa VXR in a Meriva body). Now that is a bonkers little car: 0-60 in 6.5, leaves the abarth for dust, but still manages 35mpg on a run. Seriously underrated piece of kit.
I've been test driving a few cars recently, some of which would satisfy your criteria (although only the S4 and golf could be described as "interesting").
A6 3.0 S Line - most recent version, you can get a 2011 within budget. Big, but fast for its size. The new A6 feels a millions times better than the previous version. Not exciting, but very quick and a lovely place to spend some time.
Golf R - new one comes within your budget. I loved it, but mrs PF says it made me look like a ned.
S4 - 2010 comes within budget. Seems to tick all the boxes. Fuel economy is rubbish though (seems to be mostly 20-25mpg), which gives something like a 335i a slight advantage if you can't split them otherwise
335i/335d - 2008-2010 will be within budget. Great fun, but come out of a 5 series or A6 and get into one...it's like leaving the Waldorf and checking in to an Ibis. The new (2012) onwards is much better inside, but you'll struggle to get a decent engine in budget. I had my heart set on one of these when I first started my search, but after having been in the A6/530, it just felt a bit naff and pokey.
530d - you can actually pick up the F10 within budget. Incredible car, I loved it. The only thing stopping me from buying it is that it's just so bland and salesrep looking. I was completely sold on it though...until I got in the S4 anyway!
VW Scirocco fan here. Ours is the 140 TDI, but you could get the 2.0 TSI (which is the same enginge as the Mk6 GTI) or the R. Handling is pretty good for a FWD car, as it is short, low and wide - I think you'll find it handles better than your Golf. I have roof bars now that we have a young son, but when his seat isn't in, you can easily get a bike in the boot with just the front wheel off.
Alternatively, the Mk7 GTI is a bit more economical than the Mk5/6 (at least on paper), partly due to stop/start. We looked at 2nd hand Mk6 Ed35s, but as they cost almost as much as a Mk7 GTI and will cost more to run, we've just ordered a Mk7 instead.
Unfortunately, the bike carrying requirement will rule out most more interesting things (unless you want to run a rack on the back of your Porsche?!)
Been looking at BMW's new i3
(although haven't yet been able to arrange a test drive)
Satisfies "interesting" on so many different levels...!
As seen at Cannock on Saturday
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@Pimpmaster: Bro-in-law has a Meriva VXR with a 220brake Thorney map (it's a 1.6 corsa VXR in a Meriva body). Now that is a bonkers little car: 0-60 in 6.5, leaves the abarth for dust, but still manages 35mpg on a run. Seriously underrated piece of kit.
It's only a semi-serious knock - I perversely quite like them. I know the Astra VXR had torque steer problems at 200+bhp (I believe there's an engine management workaround), but there's something quite pleasing about a really practical wagon that goes like stink. Just a shame (or not, as the case maybe) that they depreciate like a stone.
There was a Gallardo at BPW the other week!
oi PF, stop knocking the 5 series!
oi PF, stop knocking the 5 series!
Ha! I said I loved it! It's just that if I look out of my window I can see 30 of them 🙁
M135i every day of the week
Stupid leasing deals around at the moment that are less than £300 per month
Failing that one of the new Golf Mk7 based VAG rocket ships. Take your pick from Cupra 280, Golf R or Audi S3. All the MK7 based stuff is actually pretty economical (relatively speaking)
Ha! I said I loved it! It's just that if I look out of my window I can see 30 of them
Have you got a very big garden?
My mate likes to drive but also needs space. He recently got an Alfa of some kind, large estate with V5 diesel, 210bhp.
M135i every day of the weekStupid leasing deals around at the moment that are less than £300 per month
That ship sailed months ago unfortunately.
Sorry to jump on this but I was just about to make a similar thread, seems pointless having two! Whats the general view on leasing as opposed to finance? Just wondering as finance seems to work out a bit cheaper per month but with lease you dont have to worry about any depreciation etc which is a concern for me considering I do about 25-30k miles a year for work.
Also I think I may be going for a Focus, which is the funnest model that will still get a decent mpg without spending more than £9k on it? Any other suggestions as well, I currently drive a Fiesta Zetec S which is fun enough for me but only gets about 40mpg if I'm careful with the right foot.
I've been test driving a few cars recently, some of which would satisfy your criteria (although only the S4 and golf could be described as "interesting").
A6 3.0 S Line - most recent version, you can get a 2011 within budget. Big, but fast for its size. The new A6 feels a millions times better than the previous version. Not exciting, but very quick and a lovely place to spend some time.
Golf R - new one comes within your budget. I loved it, but mrs PF says it made me look like a ned.
S4 - 2010 comes within budget. Seems to tick all the boxes. Fuel economy is rubbish though (seems to be mostly 20-25mpg), which gives something like a 335i a slight advantage if you can't split them otherwise
335i/335d - 2008-2010 will be within budget. Great fun, but come out of a 5 series or A6 and get into one...it's like leaving the Waldorf and checking in to an Ibis. The new (2012) onwards is much better inside, but you'll struggle to get a decent engine in budget. I had my heart set on one of these when I first started my search, but after having been in the A6/530, it just felt a bit naff and pokey.
530d - you can actually pick up the F10 within budget. Incredible car, I loved it. The only thing stopping me from buying it is that it's just so bland and salesrep looking. I was completely sold on it though...until I got in the S4 anyway!
Good experiences/ideas thanks. That's the issue I'm having, finding interior of 5 series or xf so much better than 3 series or any golf-ish vag pocket rocket that I get led to that direction, ten lead myself away because I don't need all that space. Sending myself round in circles!
Good experiences/ideas thanks. That's the issue I'm having, finding interior of 5 series or xf so much better than 3 series or any golf-ish vag pocket rocket that I get led to that direction, ten lead myself away because I don't need all that space. Sending myself round in circles!
Driving a Scirocco, and having driven a new Golf, I'd be put off 5 series size cars by the handling. Having driven an A6 avant for the day, it felt like a barge compared to our Scirocco. Fine if you like going fast in a straight line, but you would definitely enjoy Golf R/S3/135 more if you like the twisty bits I reckon.
The Germans do fast big cars well, but you can only defy the laws of physics so far...
finance seems to work out a bit cheaper per month but with lease you dont have to worry about any depreciation
Eh?
At the end of the lease you own nothing. At the end of finance you've got a car you can sell, depreciation or not.
The only way I'd ever lease a car would be if I was given the money from work with a caveat, as OP seems to have been.
Z4M coupe? 350bhp, 30mpg on a run, 2 sears and a boot big enough for a 29er.
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At the end of the lease you own nothing. At the end of finance you've got a car you can sell, depreciation or not.
I thought the point was after two years you upgraded to a new car on a new lease etc so you're always changing for something newer.
As above... No way I'd be having this conversation if I wasn't given a car allowance with the caveats on age.
Much better to have a car at circa 7yo that's done most of its depreciating (like my golf).
Z4m is a good shout, had no idea a bike would squeeze in!
Z4m is a good shout, had no idea a bike would squeeze in!
A friend had the original Z4 fitted 2 bikes on a boot rack, it was a perfect biking car handled anything without tarmac uncomfortably and had that bambi look in a wet muddy field.
Private plate the golf, lie and pocket the cash?
Z4m is a good shout, had no idea a bike would squeeze in!
The catch is, you'd have to find a 59 plate model...I've only seem them registered as late as 09.
Not generally a lover of BMWs, but that Z4M is gorgeous.
I'd be put off 5 series size cars by the handling. Having driven an A6 avant for the day, it felt like a barge compared to our Scirocco.
Have you had a shot in a 5 Series rather than an A6? You might be surprised. My older 5 Series had an amazing ability to feel stable at a cruise while still being amazingly fun and agile on twisty roads when required. Coming from Imprezas and an old VW Corrado for reference as knowing what a decent twisty road car handles like.
hot_fiat - Member
Private plate the golf, lie and pocket the cash?
If only it was that easy, normally they ask for copies of V5, insurance docs, current MOT etc.
I'd get a 330D...test drove one a few weeks ago, they are really nice cars.
I want a Z4M...there is one on Autotrader for 12K, which looks nice. They look great.
Have you had a shot in a 5 Series rather than an A6?
Sadly not,. Using the barge like A6 as a reference point was probably a bit narrow minded. No doubt the A6 lovers will be along in a moment to tell me it handles brilliantly.
Z4 would be interesting. Rare enough and different enough to be interesting cars. I'm sure a bike will go, but I wonder how much of a faff it is?
We thought about a 1 (now 2) series too, but decided against the faff of the boot. A 1M or 135 could be a good giggle I suspect.
Have you had a shot in a 5 Series rather than an A6? You might be surprised. My older 5 Series had an amazing ability to feel stable at a cruise while still being amazingly fun and agile on twisty roads when required. Coming from Imprezas and an old VW Corrado for reference as knowing what a decent twisty road car handles like.
It's a crap cliche I know, but 5 series shrink around you. I've driven a number of 5 series through the ranges E34, E39 and E60 (though not an F10 yet), and owned a couple too. Though they're physically quite a big car, they always handle far better than they have any right to, and feel more like a 3 series to drive than you would imagine.
5 series also depreciate a lot faster than 3 series, so you can buy a lot more car for your money 2nd hand.
I feel the age related thing for your "company car" is a bit crap though, given they only give you an allowance per month rather than giving you a car to drive. Have known a couple of people get jobs like this, get told they must go out and get a car that's under 5 years old for a mere £300 per month, then 3 months later they've been made redundant and the £10k car they just bought is worth £7500 now if they're lucky! A bit of spit and polish, a £250 private plate, and would anyone know your Golf is as old as it is unless they looked at the V5?
It's a crap cliche I know, but 5 series shrink around you. I've driven a number of 5 series through the ranges E34, E39 and E60 (though not an F10 yet), and owned a couple too. Though they're physically quite a big car, they always handle far better than they have any right to, and feel more like a 3 series to drive than you would imagine.5 series also depreciate a lot faster than 3 series, so you can buy a lot more car for your money 2nd hand.
I feel the age related thing for your "company car" is a bit crap though, given they only give you an allowance per month rather than giving you a car to drive. Have known a couple of people get jobs like this, get told they must go out and get a car that's under 5 years old for a mere £300 per month, then 3 months later they've been made redundant and the £10k car they just bought is worth £7500 now if they're lucky! A bit of spit and polish, a £250 private plate, and would anyone know your Golf is as old as it is unless they looked at the V5?
The more I'm asking around, the more this is an option. I don't think anyone who cared would ever see my car!
I'm going to ask around, can always plead ignorance if needs be.