What car?

[jumplead]

Isn't it about time we had one of these threads.

Okay so i'm looking at replacing the commutercoupe (don't tell her she'll get narked).

So the requirements,

Mileage eater (i do around 45,000 miles a year)
cheap to run/insure
Boot space (now the commutercoupe isn't exactly blessed with this but i need to be able to get at least 1 large computer in its packing and a kit bag in the back)
A few toys and nicities (cruise control is almost a must have)

Budget would be around £5k and i'm edging towards a diesel.

A seperate question also, would any of you consider getting a kia/hyundai/similar, now i know they are 'soul'less but with a unlimited mile 5 year warranty they are quite attractive if you see them as just a car (yes i know what i just said and where i said it of all places).


Anyways i'll be interested to know your views.

[Harsh]

ooooh i like these threads!

firstly i'm thinking hyundai S coupe?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/895009.htm


or a ford puma racing (a lot better than the standard one..

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/894206.htm

[jumplead]

Nice harsh, but the commutercoupe doesnt need to be replaced with another commutercoupe, I have a hankering for a Vauxhall Signum. Big comfy 4 seater, boot space, diesel option, leather and all the toys including sat nav (Elite model). For not much cash.

Just thought i'd open it up to see if anyone offered a curve ball. MPG is quite important because i'd like to spend my money on my toys rather than my commute.

[Harsh]

is LPG an option?

i quite like the signums too actually.

but as a curve idea i'd look at 5 series bmw's..
ridiculously good value and perfect mile munchers

something along these lines?

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/866953.htm

[WorAl]

Vectra's and derivatives are horrid to drive, really would rather the Mondeo.....how about a passat?? A4/A6?? merc E class, obviously going older here but big deal, they are built to last...bought my C class with 113k on clock and it still pulls like a train (only 220CDI too) now over 125k within 5 month and its a lurvely mile muncher.

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/900824.htm

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/832605.htm

[TheStoat]

Well if it's a curve ball you're after then you could do worse than look at Skodas. Usual suspects for your journey would be the Superb (see lots as taxis) or the Octavia. Both have the reliability of VWs but a slightly lower price and both can do the higher mileages without breaking the bank...

[andyc]

Mercedes E320 cdi Avantgarde.

I used to get 35-45 mpg out of my old one,and will cruise at 140 all day.

I have the new shape one now and prefer the old one.........no depreciation! Get a 51 plate and the tax will be low and the car will be modern.

[Harsh]

good choice andy...
i think the german cruisers are the best bet......

[Redex R]

I echo the previous posters , the Vectra is horrid to drive , particularly the petrol version which has bog all torque in 2nd gear , I try to kid myself its just the gearbox but its not it is just generally an awkward feeling /handling car and I can't wait to get my oil burning Skoda Superb (VW Passat) back when the turbo has been replaced , lovely power band for a diesel especially on the long hilly roads in the West country, you almost forgive it the terminal understeer in fast corners , I wonder what the new model is like , I will find out next month:)

[Dan H]

Not specifically relevant to this thread, but it is to the other car your looking for :D

http://www.topgear-cars.co.uk/pages/popup2.php?id=334 :)

[jumplead]

Not specifically relevant to this thread, but it is to the other car your looking for :D

http://www.topgear-cars.co.uk/pages/popup2.php?id=334 :)

You evil evil man!

I had already seen i though, thanks

[Dan H]

TDF blue ready for our TDF in April? :D

[REECE_T]

I'd be tempted to look at the Golf TDI - fairly cheap - massive MPG, comfy, well built, quite nippy, acceptable street cred :) Plus readily available parts - 'blue motion' golfs have very low road tax....£35 in some cases.
Someone I know has had 3 golfs now as company cars and if you pick up an ex fleet then you'll get one which has done motorway miles - maintained regardless of cost and at correct intervals and is going cheap as the companies just wanna shift 'em.
Good luck with the hunt.... Mercs and BMWs are good in theory, but always remember parts costs can be crazy on an older merc/bmw :)

[Redex R]

I picked up the new oil burner company car today.


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/1966Rob/March09NewSk1.jpg


This thing looks and drives like my bosses BMW diesel but costs less than a Vectra/Insignia ? , comes with a very generous base model spec (even has alloy wheels) , excellent sound system and unique twingate (boot come hatchback) , I,m totally impressed , Skoda you have come a long long way :coolgleamA:


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e213/1966Rob/March09NewSk-1.jpg

[WillCarter]

Can I suggest something slightly different? How about a Vauxhall Zafira GSi? Now before you laugh off the idea of a MPV consider this, 200bhp, 0-60 - 7.6 secs and a Top Speed of 137mph from the 2.0 Turbo engine. They come with all the toys, in my opinion they look good, especially if you get one in that gorgeous Arden Blue and most will have been used to do not a lot more than cart the kids to the shops.

Also now that second hand Zafira VXR's (the GSi's replacement) are coming down in price the GSi's are beginning to creep into the £5k mark. All in all, you've got yourself a bit of stealthy performance thats also capable of lugging just about anything you want around (especially with the seats down).

http://images.pistonheads.com/aimg/973/973353-1.jpg

[Stu R]

E55 AMG or a Jag XJR, just forget about the fuel bills etc, the comfort and performance more than make up for it. :D

[jumplead]

Just to update you all on this, i've found out that my employer offers a 'upto' 25% on GM vehicles. So i've booked myself in for a test drive in one of the new Vauxhall Insignia diesels tomorrow. Will let you all know how i get on.

[Ireland]

If the Vaxhaull isn't for you then look at the Octavia VRS TDi as it is a cracking car.

I bought one last year for her-indoors and now I find myself using it all the time.

And yeah, Skoda have come a very long way.

[Gaz]

A seperate question also, would any of you consider getting a kia/hyundai/similar, now i know they are 'soul'less but with a unlimited mile 5 year warranty they are quite attractive if you see them as just a car (yes i know what i just said and where i said it of all places).


Anyways i'll be interested to know your views.

I bought my Hyundai Getz four years ago as an econobox appliance. Do you know what, I absolutely love it. I thought it would be automotive white goods but it hasn't turned out to be the case. It is so much fun to thrap along B-roads that I changed my journey to work even though it takes longer (though to be fair I was also getting hacked off with the M25). The fact that it cost bugger all to run is just a massive bonus. One of the motoring journalists mentioned that Hyundai pinched Peugeot's chassis engineers, how true this is I do not know but having owned a 306 for four years immediately before, I can well believe the claim.