SC008Y_MAD

iTrader: (5)

I have a budget of around £5,000 (but could go up to 8K) to spend and I am a little unsure of where to look.

I want something sporty, reliable, comfortable and fun to drive that does not draw attention to itself. Also it has to fit me, I am 6ft 5" tall of slim build, so most cars I just wont fit in or feel comfortable in.

Yesterday I had a look at a 2004 '53' S60R which I liked, but the garage would not budge on price. Plus it needed body work doing to it, all 4 tyres changed from the brand new budgets that are on it etc.......

So what else?

Thanks for your time.

-Darren

zed0

iTrader: (2)

well use to have one of these machines and loved every moment, before some tosser hit me. very discreet and subtle. I'm just under 6ft and still had to room

Audi : ++++Audi RS2 Coupe 360hp++++

SC008Y_MAD

iTrader: (5)

I don't know much about Audi's to be totally honest.

Andy M3

RS2 will need SERIOUS up keep!

I think the Volvo is a great choice, the T5 is pretty damn good value too and if you like the Swedes, Saab aero's are buttons to pick up. Obviously scrabble wheel drive, but at 70-80% they are enjoyable with loads of midrange punch and decent reliability.

SC008Y_MAD

iTrader: (5)

Andy, that is why I looked at the S60R as I love those T5 engines (even if that R is a 2.5 not a 2.3). I prefer the Volvos over Saab's as I used to work in a Volvo dealership and that opened my eyes to them.

oxscooby

iTrader: (1)

Audi : AUDI S4- HUGE SPEC (430BHP)

Dunk

iTrader: (1)

Mazda 6 MPS ?

D

scoobyc

iTrader: (2)

Seat Leon Cupra S? 180 bhp, looks nice but not stupid, cheap to insure.

Spooky Mulder

Swift Sport - masses of head room, nippy, great to drive. Cheap to run and insure.

what would scooby do

As above £5k will get you a good saab 95 Aero - 250bhp and many torques

IanW

I went in one of these a few weks ago and was pretty impressed with it!

LG John

I've got the exact same requirements and budget and I'm 99% sure I'm getting a Mondeo ST220. I've got one reserved whilst the dealer gets the alloys refurbed; 2005 with 36k miles, two owners, blue with silver/grey leather interior, loads of toys including the built in sat nav. Full service history, blah, blah for £6995. 223bhp V6 will make mince-meat of motorway driving but it's still quick enough to have a little fun in if I want. Seats 5+luggage no problem....in short, ticks the boxes.

SC008Y_MAD

iTrader: (5)

Thanks for all the comments so far lads. Please keep them coming.


Saxo Boy, So I am not alone on the car front with requirements I want/set. Good luck with the Mondeo if you go ahead with it. I think a Mondeo is a little bit more family orientated than I was wanting.

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

But it's still a mundano

LG John

Don't care

In the same way that I didn't care that my VTS was a saxo and not the more prestigious 106 GTI.

In the same way I didn't car that my Scooby wasn't an EVO which is a better car with a better image.

In the same way I didn't care that my S2000 wasn't a boxter with the associated kudos that goes with having a Porsche.

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

But that's my point with the nice car history you've had I'm surprised you would go for the soul less Ford.

LG John

Well I can't comment on whether it's soul less as I've not driven one yet; doing that at the weekend. However, they are well reviewed and well regarded.

My key criteria was a car that was future proof with regards to a family (i.e. we can sling buggies n' babies in and out of it) but had lots of toys and comfort for me, the driver. We regularly drive Edin-Aberdeen and I want climate, cruise, electric adjustment, heated seats, etc. Next I wanted something with a bit of poke that can handle and also looked fairly classy/sporty/chunky.

A 330i 4-door does most of these things, of course, but to get one that is well equipped with all the toys, low miles, young and in good nick is 50%+ or more than the Ford in terms of price. It just doesn't stack up to have a nice badge and RWD. Same issue with Audi's and I just can't fall in love with Saabs/Volvo's.

LG John

Coincidently, as per my recent thread on this matter another big contender is the Legacy Spec B. However, the two problems are very low 20's for MPG which is taking the **** a little and that they are as rare as rocking horse ****!!! If there was a selection of them to look at and pick from I might prefer it over the Ford.

stilover

Buy a Cupra, and chip it.

They will beat a Veyron................... apparently

yellowvanman

BMW 330i Sport- ticks all of your required boxes.
I have just bought a lovely 03 plate with 60k miles FBMWSH, for £6k.
Switch the DSC off and it really makes you grin - no where near as quick as my 2.5 360/400 classic, but a still a very nice car car.