Car suggestions

[Butcher]

Yes, it's another what car thread. I'm thinking to get a new car (currently have an Audi A3 2.0T) probably towards the end of this year.

Requirements are:
- Fairly fast, at least as fast as my current car (7s to 60), preferably faster.
- RWD or 4WD, FWD in the sort of power I'm after is just too crazy.
- Petrol.
- 2 seats plus plenty of boot space. Back seats a plus.
- Not too crippling cost wise to run.
- Comfy interior; air con is a must.
- Nothing too crazy expensive, say 40k max.

Current thoughts:
New shape Audi S3: fast but much like current car.
BMW M135i: Ugly and smaller inside than the Audi. Also bigger engine so probably thirstier. BMW after sales is notorious for being expensive and crap (especially round here).

Considered the A45 AMG but ride is reputedly harsh as buggery and it's about an extra 7-8k over the Audi or BMW offerings.

So any other suggestions along these lines?

[TeePee]

Another suggestion would be a Cayman.

Sportier feel, but you give up some boot space.

I'd take one over a 135 myself, but they are close.

[DanceswithUnix]

Toyota GT86? The 0-60 times quoted seem to be from 6.9 to 7.6 so who knows, but you seem to be their target market so worth a test drive I would have thought.

Have a peek at this:

http://www.buyacar.co.uk/cars/0_to_6...ories=new_car&

New car deals that can do 0-60 in under 6s sorted by price.

Nissan 370z is an interesting one, and Lexus 450h is in the list.

Couple of French cars if you like breaking down and having to walk, or the usual BMW suspects (yawn).

[Spreadie]

If you like Audi, what about the new S3 Saloon?
[edit] Not sure if it'll be available as a quatro...

[bytejunkie]

used R8? the only rule it breaks is the cost of running. and that depends on the milage you do.

if i had 40k burning a hole (and before we bought when we were supposed to be renting i did), thats what it was going on.

[kalniel]

Toyota GT86?

I'd be considering one of those too - might not be fast fast, but the driving pleasure should be at least as good as other suggestions, if not better. Plus they have a lot more kudos factor on the roads (at the moment, anyway, as not very common).

Jag XF?

[DanceswithUnix]

I'd be considering one of those too - might not be fast fast, but the driving pleasure should be at least as good as other suggestions, if not better. Plus they have a lot more kudos factor on the roads (at the moment, anyway, as not very common).

Jag XF?

I wondered about Jags as well, but there was an implication of new in the original post. Perhaps we need a steer on reasons/usage.

Like most petrol heads I know, I have a runabout for everyday use and a fun car for the weekends. That opens up all sorts of options.

[kalniel]

I wondered about Jags as well, but there was an implication of new in the original post. Perhaps we need a steer on reasons/usage.

If he could drop the petrol requirement then they are available well under budget new XF Luxury with the turbo V6 is £36K new. 6.7s 0-60 and probably super nice to drive

[DanceswithUnix]

If he could drop the petrol requirement then they are available well under budget new XF Luxury with the turbo V6 is £36K new. 6.7s 0-60 and probably super nice to drive

Yeah, I don't like diesels but I think that would be up on my test drive list!

[Spud1]

I know you don't like the looks that much, but the M135i is the best value hot hatch out there bar none.

The looks are love/hate (I love them personally), but I am biased as I have just ordered one. When I say best value out there...I have just ordered a 5 door with metallic paint, quality of life options (heated seats/extended storage/speaker upgrade etc - no nav or auto box) and it cost me £28k. When you take into account the fact they gave me £17k for my current 116i (worth £13.5k on glasses guide, so 3.5k more!) its a 20% discount off list.

Stunning performance that only the merc can beat (but its £12k more, and FUGLY in my opinion), and great practicality and comfort to boot. You get Leather/Xenons/Extended Lights/servotronic steering and a few other bonuses as standard. It's faster, cheaper, bigger and more comfortable than the Audi offerings..and doesn't make you look as much of a tit on the road You should get 30-35mpg on average with one of those, although over 40mpg is achievable with the autobox on long runs.

That said, if you really can't get on with its love/hate looks...the M215i will be available to order in a few weeks time, and that is stunningly beautiful. 3Dr Coupe, more power than the M135i and a few other enhancements too.
http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/20...er-spied-1.jpg

I'm clearly biased - but after going through a similar experience to you of looking for just that kind of car I just couldn't find anything better...Happy to share details of who I got it from if you were interested - I have bought from a dealer 250miles away because of the service issues you have just mentioned. I don't get on with Williams Manchester!

[smargh]

With 40k to spend I'd at least take the Chevrolet Volt for a test drive. It is half petrol...

(Perhaps obviously, I know nothing about cars - I have no idea whether Chevrolets are turkeys)

[Butcher]

Some good suggestions here, thanks all.

Cayman, R8 - too small. I'm after hatchback or coupe sized really, anything that's an outright sports car isn't going to have the space. R8 will be fiercely expensive to run too. Approximate mileage is 12k p.a. and size wise, needs to be able to fit 2 adults plus boot full of climbing gear comfortably. 4 adults plus boot full at a pinch.

I don't have space for 2 cars so it's needs to be a primarily a daily car which is also reasonable for the weekend. However commute is mainly B-roads so motorway cruiser not required.

Toyota GT86 is interesting, verging on the too slow, but I'll take a look.

S3 saloon doesn't really give me much over an S3 hatch, and they're about 6k dearer too (based on the A3 saloon vs 3d hatch prices).

Jag XF is a big diesel barge, not really my thing. The properly fast ones are out of budget.

Spud - good stuff on the M135i. I like the specs and price, but the hatchback is just ugly. The 1 series coupes are nice, but they've not been updated to the new models yet it seems (I guess because they're just going for the 2 series coupes instead). M235i looks very nice, but no idea how long until you can actually get one which is a downside.
Not sure on looking less of a tit on the road, much of a muchness there I fear.

Any idea where to get a BMW serviced in the Manchester / Cheshire area that isn't one of the shyster local dealers?

[DanceswithUnix]

That said, if you really can't get on with its love/hate looks...the M215i will be available to order in a few weeks time, and that is stunningly beautiful. 3Dr Coupe, more power than the M135i and a few other enhancements too.
http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/20...er-spied-1.jpg

Eye of the beholder and all that. My wife just looked over and said "That's horrible!", so it won't be tempting her out of her Alfa GT any time soon.

So not a case of biassed, so much as that is what you genuinely like

[karl751]

If it were me, I would be looking at porsches and r35 gtr's

[Butcher]

If it were me, I would be looking at porsches and r35 gtr's

Both out of budget, running costs especially.

[DanceswithUnix]

Didn't think the running costs of a Porsche was that bad, assuming the insurance works out OK.