the_boy

I'm very much one of these people who can't make a decision about anything and it's gotten to the stage where (after selling my previous car two weeks ago) I'm getting very annoyed with myself for not chosing a car.

So I was wondering if anyone could provide any suggestions or recommendations.

The car preferably needs to be quick, have room for 4 people with a decent boot and if possible get 25mpg or higher. I've got up to £15,000 to spend with the idea that I'll be able to get abuot £8000 for it in 3 years time.

So far here is my list:

Subaru Impreza Sti - mpg not too good, possibly a bit too brash
Subaru Forester Sti - mpg not too good but perfect apart from that
Ford Focus ST3 - cheap to buy now but possibly not fast enough
VW Golf GTi - same again, lots about and not fast enough
VW GT TDI (170) - can I live with the speed even if it is big mpg?
Vauxhall Vectra VXR (280) - would require an LSD and remap to sort = ££
Renault Megane R26 - likley to fall to bits?
Skoda Fabia vRS - cheap to buy and run, great mpg but slow
Skoda Octavia vRS - can I live with the speed even if it is big mpg?
Seat Leon Cupra - gets a lot of bad reviews for some reason?
Mitsubishi Legnum - mpg is awful but cheap to buy = more available ££
BMW 130i - not sure if I like the look even if the engine is good
Audi A4 3.0 TDI TDV - quick diesel but highish mieilage at that price

I only do 15 miles a day to work which isn't much but with my last car which only did 20mpg I found that when we went out anywhere we always took the missus's car because it was more economical.

Can anyone help me please?

markymark34

330d bmw. remapped 250bhp 0-60 6.2ish 35mpg, space for 4 people. No problems with resale. job done!
far far quicker than a gttdi
you will get a mint 04 one or maybe even 05 for within your budget. Maybe even have a look at bmw main dealer cars. 1 year warranty etc. Get at least 10% off their sticker price.

Mark

stilover

I've just bought a Golf GT Sport TDI (170bhp) and I have to say I've very, very impressed with it's performance. Not as quick as my previous PPP'd STI, but it'll leave most hot hatches behind when overtaking.

It wasn't my first choice car. Wasn't the second or third choice either. Got p*ssed with losing my Scirocco order that I just went out and bought anything on the saturday. Very pleased with my choice now.

6 month old, Black with Leather heated seats, Ipod connection, and has the 18" wheels off the R32 fitted.

200miles out of a quarter of a tank. Been to Keswick and back in it today, 90mph+ over the A66. Would have had to retank the Impresa by now. Wouldn't have got there and back any quicker.

RyanSTI

iTrader: (1)

if your only doing short journeys best bet is stick with a petrol. diesels take longer to warm up, so for the first 15-20 mins there way less economical than petrol engines.

paulwrxboro

notice no hondas on your list, how about a dc5

Dicksons of Perth : Honda Integra DC5 Type R

these make great cars, awsome to drive, over 25mpg, good looking

MooseRacer

You've had it a few days and already you've fallen into the diesel beats performance petrol madness

I have a Golf GTI. Will your diesel leave it behind when overtaking? No.

Decent compromise car, but no GTI beater.

the_boy

Cheers for the replies

I've had a quick look on Autotrader and it's quite difficult to find a decent 330d for under 16k.

Quite like the look of the Golf. It's not my first choice but if the mid range grunt is good enough...

Not a big fan of Honda, although the DC5 looks quite nice I'm not sure if it's practical enough. Plus I assume being a Honda I would have to really rev it to get the best from the engine?

stilover

Read my post again. I said most hot hatches, not all.

I don't know/have the figures, but it would be interesting to know what the in-gear times are for the GT sport & the GTI say 50-70, 70-90 etc.

Given the choice, I'd still rather be picking my petrol Scirocco up than driving around in my Diesel Golf.

I'm just saying I'm very impressed with the speed of the GT sport. It's opened my eye as to how fast diesels are these days.